The Google-built Android operating system, which is among the most widely used, was primarily created for smartphones, TVs, tablets, and other mobile devices.
Android’s open-source nature, usage flexibility, and compatibility with a wide range of apps and games are actually some of the features that set it apart from other mobile operating systems.
Moreover, some people want to use Android OS on their PCs in order to take advantage of the capabilities mentioned earlier, which is very much achievable with the use of an emulator that creates a simulated environment for Android on your computer.
A virtual Android operating system can be created on desktops or laptops with the aid of Android emulators, allowing PCs to run Android apps and function with some Android features for app testers, gamers, and users who simply want to run their Android apps on their PC.
There are even a few Android OS for PC that works just fine, no need for an emulator in that case.
But which Android OS is best on computers?
There are actually a number of Android emulators available online that you can use to run Android OS on your Android smartphone, but this article will focus on the best ones that you should use if you want to enjoy Android simulation to the fullest.
Best Android OS for PC?
Looking for the best Android OS for your Windows desktop PC and Laptops? Below are the best Android OS/ emulators you should check out:
1. Phoenix OS
Topping our list of best Android OS for PC is Phoenix OS, an operating system based on Android which allows its users to enjoy Android games and apps directly from their computers.
This Android emulator is completely free and offers a lightweight environment for running Android apps on your computer.
Phoenix OS runs Android applications smoothly and has a very smooth user interface compared to some other Android OSes for PC. It also comes with Google Play Store pre-installed and a taskbar for quick access to apps.
Also, it offers a lot of customization options, Multi-Window support, key mapping capabilities so you can use your keyboard to play Android games, a notification center, root access, high-security measures, and many more wonderful features.
The Phoenix OS (x86) is compatible with a variety of PCs since it can function on equipment with Intel x86 series CPUs clocked at 1GHz or higher and 1GB of RAM.
The obnoxious adverts, which are actually not that many, are the major drawback of this Android OS, though you might not have much trouble with that.
Pros
- It supports launchers and allows you to customize your display tge way you want
- Has Multi-Window support
- It runs very smoothly
- It includes security features such as App Sandbox and Virus protection
Cons
- It contains ads
- Limited hardware support
2. BlueStacks
Since it is genuinely quite powerful to run Android apps and games on your computer, BlueStacks is a very well-known name among Android emulators to run Android OS on PCs.
On non-mobile devices like your PC, you may use this Android OS to build a native Android environment. BlueStacks offers a number of features made specifically for users and gamers who wish to enjoy their apps and games on desktops.
The seamless operation of Android games and apps on desktops is the first thing you should know about this Android emulator.
Given that it includes capabilities like the ability to snap screenshots, record the screen, and customise game controls to make Android gaming more exciting, it is a practical choice for those wishing to use Android OS on their computers.
Furthermore, BlueStacks is lightweight and uses little of your computer’s memory. The majority of games run in HD resolution, and it also supports Multi-Window and Google Play Store integration.
So this emulator is just for gamers and casual users to stimulate Android OS on their computers.
Pros
- It is lightweight
- It comes with several features, such as games controls and multi-window
- It has a Cloud Connect feature which allows users to sync their Android apps and data between their mobile phones and computers.
Cons
- It can be resource intensive on low-end devices.
- The free version has ads.
- The premium version is costly compared to other emulators.
3. PrimeOS
PrimeOS is an Android-based OS for computers, majorly aimed toward mobile gamers to provide a great Android gaming experience on their PCs.
It boasts more than 2 million users and gives you access to a plethora of Android apps and games, such as PUBG.
PrimeOS is one of the most recommended Android OSes, which offers a full desktop experience for both Windows and Mac PCs. It also has a very beautiful UI and comes pre-installed with a custom File Manager.
Its features tailored to gamers include gamepad support, game streaming, and a built-in game center. One of the most interesting things about PrimeOS is its support and great performance when used on low-end devices.
Unlike some Android emulators, it doesn’t offer a taskbar option like Windows but runs games and other applications seamlessly.
