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Recently, we had covered some of the best ways to run Windows apps on macOS. The point was to overcome the lack of multi-platform software. This time, however, we have something different. We are going to talk about the ways to run Android apps on Mac. Yes, about using Instagram, playing Asphalt 8, or listening to Audible on Mac.
This time too, we have found multiple ways to run Android apps on macOS. Since different people have their different purposes, we’ve different methods too. In this article, you will find the best methods to run Android apps on Mac for normal users, gaming enthusiasts and developers. Shall we now check out the options?
Run Android Apps on Mac
#1 BlueStacks — Best for Running Apps
BlueStacks (also called BlueStacks App Player) is the oldest and the most popular way of running Android apps for Mac. You will be able to run almost any Android app using this simple emulator. It’s the best choice if you want to run WhatsApp on your Mac or access your Instagram account. You will be able to run your Mac apps and Android apps side by side, which is great.
The BlueStacks interface is equally awesome as well. Apps are opened in individual tabs and you have access to Google Play Store. Depending on the specifications of your Mac, BlueStacks lets you handle multiple apps with ease. Despite the optimizations for running apps, BlueStacks offers a true Android feel as well. You can even make changes from the Settings section.
Installing and using BlueStacks is like a piece of cake! You have to download the free installer from the official site of BlueStacks and run it. If you have previously installed bluestack, do a clean uninstall, before you reinstall it. Once the installation is done, it may take a few seconds for starting up. Before you can install apps, however, you need to sign into a Google account. Altogether, we think it’s really easy to get started with BlueStacks.
As far as running apps is concerned, BlueStacks does the job very well. We were able to install and use apps like WhatsApp and Instagram without any hassle. We also tried playing some Alto’s Odyssey game.
Pros
- BlueStacks is really easy to set up
- It doesn’t involve long installation processes
- Performance is optimized for apps
Cons
- Not much suitable for games or development
Who Is It For
We think BlueStacks is the best option for those who need to use Android apps on Mac. It works fine when it comes to running apps like WhatsApp and Instagram. While the gaming performance is okay, we believe there are better options.
Check Out BlueStacks
#2 VirtualBox — Best for More Control
At the core, Android is also a Linux-based operating system. As it happens, you can install Android on Mac using a tool like VirtualBox. In order to do this, you have to create a virtual machine and install Android in it. Compared to the other options we’ve listed, this VirtualBox method offers better control over the Android device and the apps you install.
Once the installation is done, VirtualBox gives you a pure Android experience. This is because we’re installing the basic Android Operating System on the virtual machine. However, you should not expect an optimized environment for running apps or games. Chances are, there are some bugs too. On the bright side, you can deploy Android v8 Oreo in the virtual machine.
We would not say that Android on VirtualBox is easy to set up. There are some downsides that you will have to tolerate in the long run. In order to do this, you need to download Android x86, a project that ports the popular OS to PCs. Then, as we always do, you can create a virtual machine based on Linux, Android. Once the installation is done, you’ll have a full-screen Android experience.
While apps like WhatsApp and Instagram work fine, the performance isn’t the best. We would not suggest this method if you’re into gaming either.
Pros
- Offers more control over the virtual Android device
- You can run the latest version of Android
- It offers a fully-fledged Android OS experience
Cons
- Installation is somewhat complex
- Lacks performance optimization or customization options
- Chances of bugs
Who Is It For
Running Android on Mac using VirtualBox is best when you need better control over the process. As a virtual machine, you can customize performance too. However, in the long run, you will have to compromise overall performance and gaming controls.
Check Out VirtualBox and Android x86
#3 Nox Player Mac — Best Optimized for Gaming
If you want to play some graphic-rich Android games on Mac, Nox Player Mac is the best option in town. It’s an Android emulator that prioritizes speed and performance. There are also some features such as screen capture, on-screen button mapping etc. Once set up, Nox Player Mac offers a standard Android experience as well.
