The BlueStacks application is an app that allows Android applications to be run on PCs with Microsoft Windows and macOS operating systems. The app’s basic features can be downloaded and used for free. However, advanced optional features require a paid monthly subscription.
What we cover
6 BlueStacks Alternatives For Windows
1. Nox Player
Nox Player is an Android emulator that is primarily focused on gaming. You can easily allocate resources from your computer to run it smooth like butter. You can also use a controller and assign keybinds for an immersive gaming experience.
Unlike Bluestacks, the Nox app player is rooted by default, this means that you can modify anything that requires root access. It can also simulate a real phone by having the ability to assign phone numbers, phone make and model, and an IMEI number.
2. AMIDuOS
From the BIOS makers American Megatrends, AMIDuOS is an Android emulator specifically aimed for productivity. The app makes it easy to transfer data from your own PC to the emulator. It also has touch, gestures, GPS, and microphone to have a real tablet experience. It is also very light as the application uses the computer resources efficiently.
3. MEmu Emulator
Just like Bluestacks and Nox, the Memu emulator is also optimized for gaming. It does not use a lot of resources but can still give you a smooth experience. While it is full of ads, you can get rid of it by paying a monthly or yearly subscription which is $10 cheaper than Bluestacks.
4. LD Player
LD player is another gaming optimized Android emulator. It is user-friendly and offers a lot of features with gaming in mind. Features such as a built-in game app store, controller support, and multi-instances. The yearly premium subscription is $10 cheaper than Bluestacks at $29.99.
5. Genymotion
Genymotion is one of the best Bluestacks alternative you can ever find. It offers tons of features not only for developers but for gamers too. It runs really smoothly, uses computer resources and graphics processing power efficiently, and does not include intrusive ads.
6. Remix OS player
Remix OS player is an emulator in the form of an operating system. This allows you to install it on your PC and run it like you are running an Android machine. Since it is an operating system, it is very stable and allows you to have a desktop experience. It is also rooted by default so you will have no restrictions.
Windows Summary
| APP | PROS | CONS | PRICE |
| Nox App player | – Smooth experience – Controller compatibility – Can install from app store/APK – Can run multiple instances – Real phone emulation including phone number, model, and IMEI number – Rooted by default – Optimized for gaming – Free to use with paid subscriptions for advanced features | – Reportedly has spyware/adware – Random issues with play store – No Linux support – Tests positive on several Antivirus software | $3.69/month $9.99/quarter $31.99/year |
| AMIDuOS | – Smooth experience – Good for productivity – Touch, GPS, and microphone integration with PC – File transfer between PC and emulator – Smart use of processing power/Light load on PC | – Hardware keyboard support requires more RAM – Not free, but has a 30 day free trial period – Demands significant resources – Steep learning curve for advanced features – Issues with switching between display modes -Discontinued | $10 lifetime license |
| MEmu Emulator | – Supports both AMD and Intel chipsets – Free to use with paid subscriptions for advanced features – Smooth experience – Can run multiple instances – Light on resources – Dedicated game app store | – Full of adware – Bad user feedback – Tests positive on several Antivirus software | $2.99/month $29.98/year |
| LDPlayer | – Supports both AMD and Intel chipsets – Has a dedicated game app store – Smooth experience – Free to use with paid subscriptions for advanced features | – Full of adware and bloatware – Running it with multiple instances sometimes freezes | $2.99/month $29.99/year |
| Genymotion | – Optimized for developers – Smooth experience – Free to use with paid subscriptions for advanced features – Good user reviews – No intrusive ads | – Paid subscription is expensive – Signup is required for download – Unable to set a custom display resolution – Bundles with Virtualbox and is complicated to set up | – Free for personal use $206 for Freelancers $412 for Businesses |
| Remix OS Player | -Free to use – Native Google play support – Stable – Desktop experience – Rooted by default | – Discontinued – Demanding on resources | Free |
4 BlueStacks Alternatives For Mac
1. Nox Player
Nox player is also compatible for Mac. This emulator is also rooted by default which means no restrictions on modifying files. It runs smoothly on Mac and offers the same features as the Windows counterpart. If you need an Android emulator that allows you to run smoothly on a Mac then this one is for you.
