BlueStacks vs Andy
When comparing BlueStacks vs Andy, the Slant community recommends BlueStacks for most people. In the question“What are the best ways to run/emulate Android on a PC?” BlueStacks is ranked 7th while Andy is ranked 12th. The most important reason people chose BlueStacks is:
For end users who are not developers, Bluestacks is perfect for the simple reason that it is just one click install, one just need to download the package and install it on windows or Mac to start accessing games and apps. It is just simple!
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Easy to use and set up
For end users who are not developers, Bluestacks is perfect for the simple reason that it is just one click install, one just need to download the package and install it on windows or Mac to start accessing games and apps. It is just simple!
Pro Designed with gaming in mind
Pro Creates shortcuts for Android apps
A folder on the desktop with shortcuts to apps will be created. Opening a shortcut will start up BlueStacks and run the selected app.
Pro Decent performance
Pro No need to register in order to download and install
Only a Google account is needed, which is the same as setting up an Android phone.
Pro Can install apps from Stores and from APK files
Installing apps from APK files is important for developing purposes.
Pro Can run multiple instances
Now, running multiple instances of BlueStacks is possible even with different Google Accounts.
Pro Can transfer files between BlueStacks and Windows host
There are shared folders for this purpose.
Pro Built-in search allows quickly looking up and installing apps
Pro You can use BlueStack tweaker (portable), then you can access root and easily transfer files
You can not only transfer from Windows to Android storage (from BlueStack tweaker), but you can also delete or rename a file from it and also access themes and other options.
Pro Can be rooted
To root Andy download this rootkit, extract the archive and run AndyRootkit30.exe. It comes with frequently installed root applications that can be installed in the process and also allows unrooting Andy.
Pro Easy to get started
As long as virtualization is enabled in BIOS, the setup is straightforward. Simply download, install, run. First time the software runs it will ask to either log in with a Google account or create one allowing it to download software directly from the Play Store.

Pro The virtual machine Andy runs in is highly customizable
With some tinkering, Andy can be set up to run with up to 3GB of RAM, the current Android 32bit RAM limit. It allows for a smooth experience and offers enough power to have multiple apps running simultaneously. The VM can even add more virtual CPU cores to Andy, doubling it's processing power or more.
Pro Use of Genymotion VHD allows Andy to be very fast
Andy is built on top of the powerful Genymotion VHD. It takes advantage of OpenGL capable graphics cards allowing it to be one of the fastest Android emulators.

Pro Allows installing third-party launchers
Andy comes with a custom clever implementation of ADW. It is theme-able, while functions very well without any modifications. The app sorting is a nice touch. Andy is compatible with most Android launchers.

Pro Great application compatibility and stability
Andy is constantly optimizing for applications to perform better on their system. Their support staff has a reporting setup to get the right information to the developers as fast as possible.

Pro Allows using a smartphone as a controller
It can't stream media to a phone, but it can work as a game controller. It allows for accelerometer- and touch-based interactions.

Pro Good customer support
Andy manages support mostly through a Facebook group where both knowledgeable admins and smart community members help answer questions.

Pro Fully functioning notifications and widgets
Andy supports all traditional Android widgets and notifications. It can even use apps like Push Bullet to send those notifications to their other devices.

Pro Great Clash of Clans gameplay experience
The new launcher provided for, it seems, limitless number of Andy tablets. Have a Andy just for CoC with 3GB and 4CPUs to maximize your CoC play to the next level. Then make a full copy of that machine for a full backup. Have an Andy for the children, be able to lock each Andy with a password lock-screen. And manage all this with less only 7 buttons ;) Again, Simple and powerful.

Pro Simple OS upgrade process
As of this latest version, users can be notified of new versions and incremental changes. It's possible to update only certain pieces or parts, rather than downloading an entirely new build. Andy is also exploring OTA update possibilities.
Pro Andy is available in over 40 languages.
For a full list of supported languages, see here.

Pro All apps and settings can be synced between Andy and an Android device on the same network with 1ClickSync
While setting up Andy, 1ClickSync will ask for Google Account credentials that allow keeping apps and their settings in sync between Andy and an Android device.

Pro Available on Windows 7 & 8
Andy is available on Windows 7 and 8.1 PCs with OS X support in development.
Pro No signup required
Downloading Andy requires only one click with no email address or account needed.
Cons
Con Does not run on Linux
Only for Windows and Mac OSX.
Con Default home screen can not be customized and lags a lot
Con Default launcher hides almost all normal Android functionality
The default launcher acts like a portal to launch games and not much else. If you're looking for a stock setup without much tweaking, look elsewhere.
Con Has bloatware and popup ads on free plan
You have to pay to remove both bloatware and popup ads.
Con Andy's Installer is known to drop/install a bitcoin miner
Andy's Installer has been reported to drop a bitcoin miner on users computer which causes significant drop in PC performance.

Con Still on Jelly Bean
KitKat version is planned.
Con No Linux Version
Con Can crash your mac
Con Only installs in Windows Drive C:/
Which is where windows is installed. What's more, it does not let you change the installation path.
Con Quite resource intensive
