Head-to-head · Apple II Emulators
AppleWin vs LinApple
AppleWin 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
AppleWin and LinApple score identically on our rubric (7.9 out of 10) for apple ii emulators; AppleWin sits at #3 and LinApple at #6 in our editorial ranking, so the choice comes down to fit.
On host platform, LinApple gives you Linux where AppleWin offers Windows.
AppleWin is the better fit for free Apple II emulation on Windows desktops. LinApple is the better fit for linux users who want strong debugging and disk support.
- AppleWin fits best
Free Apple II emulation on Windows desktops
- LinApple fits best
Linux users who want strong debugging and disk support
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 ↗ | LinApple 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.9 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #3 in Apple II Emulators | #6 in Apple II Emulators |
| Best for | Free Apple II emulation on Windows desktops | Linux users who want strong debugging and disk support |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux, macOS | Linux |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features AppleWin 3/3 · LinApple 3/3 | ||
| Built-in debugger | ✓ | ✓ |
| Save states | ✓ | ✓ |
| Joystick support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Apple II model coverage | Multi-model | Multi-model |
| Host platform | Windows | Linux |
| Disk image formats | DO, DSK, NIB, PO, WOZ, HDV, 2MG | .dsk, .do, .po, .nib, .woz v2, .hdv, .img, .2mg |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| 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 → |
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 → |
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
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
- AppleWin7.9/10 · Free plan
A free desktop emulator with Apple II models, peripherals, video modes, and a debugger.
Visit AppleWinFull verdict → - LinApple7.9/10 · Free plan
A free Linux emulator with broad disk support and an interactive assembly debugger.
Visit LinAppleFull verdict →
More comparisons
- OpenEmu vs AppleWin
- OpenEmu vs LinApple
- Avidemux vs AppleWin
- Avidemux vs LinApple
- AppleWin vs POM2
- AppleWin vs ApplEm
- AppleWin vs GSSquared
- AppleWin vs Casso
All apple II emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update