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Head-to-head · Apple II Emulators

ApplEm vs GSSquared

  • Updated Nov 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
ApplEm #5 in Apple II Emulators 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit ApplEm
GSSquared #7 in Apple II Emulators 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit GSSquared

ApplEm leads on 0 checks, GSSquared on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresApplEm · 3 of 3

ApplEm and GSSquared score identically on our rubric (7.9 out of 10) for apple ii emulators; ApplEm sits at #5 and GSSquared at #7 in our editorial ranking, so the choice comes down to fit.

ApplEm is the better fit for users seeking a free browser and desktop emulator. GSSquared is the better fit for users wanting broad Apple II and IIgs coverage.

  • ApplEm fits best

    Users seeking a free browser and desktop emulator

  • GSSquared fits best

    Users wanting broad Apple II and IIgs coverage

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Side by side

Feature ApplEm 7.9/10 Visit ↗ GSSquared 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.9 7.9
Ranking #5 in Apple II Emulators #7 in Apple II Emulators
Best for Users seeking a free browser and desktop emulator Users wanting broad Apple II and IIgs coverage
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan $40 one-time
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension
Platforms Web, macOS Web, Windows, macOS, Linux
Built for Solo, Small business Solo
Features ApplEm 3/3 · GSSquared 2/3
Built-in debugger ✓ ✓
Save states ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Joystick support ✓ ✓
Specs
Apple II model coverage Multi-model Multi-model
Host platform Cross-platform Cross-platform
Disk image formats DSK, DO, PO, WOZ, 2MG .do, .po, .dsk, .nib, .2mg, .woz 1.0, .woz 2.0, .hdv, .img, .hda, .iso, .pmap
Our review
Pros
  • Emulates Apple IIe Enhanced, II Plus, IIc, and IIgs
  • Loads and writes DSK, DO, PO, and WOZ images; IIgs supports 2MG
  • Includes save states, debugger, and expansion card emulation
  • Emulates Apple II, Apple II+, Apple IIe variants, and Apple IIgs systems
  • Loads a wide range of disk images and supports SmartPort storage
  • Desktop builds include an integrated debugger for CPU, memory, video, and devices
Cons
  • Native desktop app is limited to macOS
  • Its extensive debugging tools may be unnecessary for casual play
  • The web version's offline use depends on progressive web app installation
  • The integrated debugger is available only on desktop builds
  • Gamepad support may not suit users who need other input options
  • The $40 shareware contribution is suggested, so it does not buy a separate paid tier
Our verdict

ApplEm is an Apple II emulator for people who want to run software across several Apple II generations in a browser or on macOS. It models the Apple IIe Enhanced, Apple II Plus, Apple IIc, and Apple IIgs. The browser version uses…

Read the review →

GSSquared is an emulator for the Apple II family, spanning Apple II, Apple II+, Apple IIe variants, and Apple IIgs systems. It is aimed at people who want to run classic Apple II software on current computers, with desktop versions for…

Read the review →
  1. ApplEmApple II Emulators 7.9Free plan
  2. GSSquaredApple II Emulators 7.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • ApplEm — where it wins

    • Emulates Apple IIe Enhanced, II Plus, IIc, and IIgs
    • Loads and writes DSK, DO, PO, and WOZ images; IIgs supports 2MG
    • Includes save states, debugger, and expansion card emulation

    Where it doesn't

    • Native desktop app is limited to macOS
    • Its extensive debugging tools may be unnecessary for casual play
    • The web version's offline use depends on progressive web app installation

  • GSSquared — where it wins

    • Emulates Apple II, Apple II+, Apple IIe variants, and Apple IIgs systems
    • Loads a wide range of disk images and supports SmartPort storage
    • Desktop builds include an integrated debugger for CPU, memory, video, and devices

    Where it doesn't

    • The integrated debugger is available only on desktop builds
    • Gamepad support may not suit users who need other input options
    • The $40 shareware contribution is suggested, so it does not buy a separate paid tier

ApplEm vs GSSquared: questions

Which is better for apple II emulators, ApplEm or GSSquared?

ApplEm and GSSquared score identically on our rubric (7.9 out of 10) for apple ii emulators; ApplEm sits at #5 and GSSquared at #7 in our editorial ranking, so the choice comes down to fit.

How do ApplEm and GSSquared compare?

All 4 checks we put side by side come out level: neither leads on any.

Do ApplEm and GSSquared have a free plan?

ApplEm: Yes. GSSquared: Yes.

More comparisons

All apple II emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026

Last updated · How we research and update