Top PS4 Emulators for Windows to Play Console Games on Your PC

In this guide, we’re breaking down the best PS4 emulators for Windows PCs, what works, what doesn’t, and what to expect going in.

Running PS4 games on a Windows PC isn’t exactly plug-and-play, but with the right emulator, it’s possible. Whether you’re curious about revisiting console exclusives or just testing performance, PS4 emulators have come a long way in recent years.

That said, they’re 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

⇒ 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.

We’ve run titles like Sonic Mania with no issues, but larger games can be unstable. It’s early in development, so expect bugs and crashes.

However, it’s 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

⇒ Get the fpPS4 emulator on GitHub

Kyty – Offers limited support

Kyty is an early-stage emulator with plans for PS5 graphics support. We’ve 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

⇒ Get Kyty on GitHub

4. PS4Emus – simple and easy Windows PS4 emulation API

PS4Emus is a straightforward emulator designed for casual PS4 gaming. We’ve used it to try out a handful of games, and it works well for testing basic titles.

While the setup is simple and easy, it’s not the most stable option for demanding games.

However, it’s 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

⇒ 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.