Side by side
Spectral vs Unreal Speccy Portable
Both stand on zx spectrum emulators. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Spectral offers broad listed format and peripheral support at no cost across three desktop systems. Its experimental status and stated uncertainty about its value to experienced ZX users are important caveats.
Visit Spectral Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+1
Unreal Speccy Portable supports multiple ZX-Spectrum systems, peripherals and file formats across four host platforms. Android users should note the release’s storage-path guidance and minimum requirement.
Visit Unreal Speccy PortableThe facts
| Spectral | Unreal Speccy Portable | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | 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 | github.com |
| On zx spectrum emulators | #10 of 22 | #9 of 22 |
Spectral: what it does well
- Runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
- Supports four listed tape formats.
- Loads Z80, SNA, and SZX snapshots.
- Source, binaries, and build instructions are available.
- Free and openly licensed.
What to know first
- The maker describes the code as highly experimental.
- The project is prone to change.
- Gamepad support is listed only for Windows and Linux.
Unreal Speccy Portable: what it does well
- Supports Z80 and 128K (Pentagon) systems
- Includes AY/YM and beeper audio
- Supports snapshots and replays
- Available for Windows, Linux, macOS and Android
What to know first
- Latest listed Android release requires Android 5.0 or later
- Android release note says SD card access permission was removed
- License provides no warranty
Alternatives to Spectral Alternatives to Unreal Speccy Portable The whole list