Pros
- It is designed to run seamlessly on low-end PCs
- It supports Google Play Store
- It comes with several features for the great gaming experience
Cons
- It doesn’t receive updates regularly
- It has limited customization options
4. Android x86
Android x86 is an option to consider about if you’re looking for an open-source project to port Android OS to your PC. This project is rather lightweight and is licensed by Apache Public License 2.0.
In essence, Android x86 is an unofficial port that enables the use of Android on devices with x86 CPUs. Comparatively speaking to other Android OS described in this article, it has a straightforward UI and few functions.
This Android OS might not be the ideal option for gamers because it lacks features like game control, key mapping, etc. For connectivity, it does, however, support Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Additionally, because it is open source, this project is continually being developed by contributors and developers so that you can anticipate continuous updates.
Pros
- It has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support
- Provides a secure Android environment
- It is based on Lineage OS
Cons
- It is a bit hard to install
- It performs slower
5. Chrome OS
On this list of the top Android OS for PC, Google Chrome OS is another open-source Android operating system primarily made to run web applications.
It can run on low-end PCs and only use a small amount of your computer’s memory because it is made for the Chromebook line of laptops.
Chrome OS is built on the Chrome browser and runs very quickly, thanks to the Linux kernel.
With a status panel that shows the battery level, Wi-Fi connection, and other relevant data, this version of the Android operating system features a simplified user interface.
Additionally, it supports automatic software upgrades, has built-in virus protection, and enables direct programme downloads from the Google Play Store.
Also, Chrome OS makes it simple to access Google services like Drive, Gmail, Calendar, and others.
Although it lacks gaming features, you can still use it to run Android apps on your PC without any issues.
Pros
- It is web-based, so it is not resource intensive
- It is very secure
- It is fast and efficient
Cons
- It has limited offline functionality
- Setting it up may be hard
- It doesn’t support native desktop software
6. Bliss OS x86
Bliss OS x86 is another open-source Android-based operating system for PCs, much like Android x86.
Most recently launched Windows, Linux, and Chromebook PCs from the past five years are compatible. One of the best Android operating systems for PCs is Bliss OS x86, which boasts a variety of enhancements and features.
The UI of this Android emulator is very clear and well-designed, and it offers options for customization and theming.
Most of the operations work smoothly with Bliss OS x86, and it includes controls for managing battery life.
It also enables you to play protected content like Netflix and Amazon Prime and supports a large number of apps and games.
The Android OS allows you to open apps in windowed mode and arrange them side by side for multitasking.
Constant updates and a strong emphasis on security measures are features of Bliss OS x 86 focus. Therefore, if you wish to use an open-source Android OS on your computer, this is a fantastic choice to take into account.
Pros
- It is open source
- It has a gamepad configuration
- It has a great customization option
Cons
- You may face performance issues with using it on old devices
7. Remix OS
Remix OS is a simulation of the Android operating system that can operate on any computer. It is based on the unofficial open-source project Android-x86, which converts Android to run on PC hardware.
One of the cool things about this Android OS is that it is portable and free, so you can use USB to run it without having to install it first.
The Start button, the Taskbar, a notification, and the System Tray are all included in the Remix OS user interface designs
With this Android emulator, you may install Android apps on your PC while getting a general sense of the Windows operating system.
Additionally, it consistently receives new security updates, bug fixes, and general feature updates.
Pros
- It has a user-friendly interface
- It is portable and easy to set up
- Great performance on low-end hardware
Cons
- It has limited hardware support
8. Lineage OS
Lineage OS, one of the best Android operating systems for PCs, was inspired by CyanogenMod, a well-known customized OS for Android-based mobile devices.
You can run Android apps and games on your computer with Lineage OS, thanks to its cutting-edge capabilities. This operating system, which is open-source and offers freedom, is totally free.
This operating system creates a customizable environment for Android, enabling you to tailor it to your tastes.
Additionally, it has a significant user base due to its interesting features, like a lock screen, Privacy Guard functionality, and regular upgrades.
The best way to install this Android OS is to create a bootable media and place it on a different disc partition.
Pros
- It is open source
- It has a lock screen option for increased security.
- It gets constant updates
- It is highly customizable
Cons
- There is limited support for its users
- Potential compatibility issue
9. FydeOS
With the help of the cloud-based operating system FydeOS, you can side-load and download Android applications for your computers.
