Even though Linux is not as well-known as other operating systems, it is a force to be reckoned with. While Windows and Mac OSX are robust systems, they have one significant disadvantage compared to Linux: they cannot execute native Android apps. This is a considerable drawback for individuals who wish to utilize their computers or PCs as Android devices. Let’s talk about Linux android emulators and why you should switch.
Many people are considering switching from Windows or Mac OSX, but numerous challenges come with this decision. One of which is finding a good emulator. One that allows you to run your favorite games and other apps on your computer smoothly.
Good for you, this article is here to help you find the perfect emulator. In the following text, we’re going to show you five of the best Linux-based Android emulators that will allow you to play all your favorite mobile games on your PC or laptop easily!
Table of Contents
Android Emulator And Its Benefits
An Android emulator is a program that allows you to run your favorite games and apps on your computer. This is one of many benefits of an emulator. It gives the ability to install applications from the Google Play store, which is not possible with Windows or Mac OSX.
Some of these emulators also offer improved Linux performance on some devices and custom keyboard mapping for those who need it.
The 12 Best Linux Android Emulators For 2023
So here is a list of 12 best linux android emulators in 2023.
BlueStacks
The most famous Android emulator on the market also offers excellent compatibility with pretty much every game out there, as well as great performance both at home and in streaming environments.
It is entirely free to download for everyone, which makes it a really good deal if you are looking for an emulator that works without any hassle.
Visit: BlueStacks
Bliss OS
As the name suggests, it is bliss for Linux users who want something dependable to run Android games. The software is an open-source tool that could manage large data files. Also, it provides flexibility to run Android applications without installing additional tools on the PC.
Users will experience improved graphics and loading speeds while using the tool regularly. Bliss OS is a great free Android emulator for Linux which can support multiple devices.
Download: Bliss OS
Caligo
This is the one if you are looking for an Android emulator that provides decent speeds. It works on all Linux distributions and has some support for more modern devices.
However, it does not emulate high-end models well and has some incompatibilities with newer Linux systems.
Andro VM
Andro VM was developed by the same team who brilliantly created Genymotion to help millions of users. Moreover, you can trust the confidentiality generated for running Android apps in the Linux system. The entire system emerges from a single packet and thus requires minimum disk space. It also supports offline connectivity that could be productive in various situations. You can download Andro VM for computers running on 32-bits and 64-bits accordingly.
Download: AndroVM
Android SDK
Moving ahead, we have another Android emulator for Linux called Android SDK with various features. It might lack some out-of-the-world features but is highly beneficial for beginners and intermediate users.
The user interface is quite sophisticated and convenient for traditional working. However, the tool is faster and can handle large Android apps, including ARCore. You can easily find online tutorials and try out the Android SDK emulator yourself.
Download: Android SDK
Vixen
This emulator is fast and can emulate newer devices. It works on multiple distributions and provides excellent support for the keyboard and mouse. However, it does not work with all resolutions and has no support for controllers.
Genymotion
Genymotion is one of the latest and effective Linux Android emulators for all tech-enthusiasts out there. It can support more than 3000 devices to match the exact configuration you use. Further, it enables high graphics quality while running any Android application on the system.
Hence, you can easily install any secure app, even from third-party sources. The developers have a great shot at testing their Android codes and programs on Linux.
Download: Genymotion
Anbox
Many of you already know Anbox helps access Android games and applications on Linux. Also, users can combine their entire Android system on a single platform for better usability.
The Anbox can successfully improve your computer’s overall performance and core functionality, and it is one of the few tools to select multiple versions of the Android operating system. If you are looking for a secure Android emulator for Linux, Anbox is the name experts suggest.
Download: Anbox
Koplayer
Koplayer 2022 is a great emulator that provides good compatibility and good performance for games.
It also has the benefit of being completely free with some optional paid features such as controller support which cannot be found amongst other options on this list.
Visit: Koplayer
Android Studio
The first Android emulator for Linux is none other than the Android Studio. It is a popular tool that you can use to install Android applications in a Linux environment. Also, you can use it for testing new apps and looking for potential errors and bugs.
