BlueStacks — Best for Running Apps. BlueStacks (also called BlueStacks App Player) is the oldest. The Best Free Downloads app downloads for Mac and Android: TubeMate 3 TubeMate XXX Video Player - HD X Player APKPure Google Play VideoBuddy Youtube D. CNET Download provides free downloads for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android devices across all categories of software and apps, including security, utilities, games, video and browsers.
Looking to have the best and top free Android apps on your smart phone? Wondering which app will work the best for you? Here is a list of the top 50 free Android apps that you will love to know about and which are a must have for any Android smart phone owner.
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You can simply download the 50 free Android apps to computer, and then install the apk to your Android devices via TunesGo.
The android phones have created a revolution in the world. Whatever we need is accessible from our smartphones. But sometimes it becomes difficult when we want to access the apps on our phone through our desktop. The solution to this problem is a host of free Android apps that let's you run your apps on your Mac or Windows pc. Below are listed some of the such most popular free Android apps. We have also included some apps that have pc versions available.
1. BlueStacks
BlueStacks is free to download and lets you run your apps and games on your pc without draining your phone's battery. You can transfer files between your mobile and pc. BlueStacks also enables you to download apps directly on your computer.
You can get it here: http://www.bluestacks.com/
2. Andy
Andy lets you synchronize your mobile and desktop easily. It keeps your android OS updated all the time. You can use your phone as a remote control while playing games on your pc. Download it here: http://www.andyroid.net/
3. AMIDuOS
AMIDuOS is the perfect computer app for android versions Lollipop and Jellybean. It runs your smartphone apps on Windows 7,8 or 10 pc and tablets. 3D acceleration and Open GL makes the graphic heavy games run smoothly without any glitch. The link to download: http://www.amiduos.com/
4. GenyMotion
One of the free Android apps, this one is a gem. Many android developers prefer to do their device testing using GenyMotion. It supports Google Play services and is a much reliable app free of bugs. You need to install Virtualbox before you can run this. Visit https://www.genymotion.com/ to download it.
5. Jar of Beans
This emulator runs the android Jelly bean version. It can be run as an executable file without the need of installing. It presents you with a number of configuration options.
Get it here: https://www.wondershare.com/mirror-emulator/download-best-android-emulator-for-pc-mac-windows.html
6. Droid4X
Droid features enhanced performance of graphics rendering and Android kernel. It has a compatibility rate of 99% running all apps on the pc. It is the first multi touch supported simulator. The website url is: http://www.droid4x.com/
7. Windroy
This emulator preserves all the originality of android from UI to Dalvik virtual machine. It provides full porting of Android on Windows devices. you can get it here: http://windroy.software.informer.com/4.0/
8. MoboRobo
Moborobo is an easy way to arrange all the data on your phone. It analyzes the data on the phone and separates it in different categories like data, images, videos, music and apps. You can download apps from the Mobo Market, which is an app store like Google Play. Download MoboRobo here: http://www.moborobo.com/
9. Xamarin Android player
Being developed by a programming based company, it is best for developers. It is almost bug free. It requires Virtualbox to work. You can download it here : https://xamarin-android-player.s3.amazonaws.com/installer/Windows/XamarinAndroidPlayerx32.exe (32 bit)
https://xamarin-android-player.s3.amazonaws.com/installer/Windows/XamarinAndroidPlayerx64.exe (64 bit)
10. Whatsapp for PC
Instant messengers are the in thing today and whatsapp is the most popular of all. You can send messages, photos files and even call without having to pay anything. You can run this on your pc by going to https://web.whatsapp.com/ and following the instructions.
11. SHAREit
Share it has been a very popular phone to phone file transfer free Android app. It can now be used to transfer files between any smartphone and your pc wirelessly using bluetooth or NFC connectivity. The website is: http://www.shareitforpc.com/p/lenovo-shareit-for-windows-8.html
12. AirDroid
AirDroid gives full access to your phone from PC or Mac. You can handle calls, sms and notifications on your computer screen at ease.
Get it here: https://www.airdroid.com/
13. Gmote Server
Gmote Server helps you use your phone as a remote control by connecting with your phone via Gmote. You can control various functions related with music and movie playback like play, pause, stop, increase or decrease volume. Download it at: http://gmote-server.en.lo4d.com/
14. Mobogenie
Apart from being an Android manager, Mobogenie lets you download varied content for free using your pc's bandwidth. You can uninstall stock apps and backup your phone's data with just one click. It is available at: http://www.mobogenie.com/in/product/mobogenie-pc.html
15. Android Studio
It is the official app from Android which you can use to run your apps on pc. But this software is mostly for developers who engage in creating apps or testing them. The link for downloading is: http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
16. Wondershare MobileGo
It is one of the most powerful android files manager fro your pc. You can download, install. import and export files using one click. You can create backups and restore your device too. Try it for free http://mobilego.wondershare.com/
17. ShowBox for pc
Showbox is an android app for watching, downloading and streaming movies and TV series. The free android app now can be installed on your pc by going to https://showboxa.com/showbox-apk/. You need to have an android emulator installed to run this.
