Free and open first
Best Emulator Software in 2026
When you need to run software for another system or target, an emulator’s compatibility and development tools are useful points to compare. Check supported targets and host operating systems, then consider automation access, debugging tools, and network simulation. Hardware acceleration and snapshots and restore may also matter to your workflow. Android Emulator, Azahar, and Genymotion Desktop are among the products shown. Free-plan availability and paid-from pricing provide further context as you weigh the listed capabilities against your intended use.
- 39 apps
- Research read 23 Sept 2026
- How the order is worked out
- 1
DOSBox-X
Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1Pick DOSBox-X if you need a configurable, open-source emulator for DOS software, DOS-based Windows, preservation, testing, or DOS development.
- 2
PPSSPP
Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+3PPSSPP covers PSP emulation across mobile and desktop platforms, with graphics enhancements, multiplayer, and flexible controls.
- 3
QEMU
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+2QEMU covers whole-machine and cross-architecture process emulation, with disk-image utilities included.
- 4
Vita3K
Free plan Open source AndroidLinuxMac+1Vita3K offers an experimental, cross-platform way to emulate PlayStation Vita, with compatibility that varies by game.
- 5
OpenEmu
Free plan Open source MacOpenEmu offers a library-focused way to manage game backups and use multiple emulation systems on a Mac. Check the Intel-only release detail and BIOS requirement before choosing it.
- 6
Android Emulator
Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+1Android Emulator provides configurable virtual Android devices and simulated conditions for app testing.
- 7
86Box
Free plan LinuxMacWindows86Box offers detailed emulation options across older x86 computers, peripherals, and operating systems.
- 8
Azahar
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2Azahar brings 3DS emulation together with homebrew, research, and preservation uses. Check the platform requirements and treat compatibility reports as potentially outdated.
- 9
Dolphin
Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+1Dolphin combines GameCube and Wii emulation with listed enhancements such as 1080p and networked multiplayer.
- 10
Bochs
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsBochs offers detailed x86 hardware emulation and optional debugging without a price.
- 11
Cemu
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsChoose Cemu if you want a free, open-source Wii U emulator for a desktop computer, especially if you want controller options, netplay, or graphics upscaling.
- 12
DuckStation
Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+2DuckStation offers a broad set of graphics, controller, and play options for PS1 emulation at no cost.
- 13
BlueStacks App Player
by BlueStacks App PlayerFree plan MacWindowsBlueStacks App Player provides Android apps and games on Windows and macOS, with the core experience free.
- 14
FCEUX
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsChoose FCEUX for free emulation of its supported systems, especially if you want debugging, scripting, or movie tools.
- 15
FS-UAE
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsFS-UAE combines Amiga game emulation with support for multiple disk formats, save states, and cross-platform online play.
- 16
MAME
Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+1MAME combines broad system emulation with tools for examining and developing vintage software.
- 17
Accessibility Inspector
Free plan MacChoose Accessibility Inspector if you develop Apple platform apps and want screen audits, element inspection, and reports within Xcode.
- 18
gem5
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hostedgem5 provides a broad set of architecture simulation capabilities and research-oriented experiment tools.
- 19
Genymotion Desktop
by Genymotion DesktopFree plan LinuxMacWindowsGenymotion Desktop offers locally run Android devices with developer tools and multiple device templates.
- 20
Hercules
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsChoose Hercules if you need a free emulator for IBM mainframe architectures and can provide a compatible operating system or standalone program.
- 21
melonDS
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsmelonDS offers a substantial Nintendo DS feature set at no charge, but some capabilities remain unfinished. Review the required files and networking conditions before setting it up.
- 22
Mesen
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsMesen covers a broad list of systems across three desktop operating systems at no cost. Check the SDL2 and Gatekeeper requirements for your setup before installing.
- 23
Redream
Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+1Redream offers a free way to play most of the Dreamcast library on several platforms, with setup that does not require controller configuration or BIOS and flash files.
- 24
Renode
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1Renode combines system emulation with automation and repeatable testing across a broad set of architectures. Check its runtime requirements and available integrations against your development setup.
- 25
Snes9x
Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+3Snes9x offers a free way to play most SNES and Super Famicom games, with saves and several documented Windows tools.
#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price