BlueStacks 5 beta brings Android emulation to ARM devices

BlueStacks 4
BlueStacks 4 (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • BlueStacks 5 beta is now available for download.
  • The Android emulator has been rewritten and now uses 40 percent less RAM.
  • BlueStacks 5 beta supports ARM devices, including the Surface Pro X.

BlueStacks is one of the most popular Android emulators available. The makers of the emulator recently announced BlueStacks 5 beta, which includes several improvements over BlueStacks 4 that came out in 2018. The app now uses 40 percent less RAM, has new features, and supports ARM devices like the Surface Pro X.

The latest version of BlueStacks is a complete rewrite of the app. The two main benefits of this rewrite are reduced RAM usage and support for ARM devices. It also has a 40 percent faster setup time and a library of over 2 million games.

"ARM devices have a big advantage over x86 devices for running Android Apps as they don't need binary translation. Our support for ARM reflects the work we have been doing for the last three years," says Sharad Agawarwal, chief architect for BlueStacks 5.

The emulator also has FPS lock and Long-flight features that make it better for longer play sessions. According to its developers, it should have more consistent FPS figures during gaming. It also has an Eco-mode that makes multitasking more efficient.

While there's plenty of good news when it comes to BlueStacks 5, Android Authority highlights a major weakness. According to Android Authority, BlueStacks 5 still uses Android 7.1.2 Nougat, which came out in 2016.

Using a version of Android from four years ago could cause compatibility issues going forward. Four years is a long time in terms of Android app support, and some app developers may move away from Nougat soon if they haven't already.

While the press release announcing BlueStacks 5 beta mentions ARM support, the emulator's page only lists Intel and AMD processors as supported at this time. It seems that ARM support will be available in the future.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_. 

Latest in Windows 10
Windows 10 Find My Device
How to enable Find My Device on Windows 10 to recover your PC if it's ever lost or stolen
Outlook Client Hero
Microsoft just made Windows 10 worse, and there's (almost) nothing you can do about it
Windows 10 Start menu on HP ZBook Studio G4
Microsoft will retroactively downgrade this part of Windows 10 next month
Former Microsoft Executive Vice President Terry Myerson stands in front of a presentation about Windows 10
Microsoft addresses the 'elephant in the room,' discusses upcoming end of Windows 10 support
Surface Hub 2S
Windows 10 for PCs is not the only version of Windows to reach end of support this year
Windows Insider program settings
Microsoft shuts down the Windows 10 Beta Channel just five months after reopening it
Latest in News
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Zombies mode screenshots for Shattered Veil map.
The next Call of Duty Zombies map, "Shattered Veil", is dropping earlier than expected
Helldivers 2
The new Helldivers 2 Illuminate Major Order is so important that we got a new stratagem for it
Hogwarts Legacy troll hero image
Hogwarts Legacy DLC reportedly canceled by WB Games
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege
Rumored Ubisoft and Tencent agreement comes to fruition with 25% stake and new division for the Assassin's Creed developer
In-game screenshot of the player consuming an enemy in Shadow Labyrinth
This isn't your grandpa's Pac-Man — Bandai Namco's iconic character gets a gritty new action game this Summer
Key art for Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D remake
Every PC and Xbox game shown off during Nintendo Direct March 2025