It is now easy to play Android games on your PC using emulators. Emulators are programs that let you play games and run apps that wouldn’t work on your computer. These emulators run slower on the secondary device and potentially take a lot of processing power.
If you have been researching ways to play Android games on your PC, you may have bumped into BlueStacks and Nox. These two common emulators are easy to use, fun, and ingenious. As their demand grows, more and more emulators are introduced to the market.
But with BlueStacks and Nox being the most preferred options, you could be torn on which one to choose. Worry not because in this article, we will be comparing the two.
Before we get down to digging these tools, let me quickly answer the question. BlueStacks is better between Nox and BlueStacks.
Read on to find out why BlueStacks is the winner.
BlueStacks vs Nox – What Are They?
BlueStacks
BlueStacks is one of the most popular emulators for running Android apps on PC and Mac computers. It does this by creating a virtual version of your Android device with over two million games to discover.
The tool was created in 2011 and is maintained by the BlueStacks business. BlueStacks allows you to enjoy all Android games, including Fortnite, Clash of Clans (COC), Grand Theft Auto (GTA), and Player Unknown Battle Ground (PUBG), among others.
It does not look exactly like an Android smartphone, but it slightly resembles a smartphone’s screen that even a newbie will not have a problem using.
BlueStacks is free to download and use. It is fully optimized for gamers but gives access to Google PlayStore, where you can download any app using your Google account.
BlueStacks considers itself the number one app player for PC and Mac. You can either download and play mobile games or instantly play them in the BlueStacks browser in HD.
It has multiple customization options to play games based on your unique preferences. It also has an integrated gaming wallet to give you rewards, offers, and tokens for playing on the platform.
To enjoy BlueStacks, you need a PC with Windows 7 or higher. You also need at least a 5 GB hard drive space and a modern multi-core CPU to run BlueStacks successfully.
If you are using Mac, ensure it uses MacOS version 10.12 and above. 8 GB RAM is highly recommended. Your Mac should also have a multi-core CPU to work well with BlueStacks.
BlueStacks also claims its latest version is six times faster than any mobile device. While this is a bold claim, you have every reason to try and ascertain the claim.
You can download games to your BlueStacks dashboard from PlayStore or use APKs. It’s essential to note that your device’s specifications determine the overall performance of BlueStacks.
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Nox
Nox considers itself the perfect Android emulator for playing mobile games on PC. Popularly known as NoxPlayer, the tool is fully optimized for both games and apps.
It is a perfect emulator built by a company called BigNox. It is compatible with almost all apps and games, from social networking apps to big games like PUBG mobile.
The Hong-Kong based emulator was released in 2015. Nox has attracted over 15 million users across 150 countries.
NoxPlayer promises a smooth and stable gaming experience. It is relatively new to the market, but you can count on it for high-quality games. Its operating system is based on the Android 4.4.2 version. The version allows you to use any app within the Android catalog.
Already tons of Android users are familiar with Nox. The tool offers customization options to help you create custom app controls simply and intuitively. Within seconds, you can quickly configure your computer keyboard to adapt its keypads to all Android games.
NoxPlayer works with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10. If you are using Mac, ensure that your MacOS version is 10.12 or 10.11. Your computer should also have a dual-core processor, RAM of 2 GB, and storage size of at least 2 GB.
Nox supports controllers and gamepads, meaning you can connect your controller to run multiple instances simultaneously.
While Android might limit you to one game at a time, NoxPlayer allows you to play up to four games simultaneously using multiple game accounts. It has a micro-recorder option that allows you to record your on-screen operations and execute a recorded script.
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BlueStacks vs Nox – Getting started
BlueStacks
- Open your browser and visit http://www.bluestacks.com/
- Start the download process by clicking on “Download BlueStacks”
- Click save and run the exe download file. Note that the download and install process may take a long time on slow internet or slow computers.
- BlueStacks should automatically run after installation. Again, this may take time, depending on the internet speed and computer efficiency.
- Once BlueStacks starts, it gives you options to sign into your Google account to access, install, or use Android apps from PlayStore.
Nox
1. Download Nox from its official page https://www.bignox.com/
2. To Install Nox on your computer
- Double-click on the exe file you just downloaded
- Customize your install path by clicking on custom
- Choose the path you wish to install your NoxPlayer
- If any ads pop up during installation click on reject to avoid installing suspicious files.
