Head-to-head · Sega CD Emulators
Mega-Pi vs Provenance
Mega-Pi leads on 0 checks, Provenance on 0, and 4 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 scoreMega-Pi · 8.9/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresMega-Pi · 2 of 4
Mega-Pi scores higher on our rubric for sega cd emulators: 8.9 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #8.
Mega-Pi is the better fit for raspberry Pi Sega CD setups. Provenance is the better fit for apple users prioritizing library management.
- Mega-Pi fits best
Raspberry Pi Sega CD setups
- Provenance fits best
Apple users prioritizing library management
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Side by side
| Feature | Mega-Pi 8.9/10 Visit ↗ | Provenance 8.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.9 | 8.2 |
| Ranking | #4 in Sega CD Emulators | #8 in Sega CD Emulators |
| Best for | Raspberry Pi Sega CD setups | Apple users prioritizing library management |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | $39.99/yr |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Support | Docs | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo | Solo, Small business |
| Features Mega-Pi 2/4 · Provenance 1/4 | ||
| Save states | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| CD audio support | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Netplay | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Cheat support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Raspberry Pi | Not checked yet |
| BIOS requirement | Required | Not checked yet |
| License | Not checked yet | Open-source |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Mega-Pi is a bare-metal Sega Mega Drive/Genesis and Sega CD/Mega CD emulator designed specifically for Raspberry Pi. It suits users building a dedicated Sega CD setup around an SD card, USB controller, and television or display. The… 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
Mega-Pi — where it wins
- Supports CUE/BIN and CHD Sega CD disc images
- Includes region-based BIOS loading and CDDA/PCM audio emulation
- Stores save and load states on the SD card
Where it doesn't
- Runs only on Raspberry Pi
- Requires users to provide Sega CD BIOS files
- Requires compilation and FAT32 SD-card boot setup
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
- Mega-Pi8.9/10 · Free plan
A focused, free Sega CD emulator for Raspberry Pi builds, with strong disc-image and audio support.
Visit Mega-PiFull verdict → - Provenance8.2/10 · Free plan
A free Apple-focused emulator with strong library tools and optional paid sync features.
Visit ProvenanceFull verdict →
More comparisons
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- Mega-Pi vs OpenEmu
- Mega-Pi vs YDrive
All sega CD emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update