MAME
MAME: A broad, free emulator framework for arcade systems and vintage hardware. Ranked #6 of 53 in Multi-System Emulators by our editors (8.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for arcade-focused users needing broad hardware coverage.
At a glance
- Editor score8.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forArcade-focused users needing broad hardware coverage
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Covers arcade machines, computers, consoles, chess computers and calculators
- Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and Android-related builds
- Includes network-linked play plus HLSL and GLSL display effects
Where it doesn't
- Requires external ROM, BIOS and other system data
- Configuration can vary across the many supported systems
- Network-linked play is available only for supported systems
Our verdict on MAME
MAME is a free, open-source emulation framework for preserving and documenting vintage hardware. It is aimed at users who want one project covering arcade machines, computers, video game consoles, chess computers, calculators and other electronic systems. Official Windows binaries are available, while the project can also be compiled for Windows, Linux, macOS and Android-related builds. Operation is available through both a Windows graphical interface and the command line.
Its breadth is the central advantage. MAME documents and reproduces the behavior of vintage hardware rather than focusing on one console family or a narrow arcade subset. The framework also supports CHD storage media files for some systems, network-linked play for supported systems, and video effects including HLSL CRT effects and OpenGL GLSL shaders. That combination gives arcade-focused users broad hardware coverage with options for display customization and multiplayer where supported.
The main trade-off is that MAME is a framework rather than a packaged library of playable software. Users need to provide ROM, BIOS and other external system data, and the required setup can differ between systems. MAME is therefore a strong fit for technically comfortable users who value preservation, system variety and open-source access. It is less suitable for anyone seeking a simple, single-platform emulator with uniform setup across every title. Its free model avoids tier comparisons, while its Windows, macOS, Linux and Android-related availability supports a wide range of environments.
Your product? Our editors can test MAME in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
MAME pricing
MAME fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported systems | Not verified |
| Android support | Yes |
| Arcade support | Yes |
| Netplay | Yes |
| BIOS required | Yes |
| Shader/upscaling | Yes |
| License | Open-source |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | mamedev.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to MAME
- RetroArchA broad, free emulator hub with one interface for collections, cores, controls, and play.9.4
- FoxolFoxol combines multi-system emulation, cloud saves, and multiplayer across web, desktop, and mobile.9.1
- aresA broad, free desktop emulator with preservation-focused tools and system-specific BIOS requirements.8.8
MAME vs the competition
Compare MAME with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
MAME is ranked in 7 of our directories.
Used MAME? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used MAME for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
MAME is listed in our Multi-System Emulators directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/mame/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/mame.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update