Head-to-head · ZX Spectrum Emulators
GZX vs Zedex
GZX leads on 1 check, Zedex on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreGZX · 8.4/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresGZX · 2 of 2
GZX scores higher on our rubric for zx spectrum emulators: 8.4 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #9 and #10.
GZX offers built-in debugger; Zedex doesn't.
GZX is the better fit for simple free Windows or Linux emulation. Zedex is the better fit for android gaming and media features.
- GZX fits best
Simple free Windows or Linux emulation
- Zedex fits best
Android gaming and media features
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Side by side
| Feature | GZX 8.4/10 Visit ↗ | Zedex 8.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.4 | 8.3 |
| Ranking | #9 in ZX Spectrum Emulators | #10 in ZX Spectrum Emulators |
| Best for | Simple free Windows or Linux emulation | Android gaming and media features |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux | Android |
| Support | Community, Docs | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features GZX 2/2 · Zedex 1/2 | ||
| Built-in debugger | ✓ (best) | — |
| Open source | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported Spectrum models | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Host platforms | Windows, Linux, HelenOS | Android 11 and later |
| Tape formats | TZX, TAP, WAV | TAP, TZX |
| Snapshot formats | Z80, SNA, AY | SZX, Z80, SNA |
| Peripheral support | Kempston joystick, MIDI port | Beta 128/TR-DOS, +3 floppy drives, DivMMC, tape deck, Kempston mouse, game controllers |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | GZX is an open-source ZX Spectrum emulator developed by Jiri Svoboda for people who want straightforward emulation on Windows or Linux. It covers the 48K, 128K, +2 and +2A Spectrum models, giving users a focused way to run software… Read the review → |
Zedex is a free, open-source ZX Spectrum emulator for Android 11 and later. It supports Sinclair, Timex, Pentagon, Scorpion and Spectrum SE machines, including 48k, 128k, plus2 and plus3 models. The app is aimed at Android users who want… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
GZX — where it wins
- Supports 48K, 128K, +2 and +2A Spectrum models
- Handles TZX, TAP, WAV, Z80, SNA and AY formats
- Includes AY audio, ULAplus, MIDI and a built-in debugger
Where it doesn't
- Desktop support centers on Windows and Linux
- Coverage is narrower than broader emulator alternatives
- Peripheral support focuses on Kempston joystick and MIDI
Zedex — where it wins
- Supports tape, disk, cartridge, microdrive and RZX files
- Includes shaders, recording, cheats and remappable controller controls
- Offers library metadata scraping, catalog browsing and DivMMC emulation
Where it doesn't
- Runs on Android 11 and later only
- Does not include a debugger
- Desktop platforms are not supported
- GZX8.4/10 · Free plan
A free, focused emulator with useful tape, snapshot, audio and debugging support.
Visit GZXFull verdict → - Zedex8.3/10 · Free plan
A feature-rich free Android emulator for gaming, media capture and library browsing.
Visit ZedexFull verdict →
All ZX spectrum emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update