6 Best Android Emulators for Mac in 2025

If you want to play Android mobile games or test Android apps on a Mac, but find that many emulators only support Windows, don't worry! More and more Macbook Android emulators are becoming available.

Whether you're an engineer developing apps or just want to enjoy games like "Genshin Impact" or "Lineage M" on a larger screen, choosing the right Mac game emulator is truly important!

This article will introduce the 6 most recommended Android emulators for Mac this year, including both free and paid options, and will also compare their pros and cons, target users, support levels, and more.

1 Android Studio (The Developer's Choice)

Android Studio is an official development tool from Google and one of the most mainstream platforms for developing Android applications. Although the built-in Android Emulator is primarily designed for developers, general users can also use it to simulate an Android environment, such as testing apps or opening simple applications.

The emulator's high level of customization is a major selling point, with customizable screen size, memory configuration, and Android version, even simulating device rotation and GPS locations. Most importantly, it supports Mac, making it a very useful Android emulator for Mac.

Key Features:

• Native support for various Android device configurations and API level tests
• Direct simulation of calls, SMS, GPS location, sensor actions, and more

Pros:

• Closest to real device behavior, accurate simulation
• Free and frequently updated, with stable support

Cons:

• The installation process is somewhat complicated and requires high system resources
• Not ideal for users who just want to play games

System Requirements: macOS 12+, supports both Intel and Apple Silicon

2 BlueStacks Air (Best for Gamers)

BlueStacks is an established brand in Android emulators that supports software downloads for Windows, but don't worry, it also works for Mac. BlueStacks Air is its Mac version, enabling you to play Android games on Mac.

It integrates BlueStacks' gaming support and control optimization technologies, allowing you to smoothly play games like "Lineage M" and "Genshin Impact" on your Mac with smooth graphics and responsive controls.

Key Features:

• Cloud streaming games without complex emulator installation
• Supports keyboard and mouse mapping, customizable controls

Pros:

• Many games come with pre-installed shortcuts, no setup required
• Game performance is smooth, with stable FPS

Cons:

• Free version includes ads

System Requirements: macOS 11+, supports M1/M2/M3 Apple Silicon

3 MuMu Player (High-performance Gaming Emulator)

MuMu Player is an Android emulator for Mac developed by NetEase, originally designed with gaming in mind, ensuring a top-notch gaming experience. It excels in compatibility with popular Asian games like "Arknights," "Onmyoji," and "Knives Out."

On Mac, MuMu provides a dedicated installation package that directly launches a virtual Android system and supports mouse and keyboard controls, fully simulating real device interaction. The Mac M1 Android emulator interface is also designed for lightweight operation, making it easy for beginners.

However, since it's developed by a Chinese company, sometimes the interface language or account binding may be a bit complicated, so you should pay attention to that.

Key Features:

• Supports high frame rates and keyboard/mouse controls
• Built-in game store and one-click recording feature

Pros:

• Excellent gaming control experience, almost no lag
• Supports APK installation, offering high flexibility

Cons:

• UI is mainly in Simplified Chinese, which users need to adjust to
• Fewer third-party resources compared to BlueStacks

System Requirements: macOS 11+, supports Intel and M-series

4 Nox Player (Feature-Rich Lightweight Emulator)

Nox Player is another popular Mac Android emulator with a large global user base. It has a dedicated version for macOS. This emulator is loved by a wide range of users, from gamers to those who want to use the Android version of apps like Instagram or LINE.

It supports multi-instance, allowing you to run two or more virtual devices simultaneously and play games or test apps using customized controls. Nox's main advantages are stability and intuition, with fast startup and a simple interface.

However, since macOS support isn't as complete as Windows, it's recommended to choose a newer version or one with frequent official updates for better stability.

Key Features:

• Supports multi-instance and script recording, ideal for AFK use
• Supports game controller connection

Pros:

• Simple to operate, fast installation
• Flexible emulator settings, with memory and resolution adjustment

Cons:

• Sometimes displays small ads
• Lacks advanced features for developers and testers

System Requirements: macOS 10.12+, supports Intel and M1+

5 Andy Android Emulator (Classic Emulator)

Andy is a long-established Android emulator for Mac. Although it hasn't been updated much in recent years, it still has a loyal following.

The main feature of Andy on Mac is its ability to seamlessly integrate your phone with your computer, allowing you to use your phone as a remote control for the emulator while syncing your desktop and phone. This cross-device design is rare among other Mac Android emulators.

If you prefer using an emulator for communication or gaming apps, or wish to move content from your phone to your Mac, Andy's integration capabilities will be very convenient.

Key Features:

• Use your phone as a joystick
• Supports notification syncing and desktop shortcuts

Pros:

• Easy to use, suitable for occasional users
• Works well with phones, enhancing interaction

Cons:

• Rarely updated, may not support the latest games
• Does not support advanced emulator settings

System Requirements: macOS 10.13+, recommended Intel CPU

6 Lambda Test (Cloud Emulator for Development Testing)

Lambda Test is different from other Mac Android emulators. It focuses on being a "cloud testing platform," especially designed for developers and UI testing engineers.

It can simulate different versions of Android systems and hundreds of real devices, allowing you to quickly check how apps or websites display on various phones. No need to install an Android emulator for Mac, simply log into the browser and operate remotely.

For developers with extensive device or cross-platform testing needs, Lambda Test is a very valuable cloud tool.

Key Features:

• Supports multi-browser and Android version testing
• Cloud simulation, real-time recording, and screenshots

Pros:

• No installation required, just open the browser to use
• Great for remote team testing

Cons:

• Not suitable for gaming, the emulator focuses on testing
• Free version has time limits

System Requirements: Only a modern browser is needed, Mac version doesn't matter

How to Choose the Right macOS Android Emulator?

For Gaming: If your main purpose is gaming, especially large games, BlueStacks Air and MuMu Player are excellent choices. BlueStacks Air performs outstandingly on Apple Silicon-based Macs, supporting multi-instance games, script recording, and other practical features. MuMu Player excels in game optimization with various game-enhancement features.

For App Testing and Development: For Android app developers, Android Studio is the best choice, as it integrates closely with Android development tools, providing comprehensive development support and powerful debugging features, catering to various needs during development and testing.

For Daily Use and Casual Gaming: Nox Player and Andy Android Emulator are ideal for regular users to experience lightweight games and apps. Nox Player offers rich customization options, supports game controllers, and macro recording functions, while Andy Android Emulator offers good app compatibility and convenient system updates.

For Professional Testing Teams: Lambda Test is better suited for professional testing teams or enterprise users. Its powerful cloud testing capabilities and efficient collaboration features meet the team's testing needs across devices and can integrate with CI/CD for automated testing.

Conclusion

After reading this 2025 updated list of recommended Android emulators for Mac, don't you think it's actually easy to play Android on a Mac? By choosing the right Mac M1 Android emulator based on your usage scenario and needs, you can really boost your efficiency. Start trying now, and install the Mac game emulator you like — you'll easily step into the Android world on your Mac!

Additionally, there's another option for viewing an Android screen on Mac, which is through AirDroid Cast. It allows you to mirror your Android screen to your Mac, enabling real-time view of the Android screen's actions, as well as syncing audio, microphone, and rotating the screen. This way, you can experience Android on your Mac without needing an emulator.

AirDroid Cast

Try it for freeBuy now

• Mirror Android screen to Mac
• Remote control Android from Mac
• Sync audio and microphone
• Cast game screen to large screen