Since Android emulators have been available for a while, the idea behind them is not new. Even if smartphones are getting more affordable, people still enjoy to run Android apps on their desktop computers, whether it’s for entertainment or education. Emulators make it possible to run Android apps without the need for software like VirtualBox. In this regard, Bluestacks is one name that has gained popularity ever since the idea of Android emulation was introduced (website). The first and greatest Android emulator was Bluestacks Player. However, Bluestacks now consumes a lot of memory, is unstable, and only provides the most basic functionality. If you’re looking for a Bluestacks successor, keep reading because we’ve compiled a list of the top 7 options for you to test in 2022.
Best Bluestacks Alternatives to Use in 2022
Although there are many Android emulators for PC available, we tested each one separately to identify which ones are the most reliable and provide an equivalent or superior experience than Bluestacks. Using the table of contents below, you can browse through our whole list and, if you’d like, click on individual emulators to access them.
1. Nox Player
Nox Player is undoubtedly what you’re searching for if you’re looking for a Bluestacks substitute that offers a tonne of functionality. The emulator is crammed with a tonne of functionality, as we noted in our earlier review. Nox Player outperforms Bluestacks in a number of areas, including gameplay optimizations, controller compatibility, the ability to edit the build.prop of an Android device, and an incredibly user-friendly interface.
It has the Material UI and is based on Android Nougat 7.0. But root access is one area where Nox Player genuinely outperforms Bluestacks. If you’ve ever tried to root Bluestacks, you know how time-consuming it is. On Nox Player, however, all you need to do to get rooted is enable a toggle in the settings. For you, Nox Player is that easy to use.
Download:Free(Windows, macOS) (Windows, macOS)
2. MEmu Play
Another excellent Android emulator that has recently garnered a lot of popularity is MEmu Play. Given that MEmu is packed with a tonne of features, it is difficult to single out one or even a few features as the reason why it is thus. The emulator’s support for both AMD and Intel CPUs is one of its most notable features. Even though it sounds incredible, not all Android emulators, including Bluestacks, have this capability.
The emulator also has the capacity to run many instances simultaneously. Additionally, the software supports Android 7.1. (x64). Contrary to Bluestacks, the emulator has excellent gameplay optimizations, but it is mostly intended for Android developers because to the abundance of developer-focused features it offers. Therefore, you should definitely check out MEmu Play if you were looking for a replacement for Bluestacks to test out some new open source Android apps.
Download:Free(Windows)
3. LDPlayer
Let me recommend LDPlayer, the most recent Android emulator to hit the scene, if you’re seeking for software like Bluestacks that is designed with gaming in mind. Since its release only a few months ago, LDPlayer has swiftly gained recognition for its outstanding performance. I installed it on my AMD-powered laptop, and it operated without a hitch.
It also means that the emulator will function without issue on PCs with Intel processors. For greater performance and compatibility on Android, LDPlayer runs on Android Nougat, same as Bluestacks.
One of the greatest BGMI emulators available also has a dedicated app store for games that play fairly well on LDPlayer. Additionally, you can use the Virtualization Technology from the Settings page to enhance performance. In conclusion, I would say that LDPlayer is a modern Android emulator that presents a serious challenge to Bluestacks in terms of gaming.
Download:Free(Windows)
4. Remix OS Player
Remix OS, the comprehensive OS replacement for your system that is based on Android and gives you a full desktop experience, has already been discussed. However, the Remix OS Player is the one for you if you want to escape all the headaches of installing a new OS on your smartphone. A free Android emulator for Windows based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow is called Remix OS Player.
In most respects, Remix OS Player is among the best Android emulators available. The emulator stands out from the crowd due to its reliability, which goes beyond the abundance of features it offers, such as button mapping, native Google Play compatibility, custom settings for signal strength, network type, location, battery, and more. I’ve tested it on nearly all of the computers I’ve owned and reviewed, and the software has never let me down. Bluestacks has consistently disappointed me when it comes to stability, while Remix OS Player has won my favour in that particular area.
Download:Free(Windows)
Remix OS Player is no longer being developed, although a previous release based on Marshmallow can be used. It mostly worked during my tests.