18. Vibosoft Android Mobile Manager
Vibosoft gives you unlimited control of the data and apps of your home. It can organize your apps, contacts and messages and export them to your Pc. The link is: http://www.vibosoft.com/android-mobile-manager.html
19. Manymo
Quick to start, this lightweight Android emulator is used for developing, testing and automation. It can be tried for free: https://www.manymo.com/
20. Syncios iOS & Android Manager
Apart from having all the features of an emulator, it also offers audio and video converter and ringtone maker. It is totally free: http://www.sync-droid.com/
21. QTADB
It gives access to files, data and can be used to manage and synchronize the Android device with Mac, Linux as well as Windows PC. The download link is: https://qtadb.wordpress.com/download/
22. 91 PC Suite
You can access all the settings of your smartphone including backup and import, installing and uninstalling of apps, etc.
Get it here: http://91-pc-suite-android.en.lo4d.com/
23. MOBILedit
It is a central toolbox which provides quick access and easy modification of your phone's content. It also creates auto backup of your data while you are browsing it. You can try it at: http://www.mobiledit.com/mobiledit
24. Android SDK
This emulator created by Android itself lets you explore all the software and hardware features of the phone. It cannot be used to make calls.
Link: http://developer.android.com/tools/devices/emulator.html
25. YouWave![]()
Youwave plays out your games and apps on the pc. You can check out how an app performs on your pc before installing it on your phone.
Link: http://youwave.en.softonic.com/
26. AndRock
Androck is an computer software that runs all your messaging services like whatsapp, Snapchat and Tango on your pc. Link: http://www.androck.co/
27. Nox App Player
It gives the best performance and maximun compatibility to play your android games on the pc. Download: http://en.bignox.com/#p1
28. Androcontroller
You can control your phone with ease via your pc using free android app. Get it at: https://androcontroller.jaleco.com/
29. Wondershare Dr. Fone for Android
The best pc software for recovering lost data of your phone such as contact,audio,video,sms, documents. Try for free: http://www.wondershare.net/ad/dr-fone/dr-fone-android.html
30. Kingo Android Root
Root your phone and get access to admin level permission with Kingo. Link: https://www.kingoapp.com/android-root.htm
31. Apowersoft Phone Manager
One step phone management software for viewing, transferring, backing up and restoring of your pone data. Download: http://www.apowersoft.com/phone-manager
32. SnapPea
Simple and easy to use, SnapPea allows you easy management of pone data through a pc. The link is: http://snappea.en.softonic.com/
33. APK Installer and Launcher
View, install and launch APK files using this free software. Link: http://download.cnet.com/APK-Installer-and-Launcher/3000-20432_4-75915554.html
34. Pushbullet
It connects your Android or iOS with pc and enables you to chat, send links and texts, receive notifications. Download: https://www.pushbullet.com/apps
35. MyPhoneExplorer
You can pair your phone and pc using WiFi, USB cable or Bluetooth and access and edit phone content. Try for free: http://www.fjsoft.at/en/downloads.php
36. Pushline
A nice pc app for managing notifications, calls and messages via your pc. It is free: http://www.getpushline.com/
37. SRS-Root
An one click rooting solution for your phone to get rid of tethering problems. Download: http://download.cnet.com/SRS-Root/3000-20432_4-75862706.html
38. Tenorshare Android Data Recovery
Phone data recovery with the most professional and powerful tool available at: http://www.tenorshare.com/products/android-data-recovery.html
39. Mobikin Doctor for Android
A powerful program to recover lost data like contacts, sms and pics from your phone. Try for free: http://www.mobikin.com/download.html
40. Mobisynapse
An Android pc manager and Outlook Sync which supports USB or WiFi connection. Download: http://mobisynapse.software.informer.com/2.2/
41. Droid Explorer
With simplicity of windows interface, Droid Explorer lets you install/uninstall and explore apps from the pc. Link: http://www.softpedia.com/get/Mobile-Phone-Tools/Droid-Explorer.shtml#download
42. Mobikin Assistant for Android
One of the earliest data retrieving programs for backup of phone data. Get it here: http://www.mobikin.com/download.html
43. One Click Root
A fast, simple and safe one click rooting solution for your smartphone. Link: https://www.oneclickroot.com/download/
44. Mobikin Transfer for MobileAndroid Download Software For Mac Windows 10
One of the widely used transfer software for Android and iOS devices. Try for free: http://www.mobikin.com/download.html
45. Android Multi-Install Tool
Lets you install multiple APK files on your Android device using the debugging mode via pc. Download: http://www.freewarefiles.com/Android-Multi-Install-Tool_program_98937.html
46. Android Manager WiFi
It is a free software that syncs phone and pc and enables edit and backup of phone data. It can be found at: http://download.cnet.com/Android-Manager-WiFi/3000-10440_4-75322116.html
47. Odin3How To Download Mac Software For Free
You can update your phone OS, firmware and overwrite system files using this pc app.It is free: http://odin3.en.lo4d.com/
48. Android Commander
Featuring a dual panel interface, this is a fast and small size Android phone manager. Link: http://android-commander.en.lo4d.com/
49. Bluetooth Phone Transfer Software
A Bluetooth file transferring program for Android and iOS devices and pc. Download for free: http://bluetooth-phone-transfer-software.en.lo4d.com/
50. CyanogenMod Installer
This lets you install the best Android OS Cyanogen in your phone through your pc. Get it here: http://cyanogenmod-installer.en.softonic.com/
These are some of the free Android apps that you need to check out. Which one did you list the most? Let us know. If this guide helps, don't forget to share it with your friends.
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
Cons
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
Cons
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
Cons
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
Cons
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.
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
Cons
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)
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.
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