YDrive vs Provenance

YYDrive8.5Visit Provenance8.2Visit

Higher score Y YDrive #6 in Sega CD Emulators 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit YDrive

vs

Provenance #8 in Sega CD Emulators 8.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Provenance

• YDrive fits best

  Windows users wanting a simple Sega CD library

• Provenance fits best

  Apple users prioritizing library management

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Side by side

Feature	YYDrive 8.5/10 Visit ↗	Provenance 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.5	8.2
Ranking	#6 in Sega CD Emulators	#8 in Sega CD Emulators
Best for	Windows users wanting a simple Sega CD library	Apple users prioritizing library management
Pricing model	Free	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Free plan	$39.99/yr
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Mobile
Platforms	Windows	iOS
Integrations	1 integrations	6 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business
Features YDrive 1/4 · Provenance 1/4
Save states	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
CD audio support	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Netplay	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Cheat support	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms	Windows	Not checked yet
BIOS requirement	Required	Not checked yet
License	Open-source	Open-source
Our review
Pros	Validates US, European, and Japanese Sega CD BIOS files Combines Genesis Plus GX emulation with save states Scrapes cover art and metadata through TheGamesDB API	Automatic artwork, screenshots, ratings, manuals, and metadata CHD disc-image support for CD-based cores iCloud, CloudKit, WebDAV, AirDrop, and RetroAchievements support
Cons	Windows-only desktop software Requires a compatible Sega CD BIOS file before launch No verified netplay or cheat support	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
Our verdict	YDrive is a free, open-source Windows desktop emulator and game library manager for Sega console software, including Sega CD titles. Built with C# and .NET 8 using WPF, it combines the Genesis Plus GX emulation core with a dark-themed… 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

• YDrive — where it wins

  • Validates US, European, and Japanese Sega CD BIOS files
  • Combines Genesis Plus GX emulation with save states
  • Scrapes cover art and metadata through TheGamesDB API

  Where it doesn't

  • Windows-only desktop software
  • Requires a compatible Sega CD BIOS file before launch
  • No verified netplay or cheat support

• 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

• YYDrive8.5/10 · Free plan

  A free, open-source Windows emulator with BIOS checks, save states, and library metadata.

  Visit YDriveFull verdict →
• Provenance8.2/10 · Free plan

  A free Apple-focused emulator with strong library tools and optional paid sync features.

  Visit ProvenanceFull verdict →