Head-to-head · Apple II Emulators
AppleWin vs POM2
AppleWin leads on 0 checks, POM2 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 POM2 score identically on our rubric (7.9 out of 10) for apple ii emulators; AppleWin sits at #3 and POM2 at #4 in our editorial ranking, so the choice comes down to fit.
On host platform, POM2 gives you Cross-platform where AppleWin offers Windows.
AppleWin is the better fit for free Apple II emulation on Windows desktops. POM2 is the better fit for cross-platform users wanting deep tools and model coverage.
- AppleWin fits best
Free Apple II emulation on Windows desktops
- POM2 fits best
Cross-platform users wanting deep tools and model 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 ↗ | POM2 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.9 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #3 in Apple II Emulators | #4 in Apple II Emulators |
| Best for | Free Apple II emulation on Windows desktops | Cross-platform users wanting deep tools and model coverage |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux, macOS | Linux, macOS, Windows, Web |
| Support | Community, Docs | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features AppleWin 3/3 · POM2 3/3 | ||
| Built-in debugger | ✓ | ✓ |
| Save states | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | .dsk, .do, .d13, .po, .nib, .woz, .moof, .2mg, .hdv |
| 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 → |
POM2 emulates the Apple II family, from the original Apple ][ through the //c Plus, with NTSC and PAL profiles. It is aimed at people who want to run Apple II software across desktop and browser environments, as well as developers 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
POM2 — where it wins
- Emulates Apple ][ through //c Plus, including PAL profiles
- Loads nine disk-image formats, including .woz and .hdv
- Combines bank-aware debugging, profiling, rewind, and snapshots
Where it doesn't
- Focused on Apple II family systems rather than other platforms
- Development tools may be more than casual play requires
- Support is through community and documentation
- AppleWin7.9/10 · Free plan
A free desktop emulator with Apple II models, peripherals, video modes, and a debugger.
Visit AppleWinFull verdict → - POM27.9/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source Apple II emulator with broad model coverage and developer tools.
Visit POM2Full verdict →
More comparisons
- OpenEmu vs AppleWin
- OpenEmu vs POM2
- Avidemux vs AppleWin
- Avidemux vs POM2
- AppleWin vs ApplEm
- AppleWin vs LinApple
- 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