A while ago we published an article on the best android emulators in the market. Yet more and more people seem to want emulators that aren’t too resource intensive. So we compiled yet another guide on the best of the low-end emulators.
Please note that if you have a high-end PC, try out the ones in this guide instead, as these are only meant for pretty low-end devices (i.e. Pentium 4, 1GB RAM, maybe no OpenGL 2.1, no VT-x/AMD-v). so pretty please, try the better ones instead!
I will be giving a Read More link beneath each. Clicking on them will lead you to a page elaborating on the given emulator (i.e. how to install, how to work around issues etc.) OR I’ll be giving individual links for individual problems. Do try to keep up!
Plus + Don’t blame me sayin’ that these don’t work, I’ve tried each one in the lowest of the low! + read this guide to speed-up emulation. And none of these require VT-x.
BlueStacks
The favorite in the Android emulation scene! It lags a bit but hey! You can’t complain. One of my personal favorites and one of the world’s too! And as you’ve read soooo much about it, I’ll just give the links:
|BS No OpenGL 2 Support| I’ve tried it, it actually works!
RemixOS
I won’t call this emulation as it aims to run android native on your system. I won’t talk much, let their website convince you! Although from personal experience, it was the best. It can even run live on a USB and save your data there. It also has root access and they claim it will run on any machine that was built after 2006.
|How to Run on VMware|
|Android x86| |Remix OS| on Wikipedia
Android x86
The predecessor to Remix OS. Allows you to run android native on you Intel or AMD x86 based CPUs. Currently stable version goes up to Marshmallow and Beta Stage up to Naughat. They claim it will run on anything made after 2005. ARM emulation only from 5.0.1 up.
|Installing in VM without VT-x|
ManyMo
This solution is pretty good as it runs the heavy emulator on the web, meaning even a Pentium II can run this. Great for testing Android.
YouWave
One of the greatest if you want to test Android. But the obvious con, is that you can’t play resource intensive apps and you can’t install side by side with VirtualBox. Uses the 4.0.4 Android x86 image (included). Read More
GenyMotion
You need VirtualBox to run this. Multi instance possible. VT-x needed although that’s just for some extra functions. Android up to Marshmallow. Customizable via VirtualBox. Many devices can be emulated (Samsung, Nexus, Motorola etc.). A good choice for developers although it should work fine for you.
|How to use GenyMotion without VT-x|
LeapDroid
Best for all around compatibility. Although it’s a bit slow and you need virtual box to install it.
It’s discontinued so you’ll have to get the .ova file to get it on VB or get the installer, open it with 7Zip and extract the .ova file and double click it after installing VB or use Import Appliance in VB. Also mind to set the CPU count to “1”. Recommended 4GB ram. It uses a GenyMotion image.
|Installer| from UpToDown
WindowsAndroid
It’s not a VM like all the other emulators but is a porting of android. It runs as a normal Windows app. Great if you want the feel of android but has compatibility issues. Don’t run any games on it (no ARM support). But great if you want to run android productivity software on your PC. Not at all slow. Shared clipboard allowed. Gapps need to be installed manually. Plus don’t try Root apps!
|Installer| Android 4.0.3
Help Ahoy! 
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