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Head-to-head · Apple II Emulators

POM2 vs ApplEm

  • Updated Nov 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
POM2 #4 in Apple II Emulators 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit POM2
ApplEm #5 in Apple II Emulators 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit ApplEm

POM2 leads on 0 checks, ApplEm 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

  • Free planboth

POM2 and ApplEm score identically on our rubric (7.9 out of 10) for apple ii emulators; POM2 sits at #4 and ApplEm at #5 in our editorial ranking, so the choice comes down to fit.

POM2 is the better fit for cross-platform users wanting deep tools and model coverage. ApplEm is the better fit for users seeking a free browser and desktop emulator.

  • POM2 fits best

    Cross-platform users wanting deep tools and model coverage

  • ApplEm fits best

    Users seeking a free browser and desktop emulator

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Side by side

Feature POM2 7.9/10 Visit ↗ ApplEm 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.9 7.9
Ranking #4 in Apple II Emulators #5 in Apple II Emulators
Best for Cross-platform users wanting deep tools and model coverage Users seeking a free browser and desktop emulator
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension Cloud, Desktop
Platforms Linux, macOS, Windows, Web Web, macOS
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features POM2 3/3 · ApplEm 3/3
Built-in debugger ✓ ✓
Save states ✓ ✓
Joystick support ✓ ✓
Specs
Apple II model coverage Multi-model Multi-model
Host platform Cross-platform Cross-platform
Disk image formats .dsk, .do, .d13, .po, .nib, .woz, .moof, .2mg, .hdv DSK, DO, PO, WOZ, 2MG
Our review
Pros
  • Emulates Apple ][ through //c Plus, including PAL profiles
  • Loads nine disk-image formats, including .woz and .hdv
  • Combines bank-aware debugging, profiling, rewind, and snapshots
  • Emulates Apple IIe Enhanced, II Plus, IIc, and IIgs
  • Loads and writes DSK, DO, PO, and WOZ images; IIgs supports 2MG
  • Includes save states, debugger, and expansion card emulation
Cons
  • Focused on Apple II family systems rather than other platforms
  • Development tools may be more than casual play requires
  • Support is through community and documentation
  • Native desktop app is limited to macOS
  • Its extensive debugging tools may be unnecessary for casual play
  • The web version's offline use depends on progressive web app installation
Our verdict

POM2 emulates the Apple II family, from the original Apple ][ through the //c Plus, with NTSC and PAL profiles. It is aimed at people who want to run Apple II software across desktop and browser environments, as well as developers working…

Read the review →

ApplEm is an Apple II emulator for people who want to run software across several Apple II generations in a browser or on macOS. It models the Apple IIe Enhanced, Apple II Plus, Apple IIc, and Apple IIgs. The browser version uses…

Read the review →
  1. POM2Apple II Emulators 7.9Free plan
  2. ApplEmApple II Emulators 7.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • POM2 — where it wins

    • Emulates Apple ][ through //c Plus, including PAL profiles
    • Loads nine disk-image formats, including .woz and .hdv
    • Combines bank-aware debugging, profiling, rewind, and snapshots

    Where it doesn't

    • Focused on Apple II family systems rather than other platforms
    • Development tools may be more than casual play requires
    • Support is through community and documentation

  • ApplEm — where it wins

    • Emulates Apple IIe Enhanced, II Plus, IIc, and IIgs
    • Loads and writes DSK, DO, PO, and WOZ images; IIgs supports 2MG
    • Includes save states, debugger, and expansion card emulation

    Where it doesn't

    • Native desktop app is limited to macOS
    • Its extensive debugging tools may be unnecessary for casual play
    • The web version's offline use depends on progressive web app installation

POM2 vs ApplEm: questions

Which is better for apple II emulators, POM2 or ApplEm?

POM2 and ApplEm score identically on our rubric (7.9 out of 10) for apple ii emulators; POM2 sits at #4 and ApplEm at #5 in our editorial ranking, so the choice comes down to fit.

How do POM2 and ApplEm compare?

All 4 checks we put side by side come out level: neither leads on any.

Do POM2 and ApplEm have a free plan?

POM2: Yes. ApplEm: Yes.

More comparisons

All apple II emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026

Last updated · How we research and update