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Head-to-head · ZX Spectrum Emulators

ZEsarUX vs GZX

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score ZEsarUX #1 in ZX Spectrum Emulators 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 2 features Visit ZEsarUX
GZX #9 in ZX Spectrum Emulators 8.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 2 features Visit GZX

ZEsarUX leads on 0 checks, GZX on 0, and 3 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 scoreZEsarUX · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth

ZEsarUX scores higher on our rubric for zx spectrum emulators: 9.4 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #9.

ZEsarUX is the better fit for broad, advanced desktop emulation. GZX is the better fit for simple free Windows or Linux emulation.

  • ZEsarUX fits best

    Broad, advanced desktop emulation

  • GZX fits best

    Simple free Windows or Linux emulation

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Side by side

Feature ZEsarUX 9.4/10 Visit ↗ GZX 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.4
Ranking #1 in ZX Spectrum Emulators #9 in ZX Spectrum Emulators
Best for Broad, advanced desktop emulation Simple free Windows or Linux emulation
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, Linux
Support Docs Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features ZEsarUX 2/2 · GZX 2/2
Built-in debugger ✓ ✓
Open source ✓ ✓
Specs
Supported Spectrum models Not checked yet Not checked yet
Host platforms GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, Haiku, macOS, Windows, Raspberry Pi, Cygwin Windows, Linux, HelenOS
Tape formats RWA, SMP, WAV, TZX, PZX, CDT, TAP, P, P81, O, CAS TZX, TAP, WAV
Snapshot formats ZSF, ZX, Z80, SP, SPG, NEX, SNA, P, P81, O, Z81, ACE Z80, SNA, AY
Peripheral support joysticks, steering wheel, ZX Printer, light guns, light pen, Kempston mouse, ZX Microdrive, MMC/SD interfaces, IDE interfaces, DivMMC, DivIDE, Dandanator, SamRam, LEC Memory, HiLow DataDrive Kempston joystick, MIDI port
Our review
Pros
  • Supports major ZX Spectrum models from 16K through +3
  • Extensive tape, snapshot, storage, and peripheral format support
  • Advanced debugging includes reverse debugging, watches, and CPU history
  • 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
Cons
  • Its breadth may exceed the needs of basic 48K emulation
  • Many formats and peripherals can make configuration more involved
  • Network gaming uses the ZEsarUX Network Gaming protocol
  • Desktop support centers on Windows and Linux
  • Coverage is narrower than broader emulator alternatives
  • Peripheral support focuses on Kempston joystick and MIDI
Our verdict

ZEsarUX is a free, GPL-licensed, open-source emulator for ZX Spectrum computers and related retro systems. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with support for Spectrum 16K, 48K, 128K, +2, +2A, and +3 models. The product is aimed at…

Read the review →

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 →
  1. ZEsarUXZX Spectrum Emulators 9.4Free plan
  2. GZXZX Spectrum Emulators 8.4Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • ZEsarUX — where it wins

    • Supports major ZX Spectrum models from 16K through +3
    • Extensive tape, snapshot, storage, and peripheral format support
    • Advanced debugging includes reverse debugging, watches, and CPU history

    Where it doesn't

    • Its breadth may exceed the needs of basic 48K emulation
    • Many formats and peripherals can make configuration more involved
    • Network gaming uses the ZEsarUX Network Gaming protocol

  • 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
  • ZEsarUX9.4/10 · Free plan

    A broad desktop emulator for Spectrum models, storage formats, peripherals, and debugging.

    Visit ZEsarUXFull verdict →
  • GZX8.4/10 · Free plan

    A free, focused emulator with useful tape, snapshot, audio and debugging support.

    Visit GZXFull verdict →

More comparisons

All ZX spectrum emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update