Since this Android operating system is browser-based and won’t need much power, it is perfect for low-end PCs or other devices.
You may run your Android apps in a quick and safe environment because it is actually built on Chrome OS.
FydeOS runs on devices with x86-64 architecture and supports a large number of Android applications; however, unlike the majority of Android OSes we are reviewing in this post, it does not support Google Play Store.
However, you can download apps and games through their APK files on this operating system. With FydeOS, you can Remotely access the operating system from anywhere as far as the initial configuration has been done.
Pros
- It can be used to run Android as well as Linus apps
- You have access to all benefits of Chrome OS
Cons
- It has limited features for some apps
- It is not free for Raspberry Pi
10. Genymotion
If you are a developer and looking for the best Android OS for PC, Genymotion will be the best option for you.
Genymotion’s integrated 3000 configurations enable you to develop and test Android applications more efficiently.
This Android emulator offers a straightforward and clear user interface which gives it a better appearance compared to its competitors
Also, with Genymotion, you can make use of your device’s graphics processing unit (GPU) to its fullest extent.
Another interesting thing about this Android emulator is that it is free and contains no bothersome ads.
Genymotion installation is very straightforward, and it comes in many iterations.
Last but not least, it guarantees low latency and high streaming speed, and it can support all current Android games and apps with ease.
Pro
- It is easy to use
- It allows you to test apps in various battery states
- It has a Remote Access feature
Cons
- It is not free for non-personal use
- Its installation requires VirtualBox
11. Nox Player
Nox Player is another powerful and free Android OS for computers that run on 32-bits and 64-bit operating systems.
With this OS, you can play your favorite Android games and run Android apps on your computer, enjoying resources such as a larger screen and better processor that your computer offers
You will most likely find this Android emulator very interesting if you are a gamer, as several of its features are tailored to improve the gaming experience
Similarly, the fact that it has a built-in Google Play Store makes it simpler to play Android games on your PC. As a result, discovering and downloading the software will be far less difficult.
Nox Player’s simple controls and intuitive keyboard make it easy to map games and other control-related apps. In terms of root access, the Nox Player app performs better than other Android emulators in this article.
Pros
- It is free
- It supports multiple instances
- It has a built-in GPS simulation feature
Cons
- It may be resource intensive
- It requires a high-end PC to run smoothly
12. LD Player
LD Player is software that emulates Android OS to run Android apps on computers, majorly for mobile gamers who want to enjoy their Android games on their PCs.
The Android OS emulator LD Player was developed primarily for PC players who wanted to play Android games on their mobile devices.
This Android emulator runs demanding games well. Therefore, it offers the best performance when running Android games and other apps.
It offers an intuitive user interface and a multi-instance capability that enables you to run two or three software instances simultaneously.
LD Player will also have a script recorder, gamepad control, quick frame rates, and beautiful graphics.
Overall, it is another Android OS for PC that is worth trying out.
Pros
- It is compatible with most mobile games
- Perfect gaming performance
- It has features like key mapping
Cons
- It can be resource intensive
Frequently Asked Questions: Android OS for PC
Can I install Google Play Store on Android OS for PC?
As mentioned, using Android OS on a computer enables you to simulate an Android environment. As a result, if your PC runs one of the Android operating systems we’ve covered in this article, you can install Google Play Store and download apps and games from there.
Is Android OS free to use?
Yes, the majority of Android operating systems for PCs are free, however, some may include premium features that you must purchase in order to use.
Can I run Android OS on low-end PCs?
This depends on the version of Android OS you want to run on a PC and how you want to use it. Additionally, the system requirements for the majority of Android OS for PC are stated on the Android OS website, so you may see if your computer meets those needs or not.
Which is the lightest Android OS for PC?
PrimeOS is the lightest Android OS PC since it is made to run on low-end hardware and offers a fluid experience while using fewer system resources.
Wrap Up
The best Android OS for PC has been well explored and discussed in the list above. So, depending on your computer and the features you want, choose and install one of the suggested Android emulators in this post to enjoy Android apps and games on your computer.