Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Anbox VS InputMapper

Compare Anbox VS InputMapper and see what are their differences

Anbox logo Anbox

Anbox puts Android into a container and every Android application will be integrated with your...

InputMapper logo InputMapper

Input Mapper is designed to bridge the gap between the devices you use and the games you play.
  • Anbox Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-22
  • InputMapper Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-30

Anbox features and specs

  • Open Source
    Anbox is an open-source project, which means that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance the code. This promotes transparency and community-driven improvements.
  • Native Performance
    Anbox runs Android in a container rather than emulating it, which allows it to take full advantage of the underlying hardware and perform more efficiently.
  • Security
    By running Android applications in a container, Anbox isolates them from the host system, potentially reducing security risks compared to other methods.
  • Integration
    Anbox integrates well with the host Linux system, allowing you to use the same desktop environment and tools you are accustomed to while running Android applications.
  • No Dual Boot Required
    You can run Android applications alongside your regular Linux applications without needing to reboot or manage a dual-boot configuration.

Possible disadvantages of Anbox

  • Limited App Compatibility
    Not all Android applications will run smoothly or at all on Anbox, due to differences in hardware requirements or proprietary dependencies such as Google Play Services.
  • Complex Setup
    Setting up Anbox can be challenging, especially for users who are not familiar with Linux or containerization technologies.
  • Performance Issues
    While Anbox offers native performance, some users may still encounter performance issues or limitations depending on their hardware and the specific applications they are running.
  • Limited Graphics Support
    Anbox may have limited support for GPU acceleration, affecting the performance of graphically intensive applications and games.
  • Community Support
    As an open-source project, Anbox relies heavily on community support. Official support might be limited, which can be a drawback for users needing professional or timely help.

InputMapper features and specs

  • Versatility
    InputMapper supports a wide range of controllers and devices, making it highly versatile for different gaming setups.
  • Customization
    Users can customize button mappings and profiles extensively to suit their personal preferences or specific game requirements.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The application offers a user-friendly interface, making it accessible even for those who are not technically proficient.
  • Community Support
    InputMapper has an active community and official support which offers assistance and plugin development for new features.

Possible disadvantages of InputMapper

  • Performance Issues
    Some users report performance issues, particularly with latency and connection stability when using certain controllers.
  • Limited Updates
    The software doesn't receive updates as frequently as some users would prefer, which can lead to issues with newer games or devices.
  • Compatibility
    There can be compatibility issues with certain games or operating systems, requiring workarounds or additional tweaking.
  • Complex Setup
    For some users, especially newcomers, the initial setup process can be complex and may require following detailed guides.

Analysis of Anbox

Overall verdict

  • Anbox can be a good choice for users who need to run Android applications on a Linux desktop. It offers a unique solution for integrating Android's ecosystem into Linux environments, making it easier to access mobile-specific apps on desktop systems. However, its performance and compatibility might vary depending on your hardware and the specific applications you intend to run.

Why this product is good

  • Anbox is a project that allows you to run Android applications on a GNU/Linux system by emulating the Android operating system in a container. It is appreciated for its open-source nature, enabling developers and users to modify and improve it according to their needs. Anbox bridges the gap between Android apps and Linux users, providing a way to access a large suite of Android applications that wouldn't typically be available on Linux systems.

Recommended for

    Anbox is recommended for Linux users who want to seamlessly run Android applications without the need to dual-boot another operating system or use heavy virtual machines. It's particularly useful for developers testing Android apps in different environments, or users who rely on specific mobile applications for their work or personal tasks.

Analysis of InputMapper

Overall verdict

  • Overall, InputMapper is considered a helpful tool for gamers looking to customize their device inputs. While the beta version may have some bugs or stability issues, its functionality and flexibility make it a worthwhile option for tech-savvy users who are willing to troubleshoot potential issues or those who require specific control configurations.

Why this product is good

  • InputMapper is a popular tool primarily used for mapping input devices such as controllers to different configurations. Its utility comes from its ability to enhance the gaming experience by allowing users to customize controls for better comfort and gameplay. This can be particularly beneficial for games that have limited control customization options natively. The tool also supports multiple devices, making it versatile for a wide range of input needs.

