Best RetroArch Alternatives in 2026
The top RetroArch alternatives are Foxol, ares and Provenance: 15 Multi-System emulators our editors would look at instead of RetroArch, in our ranking order.
RetroArch: A broad, free emulator hub with one interface for collections, cores, controls, and play. Where it falls short: core and feature availability varies by platform and distribution.
Switching from RetroArch? For most multi-system emulators buyers the best RetroArch alternative is Foxol, built for cross-device users wanting cloud saves and multiplayer. EmulatorJS offers the most supported systems (36).
Why People Look for a RetroArch Alternative
- Core and feature availability varies by platform and distribution
- BIOS requirements vary by core and content
- Does not distribute copyrighted BIOS files
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallFoxol9.1
Cross-device users wanting cloud saves and multiplayer
Visit Foxol - Best free optionFoxol9.1
Has a free plan
Visit Foxol - Most supported systemsEmulatorJS8.5
36
Visit EmulatorJS
All 15 RetroArch Alternatives, Ranked
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.
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Best forCross-device users wanting cloud saves and multiplayer
Foxol combines multi-system emulation, cloud saves, and multiplayer across web, desktop, and mobile.
- Android support
- Netplay
- Shader/upscaling
9.1/10★★★★★Visit Foxol -
Best forDesktop users wanting broad standalone emulation
A broad, free desktop emulator with preservation-focused tools and system-specific BIOS requirements.
- BIOS required
- Arcade support
- Shader/upscaling
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit ares -
Best forApple users wanting synced emulation libraries
A broad Apple-focused emulator with synced libraries, metadata, cheats, and multiplayer.
- BIOS required
- Arcade support
- Netplay
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit Provenance -
Best forWebsites needing broad browser emulation
A broad, open-source browser emulator for embedded retro-system play, without current netplay.
- Arcade support
- Android support
- Shader/upscaling
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit EmulatorJS -
Best forArcade-focused users needing broad hardware coverage
A broad, free emulator framework for arcade systems and vintage hardware.
- BIOS required
- Arcade support
- Android support
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit MAME -
Best forTool-assisted gameplay and emulator debugging
A focused choice for emulator debugging, tool-assisted movies, and desktop retro gaming.
- Arcade support
- Shader/upscaling
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit BizHawk -
Best forMac users wanting a polished game library
A free, organized emulator library for Mac users who want broad classic-system support.
- BIOS required
- Arcade support
- Shader/upscaling
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit OpenEmu -
Best foriOS users needing extensive cloud import options
A feature-rich iOS emulator with broad cloud imports and flexible retro-game controls.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Manic EMU -
Best forGameCube and Wii emulation
A mature, free emulator with broad GameCube and Wii features across four platforms.
- Arcade support
- Android support
- Netplay
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Dolphin -
Best forDesktop users needing broad classic-system support
A free, open-source emulator with broad classic-system coverage and advanced playback tools.
- BIOS required
- Arcade support
- Netplay
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit Mednafen -
Best foriPhone and Mac users focused on Nintendo systems
A broad Apple-only emulator with saves, controller support, sync, cheats, and DS multiplayer.
- Netplay
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit Delta -
Best forDesktop users focused on 8- and 16-bit consoles
A focused desktop emulator with strong save, video, and customization features.
- Netplay
- Shader/upscaling
7.3/10★★★★☆Visit MesenCE -
Best forBroad free emulation with multiplayer
A free, broad emulator with 18 console types, arcade and PSP support, and multiplayer.
- Arcade support
- Android support
- Netplay
7.3/10★★★★☆Visit Happy Chick -
Best forTAS creators and emulator power users
A desktop emulator built for TAS creators, netplay, debugging, and recording.
- Netplay
- Shader/upscaling
7.2/10★★★★☆Visit Nexen -
Best forPortable users needing focused handheld emulation
A focused, portable emulator with strong tools and beta-quality Nintendo DS support.
- Android support
- Shader/upscaling
7.1/10★★★★☆Visit SkyEmu
RetroArch Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to RetroArch?
Foxol: #2 in our Multi-System Emulators ranking, with an editor score of 9.1 out of 10. Foxol combines multi-system emulation, cloud saves, and multiplayer across web, desktop, and mobile.
Is there a free alternative to RetroArch?
Yes. Foxol, ares, Provenance, EmulatorJS and MAME have a free plan or a free tier (15 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for RetroArch alternatives?
Core and feature availability varies by platform and distribution; BIOS requirements vary by core and content; Does not distribute copyrighted BIOS files.
Which RetroArch alternative has the most supported systems?
EmulatorJS, with 36.
How do I switch from RetroArch?
Export your data from RetroArch (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel RetroArch.
How to Switch from RetroArch
- Export your data from RetroArch (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel RetroArch.
RetroArch vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Supported systems | Android support | Arcade support | Netplay | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RetroArch | Yes | Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.4 | |
| 1 | Foxol | Yes | 20 | Yes | Yes | 9.1 | ||
| 2 | ares | Yes | Free | 34 | No | Yes | 8.8 | |
| 3 | Provenance | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.7 | |||
| 4 | EmulatorJS | Free | 36 | Yes | Yes | No | 8.5 | |
| 5 | MAME | Yes | Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.4 | |
| 6 | BizHawk | Yes | Free | No | Yes | 8.2 | ||
| 7 | OpenEmu | Yes | Free | 31 | No | Yes | No | 8.0 |
| 8 | Manic EMU | Free | 7.9 | |||||
| 9 | Dolphin | Yes | Free | 3 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.8 |
| 10 | Mednafen | Yes | Free | 17 | Yes | Yes | 7.6 | |
| 11 | Delta | Yes | 7 | No | No | Yes | 7.4 | |
| 12 | MesenCE | Yes | Free | 7 | No | No | Yes | 7.3 |
| 13 | Happy Chick | Yes | Free | 18 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.3 |
| 14 | Nexen | Free | 8 | Yes | 7.2 | |||
| 15 | SkyEmu | Yes | Free | 4 | Yes | 7.1 |
Head-to-Head
- RetroArch vs Foxol
- RetroArch vs ares
- RetroArch vs Provenance
- RetroArch vs EmulatorJS
- RetroArch vs MAME
- RetroArch vs BizHawk
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update