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Head-to-head · Atari Emulators

Atari800 vs Altirra

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Atari800 #1 in Atari Emulators 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit Atari800
Altirra #2 in Atari Emulators 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit Altirra

Atari800 leads on 1 check, Altirra on 0, and 3 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

  • Highest scoreAtari800 · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresAtari800 · 3 of 4

Atari800 scores higher on our rubric for atari emulators: 9.4 against 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.

Atari800 offers bios required; Altirra doesn't.

Atari800 is the better fit for broad Atari computer and 5200 emulation. Altirra is the better fit for deep Atari computer emulation on Windows.

  • Atari800 fits best

    Broad Atari computer and 5200 emulation

  • Altirra fits best

    Deep Atari computer emulation on Windows

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Side by side

Feature Atari800 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Altirra 9.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.2
Ranking #1 in Atari Emulators #2 in Atari Emulators
Best for Broad Atari computer and 5200 emulation Deep Atari computer emulation on Windows
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, Android Windows
Support Community, Docs Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Atari800 3/4 · Altirra 2/4
Save states ✓ ✓
Netplay Not checked yet Not checked yet
Controller remapping ✓ ✓
BIOS required ✓ (best) —
Specs
Atari systems Atari 400, 800, 1200XL, 600XL, 800XL, 65XE, 130XE, 800XE, XE Game System, 5200 SuperSystem Atari 400/800, 1200XL, 600/800XL, 130XE, XEGS, 5200
Supported platforms Linux, Windows, macOS, Android Windows
Our review
Pros
  • Emulates Atari 400/800-family systems and the 5200
  • Supports disk, cartridge and cassette images
  • Save states, controller remapping and four platform builds
  • Cycle-exact emulation covers documented Atari hardware features.
  • Broad image, cartridge, expansion, disk, and controller support.
  • Debugger, save states, recording, and profiling support deeper work.
Cons
  • Required ROM files must be obtained separately
  • No official netplay feature
  • Broad configuration may require emulator knowledge
  • Available for Windows only.
  • Focused on Atari 8-bit computers and the 5200.
  • Real kernel ROM images may improve compatibility in some cases.
Our verdict

Atari800 is a free, open-source emulator for Atari 8-bit computers and the Atari 5200 console. Its supported systems include the Atari 400, 800, 1200XL, 600XL, 800XL, 65XE, 130XE, 800XE, XE Game System and 5200 SuperSystem. Builds are…

Read the review →

Altirra is a free, open-source emulator for Atari 8-bit computers and the Atari 5200, designed for Windows. It covers the Atari 400/800, 1200XL, 600/800XL, 130XE, XEGS, and 5200, making it a fit for users who want more than basic game…

Read the review →
  1. Atari800Atari Emulators 9.4Free plan
  2. AltirraAtari Emulators 9.2Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Atari800 — where it wins

    • Emulates Atari 400/800-family systems and the 5200
    • Supports disk, cartridge and cassette images
    • Save states, controller remapping and four platform builds

    Where it doesn't

    • Required ROM files must be obtained separately
    • No official netplay feature
    • Broad configuration may require emulator knowledge

  • Altirra — where it wins

    • Cycle-exact emulation covers documented Atari hardware features.
    • Broad image, cartridge, expansion, disk, and controller support.
    • Debugger, save states, recording, and profiling support deeper work.

    Where it doesn't

    • Available for Windows only.
    • Focused on Atari 8-bit computers and the 5200.
    • Real kernel ROM images may improve compatibility in some cases.
  • Atari8009.4/10 · Free plan

    A broad, free Atari emulator with cycle-exact hardware support and flexible media handling.

    Visit Atari800Full verdict →
  • Altirra9.2/10 · Free plan

    A free, deep emulator for Atari software, hardware behavior, development, and debugging.

    Visit AltirraFull verdict →

More comparisons

All atari emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update