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Head-to-head · Apple II Emulators

ApplEm vs LinApple

  • 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
LinApple #6 in Apple II Emulators 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit LinApple

ApplEm leads on 0 checks, LinApple 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

ApplEm and LinApple score identically on our rubric (7.9 out of 10) for apple ii emulators; ApplEm sits at #5 and LinApple at #6 in our editorial ranking, so the choice comes down to fit.

On host platform, ApplEm gives you Cross-platform where LinApple offers Linux.

ApplEm is the better fit for users seeking a free browser and desktop emulator. LinApple is the better fit for linux users who want strong debugging and disk support.

  • ApplEm fits best

    Users seeking a free browser and desktop emulator

  • LinApple fits best

    Linux users who want strong debugging and disk support

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Side by side

Feature ApplEm 7.9/10 Visit ↗ LinApple 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.9 7.9
Ranking #5 in Apple II Emulators #6 in Apple II Emulators
Best for Users seeking a free browser and desktop emulator Linux users who want strong debugging and disk support
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop Desktop
Platforms Web, macOS Linux
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features ApplEm 3/3 · LinApple 3/3
Built-in debugger ✓ ✓
Save states ✓ ✓
Joystick support ✓ ✓
Specs
Apple II model coverage Multi-model Multi-model
Host platform Cross-platform Linux
Disk image formats DSK, DO, PO, WOZ, 2MG .dsk, .do, .po, .nib, .woz v2, .hdv, .img, .2mg
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, II Plus, IIe, and Enhanced Apple IIe hardware
  • Reads and writes several floppy and ProDOS hard-disk image formats
  • Includes an interactive debugger, snapshots, joystick support, and BASIC sync
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
  • Available prebuilt packages and binaries are explicitly listed for Linux
  • Emulation is focused on Apple II family hardware
  • The product is a desktop emulator rather than a broader Apple II service
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 →

LinApple is a desktop emulator for Apple II, Apple II Plus, Apple IIe, and Enhanced Apple IIe systems. It is aimed at Linux users who want to run Apple II software, and it also has command-line and debugging capabilities for people working…

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

  • LinApple — where it wins

    • Emulates Apple II, II Plus, IIe, and Enhanced Apple IIe hardware
    • Reads and writes several floppy and ProDOS hard-disk image formats
    • Includes an interactive debugger, snapshots, joystick support, and BASIC sync

    Where it doesn't

    • Available prebuilt packages and binaries are explicitly listed for Linux
    • Emulation is focused on Apple II family hardware
    • The product is a desktop emulator rather than a broader Apple II service

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