Side by side
Mednafen vs SIMH
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 LinuxWindows
Mednafen combines support for multiple systems with save, rewind, and capture features. Note its command-line approach, disc-image requirements, and warnings about untrusted save states.
Visit Mednafen Free plan LinuxMacWindows
SIMH offers broad historical-system coverage with portable source, software kits, and development utilities. Its V3 and Open SIMH V4 streams give users different simulator sets, while individual kit licenses require attention.
Visit SIMHThe facts
| Mednafen | SIMH | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Not published |
| Plans published | None | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | mednafen.github.io | simh.trailing-edge.com |
| On multi-system emulators | #46 of 54 | #50 of 54 |
Mednafen: what it does well
- Supports systems including NES, SNES, and PlayStation.
- Offers save states and real-time rewinding.
- Can record QuickTime movies and WAV sound.
- Input mapping supports keyboards and joysticks.
- Free and distributed under the GNU GPLv2.
What to know first
- Command-line-driven rather than described as graphical.
- Physical CD support was removed in version 0.9.38.
- Network play requires an external dedicated server.
- Untrusted save states may pose security risks.
SIMH: what it does well
- Free and open-source simulator collection
- Supports Linux, macOS, and Windows
- 36 listed supported systems
- Includes file-format and cross-assembly tools
- Documentation and users’ mailing list available
What to know first
- Some software kits have use-restricting licenses
- HP 2100 implementation omits 1000 L/A-Series machines
- V3.12-5 is mainly a bug-fix release
Alternatives to Mednafen Alternatives to SIMH The whole list