Nox Player Mac manages to run apps as well. However, we found that things aren’t as smooth as BlueStacks when it comes to app downloads and installs. But, the reason you should install Nox Player Mac should be to play high-quality games like PUBG on Mac.
To install Android apps on your Nox Player, you can either login with your Google account and use the built-in Google Play Store or if you don’t want to go through that hassle, you can download the apk using the browser and install it directly.
Nox Player Mac is the easiest to install. It doesn’t even ask you any questions. Just run the installer and in a few seconds, you will find the fully-fledged Android virtual tablet. It runs Android v4 KitKat — which is a downside when compared to others.
Nox Player Mac is perfect when it comes to handling popular apps. So, if you want to bring some common apps and high-end Android games to Mac, choose this program.
Pros
- Easy to set up and get started
- Optimized performance for games and apps
- Advanced features like keyboard mapping and location manipulation
Cons
- Not suitable for development
- Runs on Android KitKat
- Ships with some bloatware
Who Is It For
Nox Player Mac is the best option if you’re into high-end Android games. Even if you have a mid-end MacBook Air, it should offer the best performance. Also, thanks to the macro and mapping features. We’d also recommend the tool for running WhatsApp and all.
#4 Genymotion — Most Suitable for Developers
Genymotion is an innovative way to run Android apps on Mac — and on Cloud, for that matter. However, it is offering a bunch of different options. If you’re a professional, you can create a virtual Android device on a Mac or in the cloud. Let’s come down to the Desktop version, which is great. You will be able to create a big variety of Android configurations for testing.
For instance, you can change the Android version, device hardware etc. Genymotion is the best option to make sure that your app runs perfectly on all Android devices out there. However, if you are getting started as a developer, you can find standard solutions as well. Genymotion also offers some additional features, for instance, embed your Android app on the website and let people try the app.
There is no necessity that you should install Genymotion on your Mac. As we said earlier, it can be used as a cloud service as well. However, Genymotion Desktop is really easy to install. We used the Personal version of Genymotion as well. It’s more convenient if you just want to try some apps. On the other hand, if you like the fully-fledged Android development experience, Genymotion Desktop is the way to go.
Running apps on Genymotion isn’t as smooth as the other platform. This is because the emulator has a major focus on features that help developers.
Pros
- Awesome features for developers
- Multiple Android configurations
- Better Control over Running Apps
Cons
- Performance Optimization could be better
Who Is It For
Genymotion is the best solution for Android developers who want to run their Android apps on a number of virtual devices. It syncs so well with your coding process and customization needs. Thanks to the plug-in, you can integrate this program with Android Studio as well.
Check Out Genymotion (free trial, $136/year)
#5 Andy — a Smoother Workflow
Last but not the least, Andy is another way to run Android apps on Mac. However, compared to all emulators we’ve listed above, Andy offers a smoother workflow. The best part is that you’re getting a 100% full Android experience when you start up. You get built-in apps like Gmail, ES File Explorer and a lot more. It’s running on Android v4.0 KitKat, though.
Because Andy comes with Play Store access, you can easily download and install apps. There are some other important features as well. For instance, you can run the Android emulator in vertical and landscape modes as well. Also, there’s Key Mapping and Location manipulation. These features are awesome when you want a more optimized way to run Android apps.
Android File Management For Mac
Andy has one of the easiest installers we’ve seen. It’s an online installer, which would download files over an Internet connection. It needs to be noted that Andy downloads around 500MB of files, the largest on the list. Once the installation is done, Andy will show you the standard Android interface. You can use the mouse and keyboard for managing the virtual Android tablet.
As we said, Andy is the best when it comes to running apps. However, it would not be our go-to choice when it comes to playing Android games.
Pros
Android Device Manager Mac
- Easy to Install and Manage
- Best optimization for apps
- Offers a standard Android experience
Free spider for mac. Cons
- Runs on KitKat
- It’s lagging a bit when other apps are running
Who Is It For
Andy offers the perfect level of optimization and a standard Android experience. We’d recommend this tool if you need a real-like virtual Android device on your Mac. Of course, there are some performance lags but you can avoid it by avoiding multitasking.