Recommended for

  • Gamers seeking customizable controller configurations
  • Users with non-standard input devices
  • Individuals who enjoy tweaking and optimizing their gaming setups

Anbox videos

Testing Android Apps on Anbox

More videos:

  • Review - Running Android Apps In Linux With AnBox
  • Review - Native Android apps on Linux? Anbox

InputMapper videos

Use a PS4 Controller in Steam with Inputmapper

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to connect your ps4 controller to your pc windows 10 Using InputMapper 2019!!!

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Anbox and InputMapper)
Gaming
75 75%
25% 25
Emulators
100 100%
0% 0
Controller Mapping
0 0%
100% 100
Container Tools
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Anbox and InputMapper

Anbox Reviews

Android Desktop Shootout: Android x86 vs. Bliss vs. Phoenix OS vs. PrimeOS
Anbox โ€“ Anbox is a container Android system designed to run on Linux. Itโ€™s more of a virtual machine than a standalone OS. However, itโ€™s a great way to see if you want to use an Android desktop before changing your Linux system.

InputMapper Reviews

Top 5 REWASD Alternatives in 2021
InputMapper uses PS4 and virtual Xbox 360 controllers for key mapping of keyboards to make sure different games and applications work effectively. It is free to use, and you can expect it to evolve a lot, so it would be a good platform for you to start.
Fantastic Controller Mappers and Where to Find Them
In general, InputMapper (which is also called DS4Windows) is a good controller mapping software for those who have a DualShock 4 controller. But if youโ€™re looking for deeper features, or using any controller except DualShock 4, you should look for an InputMapper alternative! And itโ€™s easier than it seems to find one ;)
Source: www.rewasd.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Anbox should be more popular than InputMapper. It has been mentiond 64 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Anbox mentions (64)

  • Call of duty mobile
    It's definitely possible, you have android virtualization options for linux like QEMU, VirtualBox, Anbox, WayDroid, but most of these are either not great or a bit too advanced for this. Easiest / best bet off the top of my head is dual booting Windows and using BlueStacks. Source: over 3 years ago
  • I'm looking for a lightweight distro that runs android apps
    This isn't really a distro, but you could try Anbox, which wouldn't have the performance overhead of a virtual machine. Source: over 3 years ago
  • I just want to use Linux :(
    If school apps have an android alternative anbox may allow you to use it on your linux desktop... Just a thought! Source: over 3 years ago
  • Android Emulator for Linux
    I have used Anbox when I needed to run an Android App on Linux. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Minecraft Bedrock
    Does anyone know a way to play Minecraft bedrock on Linux(specifically fedora). I used to use this launcher: mcpelauncher.readthedocs.io, But it has been discontinued and no longer works with the latest version, which I need to be able to play on a friend's real. I've tried using anbox, but it never loaded, and I tried using waydroid, but the internet wasn't working. Don't tell me to just use java, I already do,... Source: almost 4 years ago
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InputMapper mentions (8)

  • I feel like Iโ€™m digressing
    You can use either this or this I believe to change shit around to where you can figure out one way or another of playing with two people despite the issues you mentioned. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Controller Issue
    This may be of some use to you, maybe? Source: about 3 years ago
  • free alternative to reWASD
    It mentions some alternatives, though, such as Input Mapper and Xpadder. If your games are on Steam, you could try Steam's controller config thing. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Xbox controller does not work
    If not, try using InputMapper or find something more specific for the controllers. Source: over 4 years ago
  • weird button bug help (xbox one controller on pc)
    Ahh right I understand now. All I can suggest is 1. Untick xbox controller support in big picture mode or settings. 2. Install https://beta.inputmapper.com/ 3. Configure button layout and try it in tekken. I'm not sure what else can be done. Source: over 4 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Anbox and InputMapper, you can also consider the following products

BlueStacks - BlueStacks is a website designed to format mobile apps to be compatible to desktop computers, opening up mobile gaming to laptops and other computers. Read more about BlueStacks.

Xpadder - Xpadder simulates the keyboard and mouse using your gamepad What does Xpadder let you do?

Android-x86 - Run Android on your PC.

JoyToKey - JoyToKey enables users to control the keyboard using any USB compatible controller (Dualshock 3, Xbox 360, etc.)

Waydroid - A container-based approach to boot a full Android system on a regular GNU/Linux system like Ubuntu.

reWASD - First and only gamepad mapper to make Xbox Elite paddles separate buttons.