Head-to-head · Neo Geo Emulators
Geolith vs NEO.emu
Geolith leads on 0 checks, NEO.emu on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreGeolith · 9.4/10
Geolith scores higher on our rubric for neo geo emulators: 9.4 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.
Geolith is the better fit for broad Neo Geo coverage on desktop. NEO.emu is the better fit for feature-rich AES/MVS play across devices.
- Geolith fits best
Broad Neo Geo coverage on desktop
- NEO.emu fits best
Feature-rich AES/MVS play across devices
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Side by side
| Feature | Geolith 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | NEO.emu 9.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 9.0 |
| Ranking | #1 in Neo Geo Emulators | #2 in Neo Geo Emulators |
| Best for | Broad Neo Geo coverage on desktop | Feature-rich AES/MVS play across devices |
| Pricing model | Free | Paid |
| Starting price | Open source | — |
| Free plan | Not checked yet | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Android, iOS, Linux |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features Geolith 3/6 · NEO.emu 3/6 | ||
| AES emulation | ✓ | ✓ |
| MVS emulation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neo Geo CD support | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Related SNK arcade | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Netplay | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Save states | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Linux, macOS, BSD, Windows | Android, iOS, Linux |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Geolith is an open-source emulator for SNK Neo Geo AES home-console software, MVS arcade software, Neo Geo CD, and CDZ titles. It is aimed at desktop users who want one project covering multiple Neo Geo formats rather than a tool limited… Read the review → |
NEO.emu is an open-source emulator for Neo Geo MVS and AES software, aimed at players who want configurable controls and support across Android, iOS and Linux. It is based on a modified version of GnGeo and supports MAME 0.144 or newer ROM… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Geolith — where it wins
- Covers AES, MVS, Neo Geo CD/CDZ, and .NEO cartridges
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and BSD environments
- Handles diverse controllers, memory cards, and disc-image formats
Where it doesn't
- Build instructions require compilation on supported environments
- The documented focus is desktop operating systems
- Configuration depth may require tuning across regions and display modes
NEO.emu — where it wins
- Supports both Neo Geo MVS and AES software
- Universe BIOS enables region and mode editing
- Save states and Bluetooth/USB HID controller support
Where it doesn't
- No free plan is available
- ROM files must be supplied by the user
- Paid distribution may not suit occasional players
- Geolith9.4/10 · Open source
A broad desktop emulator for Neo Geo cartridges, arcade software, and discs.
Visit GeolithFull verdict → - NEO.emu9.0/10 · Paid
A paid, open-source emulator with broad Neo Geo support and flexible controls.
Visit NEO.emuFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Geolith vs NeoRAGEx
- Geolith vs GxGeo
- Geolith vs MVSPSP
- Geolith vs NeoDS
- Geolith vs GnGeo
- Geolith vs NeoCD-Libretro
- NEO.emu vs NeoRAGEx
- NEO.emu vs GxGeo
All neo geo emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update