If you’re using a Mac computer, you can still get access to Android apps. All you have to do is use an Android emulator. Not all emulators are the same, so we’ve compiled a list of the best Android emulators for Macs.

Best Overall: Nox Player

One stand-out feature of Nox Player is that if you’re able to connect a controller to your Mac then you can also use it with Nox Player, making playing video games much easier. It is really easy to install so even if you’re a rookie to emulators you should be able to get Nox Player up and running with no problem. Nox Player is not supported on Apple’s own M-line of processors.

  • Easy to install.

  • Able to connect a controller.

  • Free to use.

  • Sometimes lagged on startup.

With Bluestacks 3 you are getting an emulator that’s been around long enough to get any issues ironed out, but it also means there are a lot more people using it. Unfortunately, more users mean there could be more lag happening while you’re playing. Bluestacks 3 is one of the emulators that can handle most games with heavy graphics.

  • Easy to use.

  • Stable and reliable.

  • Not great for developers.

More Than Just Games: KO Player

If you want an emulator for more than just gaming purposes then KO Player is the emulator for you. It is going to allow you to use basically any Android App on your Mac. KO Player is also another emulator that’s completely free. Even so, this may not be the right emulator for you if you’re strictly looking for an Android emulator for Mac just for gaming purposes because while you can use KO Player for gaming, it’s not optimized strictly for that purpose.

  • Can use it with all Android apps.

  • Completely free.

  • Supports OpenGL & hardware acceleration.

  • Focus isn’t strictly on gaming.

No Installation Required: AR Chon

This might be the black sheep of the bunch because unlike all the other emulators on this list it doesn’t require any kind of installation. AR Chon is actually a Google Chrome extension so you don’t have to install any extra software onto your Mac. Because it’s Google chrome extension and not an actual software installation, it doesn’t run as smoothly as the other emulators for Mac.

  • Easy to use.

  • No installation required.

  • Not as stable as the others.

Best for Developers: Android Studio

This is emulator by Google is available to everyone. It doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as the other mass-marketed emulators, but it’s definitely more stable. This is a more complicated software to use and more directed towards developers as it has all the things needed to create and design your own apps. But beware: this emulator isn’t for a rookie emulator for Mac users.

  • Extremely clean and stable.

  • Great for developers.

  • Too complicated for beginners.

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