Side by side
ares vs Manic EMU
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 iPhoneMacSelf-hosted
Manic EMU offers broad system support and a range of play and save features for iPhone and iPad. Readers should note the free App Store limits, the sideload sync restriction, and that game files are not supplied.
Visit Manic EMUThe facts
| ares | Manic EMU | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | iPhone, Mac, Self-hosted |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | See the plans |
| Plans published | 2 | 9 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | ares-emu.net | github.com |
| On multi-system emulators | #1 of 54 | #4 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
Manic EMU: what it does well
- Supports more than 30 classic platforms.
- Imports from multiple cloud storage services.
- Integrates RetroAchievements.
- Supports local multiplayer and eligible-core Netplay.
- Offers free App Store and sideload builds.
What to know first
- Free App Store fast-forward is limited to 2×.
- Free App Store build allows three save states.
- Sideload builds do not include iCloud save sync.
- ROMs, BIOS files, and game data are not included.
Alternatives to ares Alternatives to Manic EMU The whole list