2. KO player
KO player is a really good alternative for Bluestacks on Mac computers. It allows you to easily install .apk files, has an integrated play store, and it can utilize your controller, keyboard, mouse, microphone, and camera. The best part of it? It is free to use forever.
3. Genymotion
Genymotion also runs on Mac and offers a very stable and smooth experience. It is optimized towards developers and engineers but it still offers what other emulators can offer. If you need a well-rounded Android emulator then Genymotion will not disappoint you.
4. Gameloop
Gameloop is the official Android emulator for popular games such as PUBG mobile, Call of Duty mobile, and many more. Unlike Bluestacks, it is the only Android emulator that has anti-cheat technology. It is one of the best Android emulators on Mac if gaming is your priority.
Mac OS Summary
| APP | PROS | CONS | PRICE |
| Nox App player | – Smooth experience – Controller compatibility – Can install from app store/APK – Can run multiple instances – Real phone emulation including phone number, model, and IMEI number – Rooted by default – Optimized for gaming – Free to use with paid subscriptions for advanced features | – Reportedly has spyware/adware – Random issues with play store – No Linux support – Tests positive on several Antivirus software | $3.69/month $9.99/quarter $31.99/year |
| KO Player | – Smooth experience – Easier apk file installation – Integrated play store – Can utilize keyboard, mouse, controller, microphone, and camera – Free to use | – No function to control location – Comes with adware and bloatware – Hard to uninstall | Free |
| Genymotion | – Optimized for developers – Smooth experience – Free to use with paid subscriptions for advanced features – Good user reviews – No intrusive ads | – Paid subscription is expensive – Signup is required for download – Unable to set a custom display resolution – Bundles with Virtualbox and is complicated to set up | Free for personal use $206 for Freelancers $412 for Businesses |
| Gameloop | – Free to use – Customer support is available – Stable – Optimized for gaming – 50 million+ monthly users – Anti-cheat technology | – Only best for gaming – Relatively new in the development stage – Cannot change game folders – Can sometimes be riddled with bugs | Free |
Why Do You Need a BlueStacks Alternatives?
In this section, we will be discussing BlueStacks’ strength and weaknesses and why it would be good to have alternatives.
PROS
- Easy to use – Bluestacks can be downloaded and installed for free and it is very simple to install. Just download the installer, run it, and use it immediately without any complicated setup.
- No registration required – as long as you have a google account, you would not need to register in order to download and install the app.
- Can install apps from the app store and using APKs – The emulator acts like a real android phone where you can download directly from an app store or use APK installers. This also makes it easy for developers.
- Ability to run multiple instances – If you require running multiple instances of android, you can run it as long as your computer resources can handle it.
- Transfer of files between the emulator and the host computer – Bluestacks has a shared folder where you can transfer files between your PC and your emulator easily.
- Easy to root – Unlike Android phones, you do not run the risk of bricking your device by rooting your phone. You can just run an emulator and use the Bluestacks tweaker to modify files that require root access.
CONS
- No Linux support – Some users who prefer Linux-based operating systems will not be able to use the app.
- Free plan is full of ads and bloatware – You will have to subscribe to a paid plan in order to get rid of the ads and bloatware.
- Bad user feedback – a lot of users report that the app constantly lags, crashes, and freezes even with a decent computer.
- Uses a ton of computer resources even when idle – the app loads your background processes even when not in use.
FAQs
Is using BlueStacks emulator illegal?
-No, Android emulators are not illegal. Please make sure to download the install from the official site to avoid any malicious software.
Does BlueStacks slow the computer?
-There are reports that Bluestacks can utilize a lot of resources while idle. However, this can be arbitrary as a lot of users can use Bluestacks just fine. It is best to monitor your computer resources when Bluestacks is running to determine if you need to find an alternative.
Which is the fastest android emulator?
-All Android emulators are very competitive so there really is no “fastest”. It is best to choose the application that offers features that fit your needs and performs the best on your machine.
Does Android emulator support bluetooth?
-Any Android emulator does not support bluetooth. However, if you have an Android operating system installed and a PC with bluetooth capability then it can be done.