5. Gameloop
For gamers who wish to play a variety of free Android mobile games on desktop PCs, Gameloop is another Bluestacks substitute. You might be astonished to learn that Tencent created Gameloop, formerly known as Gaming Buddy, as part of the experiment with desktop and mobile gaming. Tencent has added compatibility for a vast range of Android titles including Free Fire and Call of Duty. Initially, you could only use it to play PUBG Mobile on PC. Additionally, it is still one of the greatest emulators for PC gaming on Battlegrounds Mobile India.
By installing a separate module that is included in the setup, you can also access the Google Play Store. In essence, Gameloop offers Play Store functionality along with mouse and keymapping support for all of the most well-known Android games. To put it plainly, Gameloop is a far better option if you only want an emulator for gaming, similar to Bluestacks.
Download:Free(Windows)
6. Genymotion
Genymotion is a better option than Bluestacks if you are an Android developer searching for a means to virtually test out apps on multiple Android devices. You may use it on any platform, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, because it runs in both the cloud and on the desktop using a web browser. You also have a great deal of freedom because you can select your platform from Android 4.1 to the most recent Android release. Additionally, you can add the Google Play Store by selecting your preferred GApps bundle.
Keep in mind that you cannot instal demanding games like PUBG and Call of Duty. The nicest thing about Genymotion, aside from that, is that you can combine it with Android Studio and render your app fluidly on the platform and device of your choosing. So use Genymotion if you want to test apps across different Android environments.
Check out Genymotion: ($136/year for the desktop package, free cloud trial for 60 minutes)
7. Other Bluestacks Alternatives
I’ve already discussed a few of the best click-and-run Bluestacks substitutes above. These applications can be put on top of another operating system and removed without any difficulty. However, you will need to instal a desktop-based Android fork on a different partition if you’re searching for a solution where Android is the core operating system. These Android forks will run better than emulators like Bluestack and function as a standalone operating system with Play Store support.
So, if you’re interested in giving those Android-based desktop operating systems a try, check out Bliss OS, Phoenix OS, or PrimeOS (website). Visit the website and choose an operating system based on your preferences. All of these operating systems are reliable and well-maintained by the developers.
Bluestacks Alternatives for Windows 11
You might be curious in the top Android emulators and Bluestacks replacements for Windows 11 now that Windows 11 has been around for a while and we know a lot about its new features and even its upgrade for 2022.
The good news is that Windows 11 now allows Android apps, and you can test it out right away. Check out our linked guide if you’re interested in running Android apps in Windows 11.
On the other hand, all of the emulators on this list will function with Windows 11 if you’d like to use a specialised emulator for your gaming needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BlueStacks’ version of Minecraft free?
No. To play it, you must buy the app from the Google Play Store. In the US, Minecraft costs $7.49, whereas in India, it costs Rs. 650.
Should I make BlueStacks a virtual machine?
For optimal performance, virtualization should be enabled. After you turn on virtualization, you’ll experience noticeable speed benefits. The official instructions for enabling virtualization can be found here.
How does BlueStacks operate on a computer?
A PC can run Android apps using the BlueStacks Android emulator. Without relying on your smartphone, you may use the software to access your preferred Android apps directly from your computer. You can use the built-in Google Play Store to find apps.
What emulators support operation without a graphics card?
The majority of emulators work without a graphics card, but you shouldn’t count on them to perform well while doing tasks that require visuals. If you’re using a low-end PC, I’d suggest utilising Nox Player or MEmu Play.
Which emulator works best for Free Fire and PUBG?
Use Tencent’s Gameloop for PUBG for the best gaming experience. You should check out LDPlayer for Free Fire because it is designed for gaming.
Run Android Apps on PC Using Bluestacks Alternatives
That concludes our list of the top Bluestacks substitutes. You will undoubtedly find the ideal emulator for your needs, whether you’re a developer looking to test programmes or a casual user looking to play some games. Simply because of the abundance of options it provides, I personally favour the Nox Player. What about you, though? Which Android emulator is your favourite? Did we miss that one or was it on this list? Tell us in the comments section below.
