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Head-to-head · Apple II Emulators

POM2 vs GSSquared

  • 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
GSSquared #7 in Apple II Emulators 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit GSSquared

POM2 leads on 0 checks, GSSquared 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
  • Most featuresPOM2 · 3 of 3

POM2 and GSSquared score identically on our rubric (7.9 out of 10) for apple ii emulators; POM2 sits at #4 and GSSquared at #7 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. GSSquared is the better fit for users wanting broad Apple II and IIgs coverage.

  • POM2 fits best

    Cross-platform users wanting deep tools and model coverage

  • GSSquared fits best

    Users wanting broad Apple II and IIgs coverage

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Side by side

Feature POM2 7.9/10 Visit ↗ GSSquared 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.9 7.9
Ranking #4 in Apple II Emulators #7 in Apple II Emulators
Best for Cross-platform users wanting deep tools and model coverage Users wanting broad Apple II and IIgs coverage
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan $40 one-time
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension
Platforms Linux, macOS, Windows, Web Web, Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Community, Docs Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo
Features POM2 3/3 · GSSquared 2/3
Built-in debugger ✓ ✓
Save states ✓ (best) Not checked yet
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 .do, .po, .dsk, .nib, .2mg, .woz 1.0, .woz 2.0, .hdv, .img, .hda, .iso, .pmap
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 II, Apple II+, Apple IIe variants, and Apple IIgs systems
  • Loads a wide range of disk images and supports SmartPort storage
  • Desktop builds include an integrated debugger for CPU, memory, video, and devices
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
  • The integrated debugger is available only on desktop builds
  • Gamepad support may not suit users who need other input options
  • The $40 shareware contribution is suggested, so it does not buy a separate paid tier
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 →

GSSquared is an emulator for the Apple II family, spanning Apple II, Apple II+, Apple IIe variants, and Apple IIgs systems. It is aimed at people who want to run classic Apple II software on current computers, with desktop versions for…

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

  • GSSquared — where it wins

    • Emulates Apple II, Apple II+, Apple IIe variants, and Apple IIgs systems
    • Loads a wide range of disk images and supports SmartPort storage
    • Desktop builds include an integrated debugger for CPU, memory, video, and devices

    Where it doesn't

    • The integrated debugger is available only on desktop builds
    • Gamepad support may not suit users who need other input options
    • The $40 shareware contribution is suggested, so it does not buy a separate paid tier

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