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Head-to-head · ZX Spectrum Emulators

zx_go vs GZX

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score zx_go #3 in ZX Spectrum Emulators 9.2/10 Open source ✓ 2 of 2 features Visit zx_go
GZX #9 in ZX Spectrum Emulators 8.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 2 features Visit GZX

zx_go 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 scorezx_go · 9.2/10
  • Free planonly GZX

zx_go scores higher on our rubric for zx spectrum emulators: 9.2 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #9.

zx_go is the better fit for advanced debugging across desktop platforms. GZX is the better fit for simple free Windows or Linux emulation.

  • zx_go fits best

    Advanced debugging across desktop platforms

  • GZX fits best

    Simple free Windows or Linux emulation

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Side by side

Feature zx_go 9.2/10 Visit ↗ GZX 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.4
Ranking #3 in ZX Spectrum Emulators #9 in ZX Spectrum Emulators
Best for Advanced debugging across desktop platforms Simple free Windows or Linux emulation
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Open source Free plan
Free plan Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, Linux
Support Community Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features zx_go 2/2 · GZX 2/2
Built-in debugger ✓ ✓
Open source ✓ ✓
Specs
Supported Spectrum models Not checked yet Not checked yet
Host platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, Linux, HelenOS
Tape formats .tap, .tzx TZX, TAP, WAV
Snapshot formats .sna, .z80, .szx Z80, SNA, AY
Peripheral support +3 FDC, Beta Disk, Opus Discovery, Interface 1/2, DISCiPLE, Multiface, Kempston mouse, ZX Printer, joysticks Kempston joystick, MIDI port
Our review
Pros
  • Emulates classic Spectrum models and ZX Spectrum Next
  • Supports snapshots, tapes, disks, cartridges, and RZX recording
  • Offers graphical, telnet, headless, and reverse debugging
  • 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
  • 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
  • Desktop support centers on Windows and Linux
  • Coverage is narrower than broader emulator alternatives
  • Peripheral support focuses on Kempston joystick and MIDI
Our verdict

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 →

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. zx_goZX Spectrum Emulators 9.2Open source
  2. GZXZX Spectrum Emulators 8.4Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • 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

  • 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
  • zx_go9.2/10 · Open source

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

    Visit zx_goFull 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