Useful Apps For Macbook Air

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  • Oct 08, 2019.
  • May 27, 2020.

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?

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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.

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.

Apps

Pros

  • Easy to Install and Manage
  • Best optimization for apps
  • Offers a standard Android experience

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)

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.

Every gadget, nowadays, needs various applications that can enhance the usability of your device. Whenever one thing about apps, the first thing that comes to mind is the app icon that performs amazing functions for the gadget.

Between best free apps available on the internet, Apple’s App store provides the best applications for the MacBook that serves a great purpose for your Mac device.

Are you still confused which application to pick when you have such an immense variety available? Here are some of the best free apps available for your Mac.

Go for Instagram

If you have been struggling with the speed of bluestack android emulator while using any application that is not officially available on MacBook, Go for Instagram is what you were looking for to use Instagram on PC.

Almost every guide on the internet about “Using Instagram on MacBook” is telling you about installing an android emulator. Forget it and open your app store once.

Dropbox

While you are looking for a perfect app where you can store all your necessary data and media, Dropbox turns out to be the best option for you. It is considered to be the necessary app which provides a free space of up to 2.5GB.

Considering the accessibility of the storage app, as soon as you upload your data via WiFi (that works with any connection), you can even access it offline to have a look at your important files.

The app is similar to that of Google Drive for Android users and will never let you down as far as the security of your storage is concerned.

You can download the DMG file from Dropbox website.

Shareit

Now that this awesome application is available for your MacBook as well. You can share files, videos, pictures or almost anything using your MacBook with anyone with share it installed. No matter which operating system the second person is using.

It has proved to be a boon for everyone (Mac users, Windows Users, iOS users and Android users for sure.)

WhatsApp Desktop

Downloading a messaging app for your MacBook is really a fun. This one is nothing more than a web app. You can do that on your favorite web browser too.

But how about distraction-free chatting? 😛

You would love it. It is free for every Mac user on the app store.

Appcleaner

Like you anti-virus software that clean your device and protect your device from any internal damages, AppCleaner is there for you to clean your beautiful applications and keep it safe to function.

Apart from cleaning the apps, the cleaning app simply removes the unwanted elements from your device permanently.

Apple Macbook Air Apps

Out of amazing app cleaners, AppCleaner turns out to be the fastest and costs nothing. It is such an awesome utility for your machine to keep it clean and optimized.

Chrome

You may find yourself comfortable with Safari but as far as advanced features are concerned, Google Chrome offers more fun. Chrome will turn out to be a faster browser than safari.

As far as its other features are concerned, it can sync all the information automatically through its bookmark, recent search, history, open tabs and much more.

Useful Apps For Macbook Air 2019

Simplenote

There are times when you need to write down your thoughts or something important but do not find any place to write. In that case, SimpleNote offers you the best note-taking application that simply needs the user’s interface.

The app is not simply a digital notebook but comes with more amazing features such as amazing typography, pays attention to grip and places to store.

Utorrent

While you are busy installing some beneficial applications, there is always a place of entertainment on your device. To be able to download movies, videos, and songs, you need to install UTorrent, a free app that would provide you entertaining files.

Torrent offers smart and fast set-up, easily usable interface, excessive torrent information and more that makes it easy to use the app.

Cloud app

Useful Apps For Macbook Pro

Finding difficulty in sharing important files and data with the other person or another device?

Now you don’t have to worry anymore as Cloudapp will make it easier as it will let you transfer files from one device to the other.

All you have to do is drag the file to the cloud app and the WiFi will help you upload your files online.

Apps For Macbook Air Free

Out of an immense number of applications available, these are the necessary ones that would give you amazing Mac experience. Install these applications for free and make your device even more interesting.