- If you encounter any problem during the process, seek help through the FAQ tab in the right corner.
3. Turn on your player
4. Introduce NoxPlayer to your PC through the following steps:
- Use the search bar to look for the game you wish to play
- Use Nox’s built-in browser to search the internet
- Click on the built-in apps to create an app center to discover more games and apps
BlueStacks vs Nox – Features
BlueStacks
Interface
BlueStacks has a simple interface for a better gaming experience. Its home screen does not emulate any specific Android version or smartphone screen. But it’s easy to use for any Android user.
On the home screen, you’ll notice a Google PlayStore icon, a collection of system apps, and settings. On the side of Windows is a toolbar to help you access various features, program modes, take screenshots, rotate your display, and more.
You’ll also find a separate settings icon to adjust the tool’s settings on the interface. You can navigate BlueStacks using the home, back, and the recent apps icon at the bottom right.
Integrations
BlueStacks seamlessly integrates with your PC device with its peripherals, including a keyboard, mouse, and webcam.
It has partnered with Big Fish for better mobile game integrations. The partnership sought to allow Android developers to monetize apps in the Big Fish platform, which has over 4,000 PC games.
Game Controls
BlueStacks allows for key mapping, meaning you can easily customize controls and assign them any key you prefer. It allows you to use a mouse, an essential factor for better performance in FPS games.
BlueStacks also allows you to play multiple games through split-screening and simultaneously play the same game using different accounts.
It launched a multi-instance sync feature, enabling you to sync movements across split screens.
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Macros
Macros are exciting BlueStacks features that automate and replicate tedious tasks in real time. Macros work with most games but are effective with conquest games and RPGs.
With Macros, you can record a series of actions on any section of BlueStacks, including the home screen, and bind it to a button on your keyboard or mouse. Macros later replicate such actions with 100% precision.
Real Time Translation
BlueStacks allows you to play your favorite game in the language of your choice. Its real time translation feature will enable people from the western side to access games from Asian markets, including China, Japan, and Korea.
Nox
Interface
The fact that Nox is lighter makes it simpler. Additionally, its minimalistic nature makes it user-friendly. Nox’s interface allows for multi-instance gaming, although multi-sync is yet to be added as an official feature.
Nox added to its interface two exciting features: macro recording and script recording, which allow you to record movements and operations for future execution. The features are helpful for strategy games.
Virtualization Technology
One feature that makes Nox unique is its virtualization technology, VT. VT allows NoxPlayer to run on isolated programs on single server hardware.
VT is a crucial reason why Nox is efficient in resource utilization. Single-server hardware can help speed up the game’s performance since all commands are executed under one roof.
Integrations
Nox integrates with your PC to bring your favorite games and social media apps to your screen. Once you install NoxPlayer to your computer, you can quickly search and install social media apps from Google PlayStore or AppStore.
Some social apps that integrate seamlessly with the Nox emulator to help you share experiences with friends and community include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Messenger, Pinterest, Reddit, WeChat, and Tumblr.
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Rooting and Shooting Capabilities
Nox has advanced features allowing users to root it within 60 seconds. If you have used any Android emulator, you understand rooting can be complicated. This is not the case with Nox, as it allows you to set root permissions directly from its settings.
Typically, Android emulators come with Key Mapping systems. Most have fundamental features such as gravity sensors, virtual keys, and direction control.
Nox offers advanced shooting options, which are helpful with FPS gamers as they place them ahead of the competition.
BlueStacks vs Nox – Pricing
BlueStacks
BlueStacks is a standard Android emulator with outstanding features to revolutionize the gaming experience. It is one of the most stable emulators, available for free download and use.
Nox
Nox is a free and one of the best Android emulators developed by the Nox Company. The best part about NoxPlayer is that you don’t need to install most games and apps as they are pre-installed.
BlueStacks vs Nox – Similarities and Differences
Similarities
BlueStacks and Nox are among the top Android game emulators available. Several considerations go into choosing the emulator that stands out against each other, but both perform well.
The two are robust and reliable emulators that have served users for a while. Despite their security cracks, BlueStacks and Nox have gained public trust for their performance.
