5 Best Linux Emulators on Android
Linux is the best known OS by developers for its versatile open source code. You can easily download it for free and modify it the way you want. It’s almost everywhere. It’s used on watches, home appliances, satellites, cars, and even our smartphones. Come let’s enjoy the versatility of Linux emulators on Android.
In terms of security, Linux is more secure than Windows. It respects your privacy. You don’t have to worry about logs and uploading data generated from your devices. You don’t even have to use a commercial anti-virus or anti-malware package. Isn’t that awesome?
If you are a Linux user, you may want to enjoy the freedom this OS provides to your smartphone. Who says you can’t have a working Linux desktop on your Android device? If you are still skeptical, read on and find out.
Through the help of an emulator, you can enable the imitation of functions of one computer system onto another. The common Android emulators for Windows are Bluestacks, MEmu, and Nox Player, among others. These are usually meant to target Android gamers.
Similar to running the Android software on Windows or Linux, you can also run it on Linux. With a Linux emulator app, you can use your favorite Linux tools and enjoy its graphical environment on your Android phone.
What Can You Use Linux for?
- For security purposes
- To host a website or web app
- To automate things in your home
- For hacking
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5 Best Linux Emulators on Android
You see, Linux can be used for almost anything from supercomputers, personal computers to even your smartphones. Scroll down to discover one of our best Linux emulator picks for Android.
Andronix – Linux on Android (Without Root)
Andronix is our top choice, which lets you install a Linux system on your Android device without any root. It has 1M+ downloads on Play Store and Website, where you get easy access. It uses PRoot to run your Linux distribution on an Android device and uses Termux as the terminal for this Andronix operating system.
It is free, and you don’t have to worry about a multi-booting system because you can have all modded and unmodded OS installed on your device and all 12 OS, which gives you enough storage space for all the applications. Install whatever you want and uninstall you’re done using the app.
Requirements
- Termux F-droid version is required.
- Android version should be above version 7.0
- Device architecture supported.
| Pros | Cons |
| No roots required | Not supported for older Android version |
| Andronix’s layout is excellent | |
| It supports and performs well. |
2. Busybox (Root Required)
Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3usyRh-JYYI
Busybox is one of the fastest software that can let you enjoy Linux tools from your Android device. It has over 20 million downloads and 100,000 5-star ratings. It’s the only app that doesn’t require internet permissions and is ad-free.
Note: Before you install this app, you need to root your phone. (Root Android Without Computer or PC (5 Methods)
Requirements
- VNC Viewer
- Linux Deploy
Pros
- Super fast
- It’s lightweight
Cons
- Requires root
- Late updates
- It’s not supported by some Android phones
- No instructions on how to use it
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3. GNURoot Debian (No Root Required)
Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q95bnGp42ts
GNURoot Debian provides you with a way to install and use Linux on your phone for free without root. It is expandable so you can download any applications you want to.
Requirements
- XServer XSDL
Pros
- It doesn’t require root
- It supports all functions of Kali Linux tools
- It’s a lightweight app
Cons
- Doesn’t work on newer versions of Android
- It’s no longer maintained
- It installs on internal storage
4. Debian No Root (No Root Required)
Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_GqtFsVtgQ
Debian no root is one of the best solutions for accessing Linux solutions.
Note: Android 6.0 Marshmallow is not supported!
This app will download Debian Jessie.
Pros
- It doesn’t require root
- It has the most simplistic installation
Cons
- It’s not frequently updated
- It’s not a full Debian OS
- It’s slow
- It’s not suitable for small screen size phones
5. Limbo PC Emulator (No Root Required)
Pros
- It runs Linux well
- It’s lightweight
Cons
- It’s very slow
- You need to have an ARM CPU on the phone
- It has some bugs
- It requires enough RAM
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to run Linux on an Android phone?
Download a Linus installer app from the Google Play Store with or without rooting your device because some systems require rooting. Several apps are available; just install them and get started using its feature on your Android device.
Can I replace Android with Linux?
At first, you’ll need to check whether your device is compatible with your smartphone. While you can’t replace the Linux system on Android tablets, it’s worth trying once.
Is Android the same as Linux?
Android kernel is derived from Linux. However, It’s completely not the same.
Can we install other OS on Android phones?
Android devices are always open to customizing their device to update and reinstall your device’s new OS in simple steps. A new Android OS will replace the manufacturer’s modded version with a clean, stock version.
Final Words
With these free Linux emulators, you can use your favorite Linux apps on your Android phone. Enjoy the security it provides which allows you to save money for other things.
If you decide to install these apps, you must know that you’re doing it at your own risk, especially those that may require you to root your phone. Rooting can brick your phone, making it useless. Unless you’ve had experience or know your smartphone well, you can go ahead.
Have you tried one of these Linux emus to run the Linux OS on your Android device? If so, tell us how it worked out for you in the comments below.
