Android Terminal Emulator is an app which can be used to make one PC look exactly like another one by giving terminal access to communicate between the two computers. Android Terminal Emulator is an application that allows you to enable ‘Linux’ on your Android device and basically, turn your Android smartphone into a Linux device and execute commands.


If you are a geek and like to use your Android device the way you want, an emulator is a perfect option for people like you. With an Android Terminal Emulator, you can modify various parameters on your Android device and get complete control over the fonts, text size, colors, shells, widgets and much more. So, here are the 10 best Android Terminal Emulators that will give you a complete Linux environment for your phone.


1. Shell Commander

An easy to use shell created using Eclipse, Inkscape, and GIMP, Shell Commander is the all-in-one terminal emulator you would love to use. Thanks to the built-in text editor, you can easily view, edit, modify and enter commands. Additionally, if you are a power user, Shell Commander will allow you to run commands as root.

android terminal emulator - Shell Commander

Why Shell Commander?

  • Built-in Text Editor
  • Easy to use
  • Supports ‘Sudo’
  • Free Download
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2- Android Terminal Emulator (ATE)

Want to run local Android utility programs? Android Terminal Emulator is a free application accessible for both rooted/non-rooted devices that give you full access to Android’s built-in command shell. You can easily customize colors, fonts, type of keyboard, shell and even the interface of your emulator.

android terminal emulator - ATE

Why Android Terminal Emulator (ATE)?

  • Works for both rooted/non-rooted devices
  • Full Access to Android shell
  • Multiple Function support
  • Customizations available
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3 – BusyBox

Deemed as the fastest and most popular Android Terminal Emulator in the marketplace, BusyBox is a software application that provides incredibly capable Unix tools and features which can be used with Linux kernel to perform tasks and run applications. With more than hundred thousand downloads in Play Store already, you simply cannot overlook this android emulator.

android terminal emulator - Busybox

Why BusyBox?

  • Most downloaded Android terminal emulator
  • Pro Version packs features like Smart Backup, Smart Install and more
  • Simple, Fast and Easy to Use
  • Support Available
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4 – Better Terminal Emulator Pro

Unleash the true power of Linux on your android device with Better Terminal Emulator Pro (BETP), an advanced level emulator available for both rooted as well as non-rooted devices. BETP comes equipped with SSH, Telnet, and FTP client and enables you to run a host of Linux utilities from your android device.
android terminal emulator - Better Terminal Emulator Pro

Why Better Terminal Emulator Pro?

  • No root required
  • Equipped with SSH, Telnet, busybox and FTP client
  • Bluetooth, USB, Hard/Soft Keyboard support
  • Smooth and Fast
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5 – Script Manager

A free Android application that enables you to use it as a multi-support emulator and a script editor. Script Manager is a fully functional and robust Android emulator that allows you to run scripts at boot-up, insert code and schedule cron jobs. It also doubles up as a file manager, multi-tab browser, and root explorer.
android terminal emulator

Why Script Manager?

  • Free to use
  • Feature-Rich
  • QR codes to insert code into your scripts
  • Share your output with friends and colleagues
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6 – Termux

A powerful android terminal emulator, Termux lets you enjoy shells as well as edit files and access servers. Based on C language, Termux is a complete package with built-in features for productivity as well as entertainment. It is an incredibly valuable application with all the features you need in an emulator.
android terminal emulator

Why Termux?

  • Allows add-ons for increased functionality
  • Fast and Feature-Rich
  • Supports installation of any Debian package via APT
  • Works for both rooted/non-rooted devices
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7 – Linux Deploy

Linux Deploy lets you use Linux on any android device by enabling you to run a host of Linux files with supported distribution for Debian, Ubuntu, Kali Linux, Arch Linux, Fedora, Gentoo and much more. It supports various architectures and file systems as well. If you are looking for a robust, responsive and reversible android emulator, Linux Deploy is the one.
android terminal emulator

Why Linux Deploy?

  • Extensive distribution, architecture and file support
  • Fast and Feature Rich
  • Multi Language Support
  • Quick and Easy Installation
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8 – Complete Linux Installer

An all-in-one android emulator that allows you to use Linux on your phone or tablet, Complete Linux Installer currently includes full Linux distros such as – Ubuntu, Kali Linux, Arch Linux, Fedora, Debian and more. It works for rooted android devices and includes widgets and launcher in the app itself with full support for downloading as well.
android terminal emulator

Why Complete Linux Installer?

  • Modern GUI
  • Future Linux distros supported
  • Robust and Responsive
  • Shared File System supported
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9 – Material Terminal

A remake of the popular ‘Terminal Emulator for Android’, this one combines the power of Linux with a cool material design. Material Terminal allows users full Linux terminal emulation with multiple windows, customizable interface, and many more features. If you are not a fan of ugly looking android emulators, this is exactly what you need.

android terminal emulator

Why Material Terminal?

  • Beautiful Material Design interface
  • Fully Customizable
  • Multi-language support
  • No Ads
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10 – Terminal IDE

In the growing list of best android emulators, Terminal IDE is another application that uses the powerful, open-source Linux platform with a full Java/C/C++/HTML/Android development kit compatible with your smartphone or tablet. With the addition of nifty features and a strong development, Terminal IDE is a must have application for anyone who wants to access Linux on their Android device.

android terminal emulator

Why Terminal IDE?

  • Full Kit and Function support
  • Custom SoftKey keyboard
  • Hard Key Keyboard
  • No rooting required
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For geeks or non-geeks alike, Linux is open-source, free to use the platform and with the help of a robust emulator you can do more with the same device.