Side by side
BMC64 vs VICE
Both stand on commodore 64 emulators. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Self-hosted
BMC64 offers several Commodore machine emulations in a free Raspberry Pi project, with networking and an optional local web interface. Confirm board and input-device compatibility, and obtain the required ROM files separately.
Visit BMC64 Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+1
VICE covers a broad set of Commodore systems and includes detailed C64 video and sound emulation. Readers should account for the stated limitations on several emulators and the absence of warranty.
Visit VICEThe facts
| BMC64 | VICE | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Self-hosted | Android, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | vice-emu.sourceforge.io |
| On commodore 64 emulators | #5 of 31 | #9 of 31 |
BMC64: what it does well
- Free to use on supported Raspberry Pi boards.
- Emulates C64, C128, VIC-20, Plus/4 and PET.
- Supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity.
- Optional web interface can be PIN-protected.
What to know first
- Raspberry Pi 4 and later are unsupported.
- Required ROM files must be supplied separately.
- USB Bluetooth gamepads are not directly supported.
- Not all gamepads work.
VICE: what it does well
- Emulates eight Commodore computer systems.
- C64 emulation includes VIC-II video and SID sound.
- Supports up to four external disk drives.
- Joystick input can use keyboard or connected joystick.
What to know first
- Several emulators remain under construction.
- macOS builds require macOS 12.0 or later.
- Distributed without warranty.