Check Out Andy (Free)
This is an offline installed that means you do not need to have internet connection for installing the emulator. Bluestacks rooted for mac. How to verify whether your BlueStacks rooted or notThere are several android apps at the Google play store for checking root access in your Android device. Then I have a solution for you.You can download the pre-rooted bluestacks. Now your emulator is rooted.If your bluestacks is still not rooted by following the above method or you are unable to apply the above tutorial.
The best way to Run Android Apps on Mac?
So, these are the five different ways to run Android apps on Mac. In a way, you’re creating an Android device within macOS environment as well. As we said earlier, not a single solution is suitable for everyone. We have recommended Nox Player for Mac if you want to play games. On the other hand, if you just want to use apps smoothly, BlueStacks and Andy are the best options. And, for those upcoming developers out there, we will recommend Genymotion, which has a ton of features packed inside.
There are many people with Android and Mac devices, but they do not know that they can get their Android phones work with their Mac. With the improvement in the level of technology and innovativeness, software developers are indeed working hard to reduce the limitations and barriers of products from different manufacturers. Thanks to them now an Android device can be compatible to Mac. There are hundreds of thousands of Android Mac software available online, but here are the top 5 best Android software for Mac that every owner with a Mac PC should download and install into their devices.
1# MobileTrans for Mac
MobileTrans for Mac (or you can use MobileTrans for Windows) is an excellent, safe and risk-free phone transfer tool, which comes with innovative and amazing features. It does not only allow you to export or import data between smartphones or between phones and Mac devices, but also lets you backup, restore and permanently delete data. Moreover, it allows you to transfer iCloud and iTunes back-ups such as music, photos, SMS, contacts, videos and more to your phone.
The software is considered to be one of the most advanced data transfer tools available on the web. It’s designed in a way that it transfers all the data without losing quality. This software is not only limited to Android users as Android user as iOS, Blackberry and Nokia users can also enjoy all its benefits. Phone Transfer is indeed a must have software. With it installed in your PC, you will never be worried when you decide to upgrade, switch phones or sell your current phone model.
2# Android File Transfer for Mac
If you would like to browse and the transfer your favorite files between your Android device and Mac, then Android File Transfer can be very helpful to you. This Android software for Mac is highly recommended for Android and Mac users who would like to back up, restore or just share their files with friends and relatives. It supports data transfer through a USB cable, just like most of the Android-Mac data transfer software’s.
In order to use Android File Transfer for Mac, you must ensure that your PC is operating on Mac-OS X 10.5 or later and your phone has Android 3.0 or later. There are two main challenges faced by users of this software. The first one is that it only supports the data transfer of up to 4 GB and secondly, most users are not able to uninstall it successfully.
3# Android SDK
Android SDK refers to a software development kit that helps software developers to create Android apps. Android SDK includes the sample projects with development tools, source codes, an emulator, and the required libraries for building Android apps. The apps are written with the Java programming language and then run on Dalvik, which refers to a custom virtual machine that is designed for embedded usage and runs on top of the Linuxkernel.
If you are an aspiring mobile software developer, then this is a must have app. It offers you a perfect chance to become more creative and innovative and everything you need to build applications are provided. However, the app can be tricky to operate for beginners.
4# Samsung Kies for Mac
Samsung Kies refers connects a mobile phone to a PC, making it easier for users to synchronize the data between various devices and find new apps. This provides users with the best way to keep their mobile up to date. Once you connect your phone to Kies through a USB cable, you are automatically notified of the available updates to your phone’s firmware. Kies Android software Mac is also available to help Android users to manage data transfers.
5# BlueStacks
Bluestacks is an app that features Bluestacks app player as well as other cloud-based cross platform products that are designed to allow Android applications to run on Windows PCs and Macintosh computers. They have over 1.5 million games and over 500, 000 HTML5/Flash games. Therefore, you can log in, chat or play with Android apps on your Windows computer for free and on a bigger screen.