Side by side
Dolphin vs OpenEmu
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 AndroidLinuxMac+1
Dolphin combines GameCube and Wii emulation with listed enhancements such as 1080p and networked multiplayer. Check the 64-bit system requirements and the possibility of game-specific issues before choosing it.
Visit Dolphin
Free plan Open source Mac
OpenEmu 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.
Visit OpenEmuThe facts
| Dolphin | OpenEmu | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | Android, Linux, Mac, Windows | Mac |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | dolphin-emu.org | openemu.org |
| On multi-system emulators | #12 of 54 | #8 of 54 |
Dolphin: what it does well
- Free to use, with no paid plans listed.
- Offers 1080p, turbo speed, and PC controller compatibility.
- Networked multiplayer is listed as an enhancement.
- Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
- GPLv2+ license requires source release and attribution when distributed.
What to know first
- Does not support 32-bit operating systems.
- Some games can have defects, errors, or crashes.
- Development builds are less tested than stable releases.
- Requires GPU support for DirectX 11.1 and OpenGL 4.4.
OpenEmu: what it does well
- Free and open-source software.
- Organizes backups with box art and collections.
- Lists support for 31 systems.
- Recognized HID controllers can map automatically.
- Save states, cheats, and CD audio are supported.
What to know first
- Available for macOS only.
- BIOS files are required.
- Latest listed binaries are Intel-only.
- Online netplay is not supported.
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