The UI of Nox and BlueStacks is continually improving for better compatibility with the new Android versions. Their features are also updated regularly to save you from bugs.
Both emulators have several similar features. In both platforms, you’ll find disk clean-up, multiple instances, and critical mapping features.
BlueStacks and Nox have a good mix of processing power and graphics, enabling them to run heavy games like FPS consistently and smoothly. They both allow you to experience Android gaming and app features on non-Android devices.
BlueStacks and Nox are safe for your computer. As a US company, BlueStacks follows US Data Security and Privacy to protect your personal information and data. Nox is a Chinese company that also does an excellent job protecting your device against any network attack.
This aspect in itself is more than what any user could ask for. But beyond their similarities, these tools offer competitive features that keep them in a fierce race.
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Differences
BlueStacks and Nox user interfaces are equally intuitive. However, they have notable differences, where BlueStacks has optimized its entire user interface for gameplay at all levels but with fewer controls.
On the other hand, Nox offers an excellent set of controls you can freely use while playing a game or using an Android app.
BlueStacks does not work well with older versions and low-end computer systems. However, you’ll experience no problem running NoxPlayer on your old PC or Mac.
BlueStacks has better features than Nox. Its high FPS mode ensures that you experience a better gaming experience while shooting and MOBA modes accommodate specific game genres.
Nox is quiet about its features. You can quickly point out its core features with a simple analysis. Nox gets close to PC-gaming controls using its innovative control options and runs multiple versions using its multi-chance feature.
Nox is easier to use thanks to its simple UI for easy customization. BlueStacks also has customization options, but they are based on your RAM size.
Nox is lighter than BlueStacks. Despite the size difference, Nox still has some of BlueStacks’ features, including keyboard and controller mappings.
If you have used BlueStacks before, you’ll agree that its setup requires you to disable the defender and firewall to proceed. However, Nox, which is lighter, doesn’t require you to disable your computer’s security provisions for installation.
BlueStacks vs Nox – Pros and Cons
BlueStacks Pros
- It works like an Android device.
- It is simple to set up with a user-friendly UI.
- BlueStacks allows you to download games and apps directly from Google PlayStore for free.
- It seamlessly integrates with computer peripherals, so you can freely use a webcam, mouse, and other devices to play your favorite game.
- It doesn’t use a lot of RAM.
- It offers several exciting features like syncing apps between smartphones and Windows via a cloud connect app.
- It allows you to play multiple games.
BlueStacks Cons
- BlueStacks might not be compatible with some of the latest apps and games.
- It might be detected as a virus by some anti-virus software.
- Its custom screen can be confusing. At a glance, you may think you have all apps installed, but clicking on the apps will redirect you to Google PlayStore, where you can download and install the apps.
Nox Pros
- NoxPlayer is easy-to-use with a primary and straightforward UI.
- It emulates the operating system of your Android smartphone to allow you to run games and apps smoothly.
- It is fast and steady. It does not lag or hang even when playing games with high graphics.
- NoxPlayer has great compatibility. It is excellent with apps and games, including new and famous titles.
- It supports multi-stage: Mac and Windows PC.
- It supports an outline board and joystick.
- NoxPlayer has a natural key mapping feature that enables games and application controls.
- It allows you to change the settings to what you want. For instance, you can play on a full-screen, 720p, or HD resolution.
- Nox will not cause harm to your PC as long as you have enough RAM as it runs on virtualization.
Nox Cons
- You are likely to encounter installation issues. While most apps are easy to install through Nox, you may install malicious apps, such as Chromium, alongside the NoxPlayer app.
- You might experience lags while using Nox based on your system configuration and specs, such as RAM, hard drive space, CPU, and graphics card.
Final Words: BlueStacks vs Nox – Which is Better?
You now understand how Nox and BlueStacks perform as Android emulators. Your preferences determine the emulator you choose. Since they are free, you may need to try both to decide what will work for your needs.
The two have gaming expertise and comparable features. Nonetheless, BlueStacks has better functionality.
While Nox is light and perfect for anyone who’s not meticulous about customization, BlueStacks is ahead of Nox in years of innovation and development.
For this reason, BlueStacks is a logical option if you are looking for the best performance and power for playing Android games on Mac and PC.
