Side by side
ares vs ClownMDEmu
Both stand on sega genesis emulators. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
ares offers playback controls, display options, and a broad listed range of systems in a free, open-source package. Linux users should note the project’s preference for source compilation or third-party packages.
Visit ares Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3
ClownMDEmu offers several ways to use a free Mega Drive emulator, including browser and libretro options. Readers seeking complete emulation should note that some standard features remain unfinished.
Visit ClownMDEmuThe facts
| ares | ClownMDEmu | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | ares-emu.net | github.com |
| On sega genesis emulators | #1 of 29 | #3 of 29 |
ares: what it does well
- Free and open-source under the ISC license
- Supports save states, rewind, and fast-forward
- Offers pixel shaders and optional color correction
- Virtual Game-Pads adapt configured controls across systems
- macOS binaries support Intel and Apple Silicon
What to know first
- Some listed systems are experimental
- No official Linux binaries are provided
- Android is not supported
- A BIOS is required
ClownMDEmu: what it does well
- Free software under AGPLv3 or later.
- Browser version is available to try online.
- Official standalone frontend includes debugging menus.
- Save states are supported.
What to know first
- Some standard Mega Drive features remain unemulated.
- Compilation requires initializing Git submodules.
- The maker says it may be more high-level than accuracy-focused alternatives.
Alternatives to ares Alternatives to ClownMDEmu The whole list