Suggestions appear as you type. Use the up and down arrows to choose one and Enter to open it.

Head-to-head · Apple II Emulators

AppleWin vs GSSquared

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

AppleWin 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 featuresAppleWin · 3 of 3

AppleWin and GSSquared score identically on our rubric (7.9 out of 10) for apple ii emulators; AppleWin sits at #3 and GSSquared at #7 in our editorial ranking, so the choice comes down to fit.

On host platform, GSSquared gives you Cross-platform where AppleWin offers Windows.

AppleWin is the better fit for free Apple II emulation on Windows desktops. GSSquared is the better fit for users wanting broad Apple II and IIgs coverage.

  • AppleWin fits best

    Free Apple II emulation on Windows desktops

  • GSSquared fits best

    Users wanting broad Apple II and IIgs coverage

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature AppleWin 7.9/10 Visit ↗ GSSquared 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.9 7.9
Ranking #3 in Apple II Emulators #7 in Apple II Emulators
Best for Free Apple II emulation on Windows desktops 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 Desktop Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension
Platforms Windows, Linux, macOS Web, Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Community, Docs Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo
Features AppleWin 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 Windows Cross-platform
Disk image formats DO, DSK, NIB, PO, WOZ, HDV, 2MG .do, .po, .dsk, .nib, .2mg, .woz 1.0, .woz 2.0, .hdv, .img, .hda, .iso, .pmap
Our review
Pros
  • Emulates Apple II, II Plus, IIe, and several clones
  • Includes symbolic debugging, disk controllers, sound, and networking
  • Offers save states, joystick support, and multiple video modes
  • 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
  • Official builds target Windows; Linux and macOS ports are unofficial
  • Desktop-only deployment limits use to desktop environments
  • Community and documentation are the listed support channels
  • 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

AppleWin is an open-source desktop emulator for the Apple II, Apple II Plus, and Apple IIe, including original and enhanced IIe models. It also supports clones such as Pravets, TK3000, and Base 64. Its wide peripheral coverage makes it a…

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. AppleWinApple II Emulators 7.9Free plan
  2. GSSquaredApple II Emulators 7.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • AppleWin — where it wins

    • Emulates Apple II, II Plus, IIe, and several clones
    • Includes symbolic debugging, disk controllers, sound, and networking
    • Offers save states, joystick support, and multiple video modes

    Where it doesn't

    • Official builds target Windows; Linux and macOS ports are unofficial
    • Desktop-only deployment limits use to desktop environments
    • Community and documentation are the listed support channels

  • 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

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