Playing Android games on PC is perhaps the primary reason why many people download and install Android emulators. With Android emulator software, you can easily run Android apps or play your favorite mobile games on your computer, enhancing your experience with a larger screen, mouse, and keyboard.
Download lightweight Android emulator software for PC
Most Android emulators currently on the market require users to own a PC with at least medium to high configuration to experience games optimally. However, having an old computer doesn't mean you can't install excellent Android emulator software. Right here, Mytour will introduce you to the top 5 lightweight Android emulator software for weak PCs that are highly rated today.
I - What is Android emulator software?
Android emulators are virtual devices that represent specific Android devices. Android apps and games are developed to run on Android devices, so you can't install them directly on a PC because the architecture of the Android operating system is not supported. However, a virtual machine or emulator can do that.
Android emulator software creates a suitable environment on PC where you can install and run Android apps, as well as games. App developers can use Android emulators to test their products before releasing them to the market, while regular users can use them as a secondary smartphone to experience apps and play mobile games on their computers.
II - Top 5 lightest Android emulator software for weak PCs
1. BlueStacks Android emulator
BlueStacks is a famous name in the Android emulator software arena. Thanks to its modern design and advanced technologies, BlueStacks is one of the best choices for low-spec computers. You can customize how you control games with the Key Mapping feature to assign specific controls to your keyboard and even to a gamepad. Key Mapping configurations can be easily saved and loaded as needed, based on templates for various game genres, from action, strategy to MOBA, shooters. You can quickly transfer files from the virtual device to PC, install APK files by drag and drop, record videos, take screenshots... BlueStacks supports Android 7.1 Nougat. The latest BlueStacks 5 version installs faster by over 50%, uses less RAM by over 50%, and brings the largest game library ever with over 2 million games.
Key features of BlueStacks:
- Support playing multiple Android games simultaneously.
- Record and replay any action in real-time with just one keystroke.
- Includes video recording and screen capture features.
- Supports live game streaming.
=> Download BlueStacks here.
2. NoxPlayer Android emulator software
NoxPlayer is an Android emulator designed for low-spec computers that many gamers worldwide love. The latest version of NoxPlayer (7.xx) comes with pre-loaded Android 7 and options for Android 4.4.2 Kitkat, 5.1 Lollipop. Similar to BlueStacks, you can also customize controls in NoxPlayer for keyboard, touchscreen, and gamepad. In terms of performance, this software supports switching between DirectX and Open GL graphics, while allowing you to adjust the allocation of RAM and CPU speed for your virtual Android device to match the hardware configuration of your computer.
Key features of NoxPlayer:
- Supports keyboard, mouse, controller, gamepad.
- Customizable CPU, RAM, and resolution.
- Supports video recording and screen capture.
- X86/AMD compatibility.
=> Download NoxPlayer here.
3. LDPlayer - Lightweight android emulator software
The next choice in the top lightweight Android emulator software for weak computers is LDPlayer. LDPlayer is known for its excellent performance and stable operation. This emulator supports most popular Android games and includes great features, which many gamers call 'the gold-sending full-face' to play Android games on PC such as customizable CPU and RAM allocation, opening multiple windows to run multiple apps and games at the same time, keyboard mapping, video recording, APK support, and more. LDPlayer runs on Android Nougat (7.1.2) for good performance and compatibility.
Key features of LDPlayer:
- Supports macros, video recording, and screen capture.
- Run multiple games and apps simultaneously.
- High compatibility with the latest games.
- Customize controls for playing games with mouse and keyboard.
=> Download LDPlayer here.
4. GameLoop - Game emulator tool
Tencent Gaming Buddy was renamed GameLoop after its launch in 2018. It is developed by Tencent Games and is the official emulator for PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile. Of course, besides these titles, you can play many other games. This Android emulator has low system requirements and features exclusive AOW tool, ensuring smooth gameplay without lag. You can customize every setting regarding interface, RAM, image quality as desired in the settings. GameLoop supports Android 7.1.2.
Key features of GameLoop:
- Supports video recording and live game streaming.
- Exclusive anti-cheat system prevents cheating behaviors in games.
- Provides pre-configured controls for playing PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile on PC.
- Supports Tencent games as well as many other popular third-party games.
=> Download GameLoop here.
5. MEmu - Android gaming software
When it comes to Android emulator software for low-spec computers, it's incomplete not to mention MEmu. This emulator is also designed for gaming activities on low-end PCs. MEmu comes with options to configure the emulator, Key Mapping feature to map specific keys for certain actions, APK support, screen capture, high or low-quality video recording options, macro recording and running for repetitive tasks, useful for some MMO games. Additionally, users can run multiple Android versions simultaneously, including Jelly Bean version 4.3, Kit Kat version 4.4, and Lollipop version 5+.
Key features of MEmu:
- Keyboard mapping with Key Mapping feature.
- Supports running multiple games on the same account or the same game with multiple accounts.
- Supports gaming with mouse, keyboard, and gamepad.
- Flexible customization of CPU, RAM, resolution, root mode...
=> Download Memu here.
III - Which is the best Android emulator?
Whether your need for using Android emulator software is to test apps or play Android games on your computer, each option introduced in the article meets that need well. Although these Android emulators have some differences and their own pros and cons, they all share the common feature of performing well on low-spec computers. Therefore, you can choose any software from the list to install mobile apps and games on your computer without needing an Android device.
Thus, the article has shared with you the top lightweight Android emulator software for low-spec computers available today. Each option mentioned above includes useful features, meeting the needs of gaming or running Android apps on your weak PC.