AppleWin
AppleWin: A free desktop emulator with Apple II models, peripherals, video modes, and a debugger. Ranked #3 of 20 in Apple II Emulators by our editors (7.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free Apple II emulation on Windows desktops.
At a glance
- Editor score7.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree Apple II emulation on Windows desktops
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Apple II model coverageMulti-model
- Facts checked14 Nov 2026
Where it wins
- Emulates Apple II, II Plus, IIe, and several clones
- Includes symbolic debugging, disk controllers, sound, and networking
- Offers save states, joystick support, and multiple video modes
Where it doesn't
- Official builds target Windows; Linux and macOS ports are unofficial
- Desktop-only deployment limits use to desktop environments
- Community and documentation are the listed support channels
Our verdict on AppleWin
AppleWin is an open-source desktop emulator for the Apple II, Apple II Plus, and Apple IIe, including original and enhanced IIe models. It also supports clones such as Pravets, TK3000, and Base 64. Its wide peripheral coverage makes it a fit for people looking to emulate more than the core computer: the feature set includes disk and hard-drive devices, sound cards, networking cards, joystick and game-I/O support, and an extensive symbolic debugger.
The platform picture needs a little care. The project’s official builds target Windows, while Linux and macOS are available through ports described as unofficial. That makes AppleWin a straightforward option for Windows desktop use, but those choosing a different operating system should account for the unofficial status of its ports. It is distributed under the GNU GPL-2.0 license, and the project lists community and documentation as support channels.
Emulation depth is a clear strength: AppleWin covers Apple II and II Plus hardware, original and enhanced IIe models, and multiple clones, alongside Disk II floppy drives, hard-disk controllers, Mockingboard, Phasor, and SAM sound cards, and Uthernet I and II networking cards. It can save and load emulator state files and offers NTSC, RGB, monochrome, and other video modes. Choose it if that breadth, debugger access, and open-source distribution suit your desktop setup; look elsewhere if you require official Linux or macOS builds or a non-desktop deployment.
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AppleWin pricing
AppleWin fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Apple II model coverage | Multi-model |
| Host platform | Windows |
| Disk image formats | DO, DSK, NIB, PO, WOZ, HDV, 2MG |
| Built-in debugger | Yes |
| Save states | Yes |
| Joystick support | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux, macOS |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 14 Nov 2026 |
Alternatives to AppleWin
- OpenEmuA polished Mac library for classic games, but not a dedicated Apple II emulator.7.9
- AvidemuxA free, open-source tool for basic video processing—not Apple II emulation.7.9
- POM2A free, open-source Apple II emulator with broad model coverage and developer tools.7.9
See all AppleWin alternatives →
AppleWin vs the competition
- AppleWin vs OpenEmu
- AppleWin vs Avidemux
- AppleWin vs POM2
- AppleWin vs ApplEm
- AppleWin vs LinApple
- AppleWin vs GSSquared
Compare AppleWin with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
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