BlueStacks: Three good alternatives in comparison
Bluestacks is one of the most popular Android emulators, but there are some good alternatives. In this comparison, we present three free bluestacks alternatives.
1. Bluestacks alternative: Genymotion
- Genymotion is based on VirtualBox and, thanks to the x86 architecture, can be used very quickly and efficiently on the PC. This means that current Android games can also be played on the PC.
- More than ten pre-configured virtual devices are available, including tablets as well as smartphone models.
- The basic version of Genymotion is free. The indie and business versions are aimed at professional users and are not exactly cheap for private users at 99 and 299 euros per year.
- Genymotion is available for free download from CHIP Online.
2. Alternative to bluestacks: Windows Android
- Unlike other emulators, WindowsAndroid does not run as a virtual machine, but is installed like a normal program.
- Android 4.0.3 is used as the operating system, which enables access to system apps such as calendar, gallery, settings, music player and browser. Other apps can be easily installed.
- However, some applications may crash. Otherwise, the performance of Windows Android on current computers is consistently satisfactory.
- Windows Android can be downloaded free of charge in the CHIP Online download area.
3. Android SDK: The classic Android emulator
- With the Android SDK you can always emulate the latest version of Android on your PC.
- Some apps such as the browser or Google Maps are already included. In addition to the emulator, there are also numerous tools on board.
- Android is emulated under the "Dalvik VM" virtual machine. The tool can be used completely free of charge.
- The Android SDK is available for free download from CHIP Online.
Emulators are great for trying out your own apps. In the next practical tip, we will show you how to program Android apps.