Android Studio is an open-source platform, and users don’t need to pay additional charges. You only need to install an AVD (Android Virtual Device), and you are ready to go.
Download: Android Studio
Android-x86
This emulator is an excellent choice for those who want a product that works on most modern computers and devices with little to no hassle.
Compatibility is tested regularly to be sure it will always work, which is why we have chosen this as number one.
Visit: Android-x86
See also: 5 Best DS Emulators for Android to Use in 2023
ARChon
In the end, we present to you ARChon with some exclusive details and functioning. The tool is unusually distinct from standard Android emulators based on a Chrome browser, and it means you don’t need to install it on the primary computer explicitly.
ARChon uses partial features of Chrome and creates better emulation for users. You can use normal functions like installing apps and games while using the web browser. Overall, it can save you a lot of time to bring Android specifications to Linux.
Download here: ARchon
Why You Should Switch To Linux From Windows or Mac OSX
The benefits of using Linux over Windows or Mac OSX are well documented. However, one of the biggest benefits for gamers looking to use Linux as their primary platform is that many games on Steam and other online stores have a native version available for download. This means that all you need to do to play them is install Steam and login with your account details. Furthermore, each game will have a Linux version listed next to it which saves you from figuring out which distribution would be best for running your favorite PC titles!
Easy Transition Methods
A common misconception about Linux is that it is hard to use and can be very confusing. Fortunately, this is not true! Most Linux distributions will work similarly to Windows or Mac OSX, making the transition a lot smoother. We have outlined some of the best ways to make the transition from Windows/Mac OSX easier
Install Steam
Installing Steam on your current operating system helps. You can download all future games directly onto your computer rather than having to buy them elsewhere.
This also saves you money because many games are much cheaper on Steam compared to other stores! If possible, try using WINE while installing Steam to ensure compatibility with games that cannot run natively under Linux distributions.
Check Compatibility
If you are using the Steam version of the game, then check whether there is a native Linux version available or not. If it is not available, do some research online to find out the best distribution for running that particular title instead. Alternatively, if you have already installed an emulator on your PC, then it would probably be best to install your favorite games within that emulator, so they work under Linux too!
Find Alternative App Stores
Although Google Play Store works with most Linux distributions, there may still be problems with specific titles, making them incompatible. Doing some additional research about this can help avoid frustration down the line. It might also be worth looking at other alternatives such as F-Droid to find games compatible with Linux.
Invest Time In Learning Certain Keystrokes
Switching from a mouse to a touchpad might take some time, but it is worth it as you no longer have to drag your cursor around. Instead, you can swipe or tap on the touch screen! To make sure that the transition goes as smoothly as possible.
See also: Xbox One Emulator For PC That You Can Use In 2023 I Top 11
FAQs
I heard that Linux is only for nerds. Will I be able to use it?
Most things about using Linux are similar to Windows or Mac OSX, which means that the transition is easier than people think! If you stick with it and invest time in learning how it works, your experience should improve over time!
My game keeps crashing on startup. What should I do?
That can happen because some games cannot run natively under Linux distributions, but you can always install an emulator like Wine to help solve this problem. We have a guide about installing Steam on Wine here that might also help you get your favorite titles running smoothly as well.
What if my laptop doesn’t have a touch screen?
In that case, you can always use Synergy to share your mouse and keyboard with another computer. It will work on any operating system, so it is compatible regardless of what you are currently using! You can find more information here to get started.
I heard Linux isn’t as secure as Windows/Mac OSX. Is this true?
This used to be the case, but modern Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and Linux Mint come with many features that make them very secure too!
Conclusion
Linux has come a long way since its humble beginnings. It’s now one of the most secure operating systems on the market. Linux is also more efficient than Windows or Mac OSX. It means that your computer should boot up faster and require fewer resources for running tasks. Suppose you’re looking for an alternative to these popular operating systems. In that case, we recommend checking out our list of the 5 best Linux Android emulators and why switching over might make sense in some cases. If you have any questions about this topic, feel free to reach out below!
