When comparing ARC Welder vs AMI DuOS, the Slant community recommends ARC Welder for most people. In the question“What are the best ways to run/emulate Android on a PC?” ARC Welder is ranked 5th while AMI DuOS is ranked 16th. The most important reason people chose ARC Welder is:
Even though it's a developer preview, it's likely to evolve quickly as Google is developing it. Since Google is also behind Android, it makes sense to use a more official way of running APK. If they don't work, you may check with the developer so it may eventually work.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Developed by Google
Even though it's a developer preview, it's likely to evolve quickly as Google is developing it. Since Google is also behind Android, it makes sense to use a more official way of running APK. If they don't work, you may check with the developer so it may eventually work.
Pro Cross-platform
Works on Chrome 41+ on Windows, Mac, Chrome OS and Linux.
Pro Allows running apps in a Chrome web browser
It installs as a Chrome App and runs on most operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS), even thought x86 support will be put in maintenance mode soon.
Pro Runs Android Lollipop
Runs Android Lollipop, whereas most other emulators run KitKat or older. Jelly Bean version available as well.
Pro Fast
Performs significantly better than most alternatives
Cons
Con Discontinued
Discontinued after December 2020.
Con Not all Google Play services are yet supported
ARC Welder supports OAuth2, Google Cloud Messaging , Google+ sign-in, Maps, Location, and Ads APIs from Google Play services.
Con Only supports "arm" apk files
"x86" apk files don't work as of 20150422.
Con Keyboard input is spotty
Con No accelerometer emulation
Con Orientation mode has to be selected before running the app
Con A single app can be loaded at a time
Con Discontinued
AMI DuOS was officially discontinued
Con It's free now
Costs $15 (Lollipop), but a 30-day trial is available. Costs $10 for Jelly Bean version.