Android Emulator
Android Emulator simulates Android devices on a computer so developers can check apps across device types and Android API levels. It comes bundled with Android Studio, so it does not need a separate installation. Predefined virtual device profiles cover phones, tablets, Wear OS, Android Automotive OS, and Android TV. Developers can simulate calls, texts, locations, network speeds, rotation, hardware sensors, and access to Google Play Store. Each Android Virtual Device defines an Android version and hardware characteristics, with its own private storage for user data and SD card data. The first launch may take about a minute; later launches can use snapshots and start faster. Hardware acceleration can improve performance. The recommended baseline is 16 GB RAM and 16 GB of disk space, and higher API levels or larger virtual devices may need more. Supported systems include 64-bit Windows 10 or later, macOS 12 or later, Linux, and ChromeOS. Android Studio on ChromeOS currently deploys apps only to a connected hardware device.
Who it is for
It suits Android developers who need to check app behavior across virtual device profiles and API levels. Teams using ChromeOS should note that app deployment there is limited to connected hardware devices.
What is good
- Included with Android Studio; separate installation is unnecessary.
- Profiles cover phones, tablets, Wear OS, Automotive, and TV.
- Simulates calls, texts, locations, and hardware sensors.
- Supports Google Play Store access.
- Later launches can use snapshots.
What to know first
- 16 GB RAM and 16 GB disk space are recommended.
- Larger virtual devices or higher API levels may need more.
- ChromeOS deployment is limited to connected hardware devices.
Verdict
Android Emulator provides configurable virtual devices and system simulations for app testing, bundled with Android Studio. Check the recommended hardware baseline and ChromeOS deployment limit before relying on it.
Android Emulator plans and pricing
All plansCompared on emulator software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Desktop platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS
- Google Play support
- Yes
- Multi-instance
- Yes
- Keyboard mapping
- Yes
- Gamepad support
- Yes
- Root access
- Yes
