Replace APK Emulators with Real Android Devices
Don’t bother with APK emulators. Instantly test APKs on real Android devices from Samsung, OnePlus, Pixel, etc., for accurate testing.
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Features
Real Android Device Cloud
Test Android APK files on real devices without the hassle of maintaining device labs. Instant, browser-based access to the latest and most popular Android devices. No APK Emulators.
Comprehensive Android versions
Choose from our exhaustive range of Android devices like Pixel, Nexus, Galaxy, etc. running on 11, 10, Pie (9), Oreo (8), Nougat (7), Marshmallow (6), Lollipop (5.0, 5), Kitkat (4) etc.
Debug with ease
Debug your Android APK instantly using device logs, browser console, and network logs, crash logs, video recordings and screenshots for every test you run.
Test development servers
Test your native, hybrid and mobile apps on internal dev and staging environments by utilizing the secure, encrypted BrowserStack tunnel. No set-up required.
Integrate effortlessly
Easily Integrate BrowserStack with Android test automation frameworks like Espresso, Appium, etc. to run your automated Android tests.
Speed up test runs
Release Android builds faster by running tests concurrently across devices. Reduce test execution time by more than 10x by using the parallel tests on BrowserStack device cloud.
Android OS Versions we support
Frequently Asked Questions
An APK emulator (also known as an Android emulator) is a software program that helps users simulate the Android operating system on their computer. It is used to test Android apps directly on testers’ workstations without requiring access to particular Android devices.
First thing’s first, the term APK emulator is technically a misnomer, referring to the Android emulator. It is interchangeably used with the term “Android emulator”.
Android emulators primarily help developers to simulate the Android environment on their workstations. This means that they can directly test Android apps on their system, even if they don’t own the target device. Emulators are useful options for debugging android apps in the initial stages of development.
To run an APK file, one needs to use an emulator in Android Studio (SDK for Android app development) or a third-party emulator that allows running APK files directly on Windows or macOS.
Refer to this detailed documentation by Android Studio to understand how to run an APK file on an Android emulator.
An APK emulator enables developers or QAs to create a virtual Android environment on their workstations regardless of the underlying operating system. This allows them to test applications on a variety of devices and Android API levels without needing to have each physical device in hand.
APK emulators are handy alternatives for simulating Android devices during the initial stages of development and testing of APK files.
On the other hand, testing on real devices is mandatory once an application is completely developed as it tests apps in real user conditions. This, in turn, helps QAs identify and resolve critical bugs that need to be fixed prior to public release.
Yes, one can locally test APK files on their PC using BrowserStack. One just needs to:
- Signup for free on BrowserStack App Live or purchase a suitable plan.
- Navigate to the App Live dashboard.
- Upload the APK file and choose the desired Android device to test on.
- Start testing.
An Android emulator comes integrated with the Android Studio (SDK for Android app development). This means developers already using Android Studio do not need to explicitly install an emulator to test APK files.
Refer to this detailed documentation to understand how to install an Android emulator and test APK files on Android Studio.
On the contrary, users seeking to run APK files directly on their workstations without any complex setup can use any third-party emulator like BlueStacks available on the web.
BrowserStack provides instant access to the latest and legacy versions of real Android devices from popular vendors like Samsung, OnePlus, Motorola, etc.
Developers and QAs just need to sign up, upload the APK file, select the Android device they want to test on, and start testing.
Testers do not have to worry about buying or updating devices, browsers, or operating systems. This means teams do not need to worry about any complex setup, financial investment, or efforts for upgradation.
Essentially, BrowserStack provides a comprehensive and secure cloud-based test infrastructure that is instantly accessible at all times, from anywhere in the world.
