Side by side
Emu64 vs VirtualC64
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 LinuxWindows
Choose Emu64 if you want a free, open-source Commodore 64 emulator for Windows or Linux, particularly for its debugger, file formats, and configurable memory options. Look elsewhere if you need an emulator for a different platform or a different computer.
Visit Emu64 Free plan MacWeb
VirtualC64 combines multiple C64 variants, media formats, and input options in a free emulator. New users should account for the initial ROM setup; free Mega65 replacements are included with recent versions.
Visit VirtualC64The facts
| Emu64 | VirtualC64 | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Windows | Mac, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | thorsten-kattanek.de | dirkwhoffmann.github.io |
| On commodore 64 emulators | #14 of 31 | #18 of 31 |
Emu64: what it does well
- Free and open source under GPLv2.
- Runs on Windows and Linux.
- Supports six listed disk and tape formats.
- Includes a built-in debugger.
- Offers SDL2-based audio and video output.
What to know first
- Emulates the Commodore 64.
- The listed platforms are Windows and Linux.
- Linux builds require several libraries, including Qt and FFmpeg.
VirtualC64: what it does well
- Free and open source under the GNU General Public License
- Emulates PAL and NTSC C64 variants
- Includes a built-in debugger
- Supports seven disk and tape formats
- Offers keyboard and USB joystick input
What to know first
- Four ROM images require setup on first launch
- Listed supported platform is macOS
Alternatives to Emu64 Alternatives to VirtualC64 The whole list