Side by side
ares vs Flycast
Both stand on multi-system 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 AndroidLinuxMac+2
Flycast covers four Sega systems and publishes several release channels across its listed platforms. iOS is no longer supported, and some installation paths involve package instructions or building from source.
Visit FlycastThe facts
| ares | Flycast | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | Android, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | ares-emu.net | github.com |
| On multi-system emulators | #1 of 54 | #3 of 54 |
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
Flycast: what it does well
- Emulates four listed Sega systems.
- Offers stable, master, and experimental nightly builds.
- Supports online-play improvements described in release notes.
- Supports physical Dreamcast controllers with listed adapters.
- Free under the GPL-2.0 license.
What to know first
- iOS support has been dropped.
- Linux builds require a C/C++ toolchain and listed libraries.
- Windows instructions provide a script to build from source.