BlastEm vs Provenance

BlastEm9.2Visit Provenance8.2Visit

Higher score BlastEm #2 in Sega CD Emulators 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit BlastEm

vs

Provenance #8 in Sega CD Emulators 8.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Provenance

• BlastEm fits best

  Cross-platform users and debugging workflows

• Provenance fits best

  Apple users prioritizing library management

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Side by side

Feature	BlastEm 9.2/10 Visit ↗	Provenance 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	8.2
Ranking	#2 in Sega CD Emulators	#8 in Sega CD Emulators
Best for	Cross-platform users and debugging workflows	Apple users prioritizing library management
Pricing model	Free	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Free plan	$39.99/yr
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Mobile
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux	iOS
Support	Community, Email	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business
Features BlastEm 0/4 · Provenance 1/4
Save states	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
CD audio support	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Netplay	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Cheat support	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
BIOS requirement	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
License	Not checked yet	Open-source
Our review
Pros	Supports Sega CD plus a broad range of Sega systems Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and the web Deep debugger with scripting and conditional breakpoints	Automatic artwork, screenshots, ratings, manuals, and metadata CHD disc-image support for CD-based cores iCloud, CloudKit, WebDAV, AirDrop, and RetroAchievements support
Cons	Web version is described as experimental Primary focus is the Genesis/Mega Drive Debugging depth may exceed casual players' needs	Some systems require BIOS files, with requirements varying by system Native Provenance online play is still described as in development App Store and sideloaded builds may differ in availability and supported systems
Our verdict	BlastEm is a free, open-source emulator for Sega's classic 16-bit and 8-bit systems. Its primary target is the Genesis/Mega Drive, while documented support also covers Sega CD, 32X, Master System, Game Gear, SG-1000, SC-3000, Sega Pico,… Read the review →	Provenance is a free, open-source multi-system emulator for iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. It supports dozens of classic systems across Nintendo, Sega, Atari, Sony, NEC, SNK, and arcade platforms. Its strongest appeal is library management:… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• BlastEm — where it wins

  • Supports Sega CD plus a broad range of Sega systems
  • Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and the web
  • Deep debugger with scripting and conditional breakpoints

  Where it doesn't

  • Web version is described as experimental
  • Primary focus is the Genesis/Mega Drive
  • Debugging depth may exceed casual players' needs

• Provenance — where it wins

  • Automatic artwork, screenshots, ratings, manuals, and metadata
  • CHD disc-image support for CD-based cores
  • iCloud, CloudKit, WebDAV, AirDrop, and RetroAchievements support

  Where it doesn't

  • Some systems require BIOS files, with requirements varying by system
  • Native Provenance online play is still described as in development
  • App Store and sideloaded builds may differ in availability and supported systems

• BlastEm9.2/10 · Free plan

  A broad Sega emulator with standout debugging tools and cross-platform coverage.

  Visit BlastEmFull verdict →
• Provenance8.2/10 · Free plan

  A free Apple-focused emulator with strong library tools and optional paid sync features.

  Visit ProvenanceFull verdict →