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Head-to-head · ZX Spectrum Emulators

ZEsarUX vs zx_go

  • 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
zx_go #3 in ZX Spectrum Emulators 9.2/10 Open source ✓ 2 of 2 features Visit zx_go

ZEsarUX leads on 0 checks, zx_go 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 planonly ZEsarUX

ZEsarUX scores higher on our rubric for zx spectrum emulators: 9.4 against 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

ZEsarUX is the better fit for broad, advanced desktop emulation. zx_go is the better fit for advanced debugging across desktop platforms.

  • ZEsarUX fits best

    Broad, advanced desktop emulation

  • zx_go fits best

    Advanced debugging across desktop platforms

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Side by side

Feature ZEsarUX 9.4/10 Visit ↗ zx_go 9.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.2
Ranking #1 in ZX Spectrum Emulators #3 in ZX Spectrum Emulators
Best for Broad, advanced desktop emulation Advanced debugging across desktop platforms
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Open source
Free plan ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Docs Community
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features ZEsarUX 2/2 · zx_go 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, macOS, Linux
Tape formats RWA, SMP, WAV, TZX, PZX, CDT, TAP, P, P81, O, CAS .tap, .tzx
Snapshot formats ZSF, ZX, Z80, SP, SPG, NEX, SNA, P, P81, O, Z81, ACE .sna, .z80, .szx
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 +3 FDC, Beta Disk, Opus Discovery, Interface 1/2, DISCiPLE, Multiface, Kempston mouse, ZX Printer, joysticks
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
  • Emulates classic Spectrum models and ZX Spectrum Next
  • Supports snapshots, tapes, disks, cartridges, and RZX recording
  • Offers graphical, telnet, headless, and reverse debugging
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
  • Spectrum Next emulation requires separately downloaded licensed ROMs
  • Host platform coverage is limited to Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Its advanced debugging focus may exceed casual emulation needs
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 →

zx_go is an open-source desktop emulator for classic Sinclair systems and ZX Spectrum Next. It covers the 48K, 128K, +2, +2A and +3 models, along with the Pentagon, Spectrum Next and SAM Coupé. The project is aimed at users who want more…

Read the review →
  1. ZEsarUXZX Spectrum Emulators 9.4Free plan
  2. zx_goZX Spectrum Emulators 9.2Open source

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

  • zx_go — where it wins

    • Emulates classic Spectrum models and ZX Spectrum Next
    • Supports snapshots, tapes, disks, cartridges, and RZX recording
    • Offers graphical, telnet, headless, and reverse debugging

    Where it doesn't

    • Spectrum Next emulation requires separately downloaded licensed ROMs
    • Host platform coverage is limited to Windows, macOS, and Linux
    • Its advanced debugging focus may exceed casual emulation needs
  • ZEsarUX9.4/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit ZEsarUXFull verdict →
  • zx_go9.2/10 · Open source

    A deep desktop emulator for classic Spectrum systems, Next support, peripherals, and debugging.

    Visit zx_goFull 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