ares vs Provenance

ares8.8Visit Provenance8.7Visit

Higher score ares #3 in Multi-System Emulators 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 5 features Visit ares

vs

Provenance #4 in Multi-System Emulators 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit Provenance

• ares fits best

  Desktop users wanting broad standalone emulation

• Provenance fits best

  Apple users wanting synced emulation libraries

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Side by side

Feature	ares 8.8/10 Visit ↗	Provenance 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.8	8.7
Ranking	#3 in Multi-System Emulators	#4 in Multi-System Emulators
Best for	Desktop users wanting broad standalone emulation	Apple users wanting synced emulation libraries
Pricing model	Free	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Free plan	—
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Mobile
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	iOS
Support	Community	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business
Features ares 3/5 · Provenance 4/5
Android support	—	Not checked yet
Arcade support	✓	✓
Netplay	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
BIOS required	✓	✓
Shader/upscaling	✓	✓
Specs
Supported systems	34	Not checked yet
License	Open-source	Open-source
Our review
Pros	Supports emulation across 34 console, handheld, computer, and arcade systems Includes save states, rewind, run-ahead, shaders, and color correction Offers input mapping, debugging, CHD support, and a compatibility database	Supports dozens of classic systems, including arcade platforms Adds artwork, screenshots, ratings, manuals, and metadata automatically Offers iCloud sync, cheats, CHD support, filters, and multiplayer
Cons	Desktop-only availability excludes Android devices BIOS files are required for some emulated systems No verified netplay support is documented	Coverage is limited to Apple platforms Some systems require BIOS files Online play depends on supported RetroArch-based cores
Our verdict	ares is a free, open-source emulator for classic consoles, handhelds, computers, and arcade hardware. It supports 34 systems, including NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Sega Genesis, Mega CD, Neo Geo, and PlayStation.… Read the review →	Provenance is a free, open-source multi-system emulator for iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. It is designed for Apple users who want one organized library spanning dozens of classic gaming systems, including Nintendo, Sega, Atari, Sony, NEC,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• ares — where it wins

  • Supports emulation across 34 console, handheld, computer, and arcade systems
  • Includes save states, rewind, run-ahead, shaders, and color correction
  • Offers input mapping, debugging, CHD support, and a compatibility database

  Where it doesn't

  • Desktop-only availability excludes Android devices
  • BIOS files are required for some emulated systems
  • No verified netplay support is documented

• Provenance — where it wins

  • Supports dozens of classic systems, including arcade platforms
  • Adds artwork, screenshots, ratings, manuals, and metadata automatically
  • Offers iCloud sync, cheats, CHD support, filters, and multiplayer

  Where it doesn't

  • Coverage is limited to Apple platforms
  • Some systems require BIOS files
  • Online play depends on supported RetroArch-based cores

• ares8.8/10 · Free plan

  A broad, free desktop emulator with preservation-focused tools and system-specific BIOS requirements.

  Visit aresFull verdict →
• Provenance8.7/10 · Free plan

  A broad Apple-focused emulator with synced libraries, metadata, cheats, and multiplayer.

  Visit ProvenanceFull verdict →