5 Best Free Android Emulators for Linux [2022]

• A very limited number of Android emulators work perfectly on Linux computers.
• Some of them even allow users to test and debug Android apps for development purposes.
• I have gathered a list of the 5 Best Free Android Emulators for Linux, which I would like to share with you.

List of Best Free Android Emulators for Linux

Android-x86

Android-x86 is a project that ports Google’s Android mobile operating system to Intel x86 compatible systems. The port uses QEMU to run the Android userspace on top of the Linux kernel, with additional patches to hardware-enabled the necessary parts of Android.

The name “x86” comes from processors in this family being the dominant processor family for PCs since the 80386 (and especially since 486), and PC support is one of Android’s primary use cases.

A good facility about Android-x86 is that it fully supports Google Play Services, so users can easily use it to install Android applications on their Linux devices. Else, it works on all networks and allows a user to customize themes, whenever he pleases.

Further, the developers keep providing Android OS updates, so users can install updated versions of their desired applications. Also, it contains a simple UI, which is easy to use and benefit from.

Installing Android-x86 on Linux

First of all, you need to download the ISO or rpm file of Android-x86 on your system. Afterward, build a bootable USB drive to compile the ISO packages. To start, you can need to execute the following command including your USB drive’s name:

$ dd if=android-x86_64-9.0-r1.iso of=/dev/isQ

In the above command, change “isQ” with your device’s name.

Once your system is restarted, you will be directed to the boot menu, from where you need to execute the following commands:

For Debian-based Linux OS:

sudo apt install alien
sudo alien -ci android-.rpm

For Red Hat-based Linux OS:

sudo rpm -Uvh android-x86-9.0-r1.x86_64.rpm

Once Android-x86 is installed on your Linux system, you can then use the available Google Play Store to install your preffered Android applications.

AVD

AVD is a high-quality, open-source Android OS emulator for Linux. The project was started by me (Rich Spooner) back in 1999 but hit many snags along the way due to lack of motivation until recently. My main goal with AVD is to provide a free alternative to commercial emulators such as VBjin/VBWin etc.

This Android emulator for Linux can be used by both developers and end-users. Because it also contains Android Studio IDE, which can be used to test and run apk packages. It also lets developers test the sensors, so they can fix any sensitivity issues. Even developers can test augmented reality by using the code editor available in AVD.

We all know that Android Studio is a product of Google, so users get full support from Play Services within this program. So it can be used to create applications for devices that support Android OS.

Installing AVD on Linux

Users are first required to install Android SDK on Linux because it’s the only way to initiate AVD. For that, they need to perform the proper set of instructions required to install Android Studio on Linux.

Once they are successful in installing Android SDK, they need to launch it and use its virtual device manager to install any number of Android emulators.

Next up, use the native Google Play Store to install Android applications on Linux from the official source.

Bliss OS

Bliss OS is an Android emulator with a unique approach to computing. It’s the first of its kind, built from the ground up with the user in mind.

Are you tired of navigating through lengthy menus to get where you want? Does your current operating system feel like it was made for someone else? For those who want something better, there is Bliss OS. A revolutionary new way to use and interact with Android OS has arrived.

The interface of Bliss OS is quite fascinating, it allows a user to customize the interface size. Also, it offers tons of customizations like the installation of Custom ROMs. This facility can be a lot beneficial for developers and end-users who like to take advantage of rooted Android OS.

Installing Bliss OS on Linux

The installation process of Bliss OS is quite similar to Android-x86. All you have to do is get the stable file of Bliss OS from its official source and perform the same steps that I have explained in the installation of Android-x86.

This emulator also has native support for Google Play Services, so you will have no difficulty installing Android applications.

Genymotion

Genymotion is an app that allows users to test their apps and software on a variety of devices without having to purchase each device.

It can be a good alternative for AVD since it also has support for Android Studio. And a user is provided with the option of using the cloud or desktop services.

This Android emulator can be used by professionals, users who are willing to run and debug their Android packages can benefit a lot from it. Because it’s secure and supports ADB to help you keep yourself safe.

It’s also a good solution for users who don’t want to get into the process of installing Genymotion on their desktop. Because it can be used online using the latest web browser.

Anbox

Anbox is a desktop-style Android environment for Linux OS, which allows Android apps to run. It’s not an emulator like Bluestacks. Anbox runs the Android OS within its own custom-built Linux container so it doesn’t break anything on your system.

As a bonus, it will also allow you to run multiple Android instances at once! Anbox is currently in early testing and development, so there are of course some bugs and missing features, but overall I’m quite fascinated by the services provided by Anbox.

The only problem with Anbox is that it doesn’t support Google Play Store. So to install an Android application, you will have to go with the manual installation process. You will be required to upload and install the APK files.

Further, it might interest you that Anbox also allows a user to install other operating systems, besides Android OS. Support for operating systems like LuneOS and Sailfish OS is also available.

Installing Anbox on Linux

Users are first required to install Snap by executing the provided command:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install snapd

To install Anbox on Linux:

sudo snap install --devmode --beta anbox

To support the installation of Android APK files, install ADB:

$ sudo apt install adb

To install an Android app using its APK file:

$ adb install path/to/app.apk

Change “app” in the above-provided command with your desired application’s name.

Thereafter, run the installed application directly from the interface of Anbox.

That’s all, thanks for your time spent reading the 5 Best Free Android Emulators for Linux at it’sDailyTech.