Best Android Emulator for PC

            While Android keeps getting bigger and bigger, a new phenomenon is blooming which is entirely related to Google’s mobile OS: I shall call it “the rise of the Android emulators”. Although many people already own Android-powered devices, they still want to explore the operating system in a safer environment. On the other hand, there’s people who has never had an experience with Android and is looking for a way to test it and see if it’s good enough for them. Both these reasons are enough to justify this new trend in which emulator for the popular system keep appearing.

Since I’m sure many of you fall in one of those categories, we thought it would be great to compile a brief list with the 5 best Android emulators out there. Of course, you may find that your preferred application isn’t on this list which is understandable. I invite you to read the list and use the comments to add any suggestion you may have. Now, let’s see that list!

BlueStacks

We’ve already talked about BlueStacks, probably the most popular software in this article. Some of you may point out that the program isn’t entirely an emulator but rather an app player (as the company itself like to call its product). However, this nature doesn’t prevent users from trying out all kinds of Android apps in the comfort of their own PC. Just install this software, connect to the Web, download any app you want and use it as if you were in your phone or tablet, although you’ll be able to use your keyboard and your mouse instead of your fingers.

Bluestacks is a great alternative for novice and advanced users alike who want to play with Android games or want to use certain apps (such as WhatsApp) on the PC.

YouWave

Perhaps you don’t want just to check the apps: you want a little more depth in your Android emulator. If that’s so, then you should see what YouWave has to offer. This is a more sophisticated product than BlueStacks since with it you won’t only be able to run apps and games but you’ll also have the possibility to transfer you images, simulate an SD card, enjoy multiplayer gaming and use the dynamic rotation to go from portrait to landscape mode.

YouWave is the perfect option for people wanting to test apps in a more stable and comfortable environment. Keep in mind that this is a paid option, though.

Android SDK

Don’t want limited emulators and want the real deal? Well, it doesn’t get any more real than Android SDK, the official Google package to develop and test Android apps and its functionalities. In other words, this is a set of tools + an emulator to experiment with the things you create. Google’s idea was to provide developers with all of the necessary utilities to come up with new applications for its mobile OS. However, this doesn’t prevent you from installing it just for the emulator, which is as complete as it gets.

Android SDK is ideal for developers and advanced users that want to explore en experiment with Android at their will.

Android for PC

The name is self explanatory: this is a true emulator that will install the whole Google OS and nothing else. Thus, if you decide to install Android for PC, you’ll be able to explore up to the smallest detail in the system. You’ll also have the possibility to adjust options, install apps, customize its entire appearance and practically anything you’d you in case you were in front of the a real Android device. It’s worth pointing out, though, that its installation is a bit tricky and requires a bootable CD.

Android for PC is then the alternative for intermediate and advanced users who want to experience all the features Android has to offer.

WindowsAndroid

This is my personal favorite. WindowsAndroid will offer you the same things as Android for PC, though in a simpler environment. This emulator has two main features that make it so appealing for everyone out there. The first is that simplicity, which can be seen from the installation itself right up to the configurations. The second one is its amazing performance which will ensure you a stable, speedy and fluid experience that will let you focus on toying around with the OS.

WindowsAndroid thus becomes in the perfect alternative for everyone and anyone interested in seeing what’s Android all about.

Five different alternatives, five different approaches to the same thing. So, make your pick, install it and start enjoying Android on your PC!