Side by side
JRomManager vs Retrom
Both stand on rom management software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2
Choose JRomManager if you need a free tool for managing ROM collections across common DAT formats and archive types. Its main cautions are the limited CHD verification and the experimental status of Full Server; Simple Server is intended for intranet use and has no access controls or encrypted connection.
Visit JRomManager Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2
Retrom offers library management, emulator profiles and cloud saves for self-hosted setups. Its project notes on security and its path-matching requirement are important considerations before connecting clients.
Visit RetromThe facts
| JRomManager | Retrom | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Not published |
| Plans published | None | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | github.com |
| On rom management software | #7 of 39 | #11 of 39 |
JRomManager: what it does well
- Free software released under the GPL-2 license.
- Supports MAME and Logiqx DAT formats, plus MAME executable imports.
- Handles split, non-merged, and merged scans, fixes, and rebuilds.
- Supports ZIP, 7z, TorrentZip, RAR4, RAR5, and multi-volume archives.
- Includes directory updater, torrent checker, and archive compressor batch tools.
What to know first
- CHD verification reads only the header and does not hash the data.
- Simple Server has no encrypted connection or access control.
- Full Server mode is described as experimental.
- Java 21 and at least 1 GB of free RAM are listed as minimum requirements.
Retrom: what it does well
- Scans a filesystem and adds games to a library.
- Desktop clients support Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Syncs save data and save states to the server.
- Supports standalone and dedicated server modes.
- Free and distributed under GPL-3.0.
What to know first
- Designed without specific security measures.
- Standalone server is available only while its client runs.
- IGDB is the only listed metadata provider.
- Sharing emulator configurations requires matching client paths.
Alternatives to JRomManager Alternatives to Retrom The whole list