Head-to-head · Multi-System Emulators
Foxol vs MAME
Foxol leads on 0 checks, MAME on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreFoxol · 9.1/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresMAME · 5 of 5
Foxol scores higher on our rubric for multi-system emulators: 9.1 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.
Foxol is the better fit for cross-device users wanting cloud saves and multiplayer. MAME is the better fit for arcade-focused users needing broad hardware coverage.
- Foxol fits best
Cross-device users wanting cloud saves and multiplayer
- MAME fits best
Arcade-focused users needing broad hardware coverage
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Side by side
| Feature | Foxol 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | MAME 8.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 8.4 |
| Ranking | #2 in Multi-System Emulators | #6 in Multi-System Emulators |
| Best for | Cross-device users wanting cloud saves and multiplayer | Arcade-focused users needing broad hardware coverage |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | — | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Support | Email, Community | Community, Docs |
| Features Foxol 3/5 · MAME 5/5 | ||
| Android support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Arcade support | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Netplay | ✓ | ✓ |
| BIOS required | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Shader/upscaling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported systems | 20 | Not checked yet |
| License | Not checked yet | Open-source |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Foxol is a cross-platform emulator platform for playing legally obtained classic game files in a browser, on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It supports more than 20 gaming systems, including Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy… Read the review → |
MAME is a free, open-source emulation framework for preserving and documenting vintage hardware. It is aimed at users who want one project covering arcade machines, computers, video game consoles, chess computers, calculators and other… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Foxol — where it wins
- Supports more than 20 classic gaming systems
- Cloud save synchronization and cross-device play
- Online multiplayer, remote co-op, and Link Cable functionality
Where it doesn't
- Requires legally obtained classic game files
- Focused on classic systems rather than current consoles
- Advanced features may suit enthusiasts more than casual players
MAME — where it wins
- Covers arcade machines, computers, consoles, chess computers and calculators
- Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and Android-related builds
- Includes network-linked play plus HLSL and GLSL display effects
Where it doesn't
- Requires external ROM, BIOS and other system data
- Configuration can vary across the many supported systems
- Network-linked play is available only for supported systems
- Foxol9.1/10 · Free plan
Foxol combines multi-system emulation, cloud saves, and multiplayer across web, desktop, and mobile.
Visit FoxolFull verdict → - MAME8.4/10 · Free plan
A broad, free emulator framework for arcade systems and vintage hardware.
Visit MAMEFull verdict →
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All Multi-System emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update





