Top PS4 Emulators for Windows to Play Console Games on Your PC
PS4 emulation is still in development, so there aren't many emulators
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In this guide, weโre breaking down the best PS4 emulators for Windows PCs, what works, what doesnโt, and what to expect going in.
Running PS4 games on a Windows PC isnโt exactly plug-and-play, but with the right emulator, itโs possible. Whether youโre curious about revisiting console exclusives or just testing performance, PS4 emulators have come a long way in recent years.
That said, theyโre not all created equal. Some are legit and actively developed, while others are unfinished or barely functional. So let’s check out the best of them.
What is the best PS4 emulator for PC?
PCSX4 – 4K gaming and smooth performance

PCSX4 offers solid PS4 emulation with support for 4K resolution and 60 FPS on compatible hardware.
Weโve found it works well for less demanding games, but more complex titles can cause slowdowns.
The built-in frame rate control and Vulkan API support help smooth out performance. While it’s still evolving, itโs a great choice if you’re looking to play PS4 games at higher resolutions on a capable PC.
Pros:
- Supports 4K resolution and 60 FPS
- Customizable post-processing effects
- Vulkan API for enhanced performance
- Plug-and-play controller support
Cons:
- Still in active development
- Occasional glitches and crashes
โ Get PCSX4
fpPS4 Emulator – lightweight, best for smaller games
fpPS4 is an experimental emulator for smaller PS4 games, perfect for testing out basic PS4 compatibility.
Weโve run titles like Sonic Mania with no issues, but larger games can be unstable. Itโs early in development, so expect bugs and crashes.
However, itโs an interesting tool for anyone curious about PS4 emulation, and it works well enough for lighter, less demanding games.
Pros:
- Good for small, less demanding games
- Open-source and actively updated
- Simple setup process
Cons:
- Limited game compatibility
- Unstable with larger titles
- Performance issues on complex games
โ Get the fpPS4 emulator on GitHub
Kyty – Offers limited support
Kyty is an early-stage emulator with plans for PS5 graphics support. Weโve tested it with basic PS4 games, and while it shows potential, performance is rough.
Expect frequent crashes and low FPS. Despite these issues, its modding capabilities and future-proof potential make it an interesting choice for experimental users who want to explore PS4 and upcoming PS5 emulation.
Pros:
- Modding and shader customization
- Potential PS5 graphics support
- Open-source and free
Cons:
- Frequent crashes and low FPS
- Lacks audio and network support
- Still very much in development
4. PS4Emus – simple and easy Windows PS4 emulation API
PS4Emus is a straightforward emulator designed for casual PS4 gaming. Weโve used it to try out a handful of games, and it works well for testing basic titles.
While the setup is simple and easy, itโs not the most stable option for demanding games.
However, itโs still a good choice for anyone looking for a no-fuss introduction to PS4 emulation.
Pros:
- Easy to install and use
- Works across multiple platforms
- Quick to get started with
Cons:
- Limited game support
- Unstable with more complex titles
- Lacks advanced features
โ Get PS4Emus
Is it possible to play PS4 on PC?
The short answer is no, for the most part. Few emulators can start less demanding games, but the quality of emulation and performance might not be satisfying.
Since PS4 emulation is in its infancy, many emulators can’t even run commercial games, which probably won’t change for a few years.
Are PS4 emulators legal?
Yes, downloading the emulator software is legal. However, downloading console BIOS and games isn’t legal.
As you can see, the choice of PS4 emulators is rather slim now, so why not try a PS3 emulator for PC or maybe a PS2 emulator instead?
If you’re curious about console gaming on PC beyond just PS4 emulation, you might want to explore PlayStation Now for Windows as an alternative for streaming games directly.
For retro fans, here’s a quick guide to the best PS1 emulators for PC, or if you’re looking ahead, check out the top PS5 emulators for PC and see how far development has come.
Which one will you try? Share our thoughts in the comments section below.
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