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Head-to-head · Android Emulators for PC

BlueStacks App Player vs GameLoop

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score BlueStacks App Player #1 in Android Emulators for PC 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 5 features Visit BlueStacks
GameLoop #7 in Android Emulators for PC 7.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 5 features Visit GameLoop

BlueStacks App Player leads on 0 checks, GameLoop on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreBlueStacks App Player · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth

BlueStacks App Player scores higher on our rubric for android emulators for pc: 9.3 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.

BlueStacks App Player is the better fit for most PC users wanting a full-featured emulator. GameLoop is the better fit for windows gamers focused on game optimization.

  • BlueStacks App Player fits best

    Most PC users wanting a full-featured emulator

  • GameLoop fits best

    Windows gamers focused on game optimization

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Side by side

Feature BlueStacks App Player 9.3/10 Visit ↗ GameLoop 7.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 7.8
Ranking #1 in Android Emulators for PC #7 in Android Emulators for PC
Best for Most PC users wanting a full-featured emulator Windows gamers focused on game optimization
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price $7.99/mo Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS Windows
Features BlueStacks App Player 2/5 · GameLoop 2/5
Windows support Not checked yet Not checked yet
macOS support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Google Play access Not checked yet Not checked yet
Multi-instance mode ✓ ✓
Keyboard mapping ✓ ✓
Specs
Android version Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Free access with Google Play Store sign-in and APK/XAPK installs
  • Multi-instance management with cloning and several Android runtime versions
  • Custom key mapping, gamepad support, and performance controls
  • Free Windows access with customizable keyboard mappings
  • Gamepad controls include key mapping and controller macros
  • Multi-instance support, recording, optimization, and anti-cheat tools
Cons
  • BlueStacks Prime costs $7.99 per month
  • The paid tier is optional rather than part of the free experience
  • Users requiring root access may need another emulator
  • Windows is the only listed desktop platform
  • Focused on gaming rather than broad emulator flexibility
  • Google Play access is not presented as a core product capability
Our verdict

BlueStacks App Player runs Android apps and games on Windows and Mac computers. It is aimed at PC users who want desktop access to mobile apps, Google Play Store sign-in, APK and XAPK installation, keyboard and mouse controls, gamepad…

Read the review →

GameLoop is a free Android emulator for Windows PCs, designed primarily for running mobile games and applications with PC-oriented controls. It is aimed at players who want keyboard and controller input, game discovery, multiple emulator…

Read the review →
  1. BlueStacks App PlayerAndroid Emulators for PC 9.3Free plan
  2. GameLoopAndroid Emulators for PC 7.8Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • BlueStacks App Player — where it wins

    • Free access with Google Play Store sign-in and APK/XAPK installs
    • Multi-instance management with cloning and several Android runtime versions
    • Custom key mapping, gamepad support, and performance controls

    Where it doesn't

    • BlueStacks Prime costs $7.99 per month
    • The paid tier is optional rather than part of the free experience
    • Users requiring root access may need another emulator
  • GameLoop — where it wins

    • Free Windows access with customizable keyboard mappings
    • Gamepad controls include key mapping and controller macros
    • Multi-instance support, recording, optimization, and anti-cheat tools

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows is the only listed desktop platform
    • Focused on gaming rather than broad emulator flexibility
    • Google Play access is not presented as a core product capability
  • BlueStacks App Player9.3/10 · Free plan

    A full-featured free emulator with Google Play, multi-instance tools, and optional premium extras.

    Visit BlueStacksFull verdict →
  • GameLoop7.8/10 · Free plan

    A free, gaming-focused Windows emulator with strong controls and optimization tools.

    Visit GameLoopFull verdict →

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update