XRoar
XRoar: A focused, capable emulator for Dragon and Tandy systems with broad media support. Ranked #23 of 53 in Multi-System Emulators by our editors (6.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for dragon and Tandy computer emulation.
At a glance
- Editor score6.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forDragon and Tandy computer emulation
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Supported systems10
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Emulates ten listed Dragon, Tandy and related systems
- Supports cassette, floppy-disk, hard-disk and cartridge media
- Runs across desktop, mobile and browser environments
Where it doesn't
- Firmware ROM images are required for useful operation
- Android support is provided through an older port
- Its focus is limited to Dragon, Tandy and related systems
Our verdict on XRoar
XRoar is a free, open-source emulator for Dragon and Tandy 8-bit computers, including Dragon 32/64, Tandy Colour Computers, Tandy MC-10, Alice 4K and related systems. It is aimed at solo users and small teams preserving, exploring or developing for these machines. Builds or source instructions cover Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and WebAssembly-based browser use, while desktop and mobile deployment support broaden access beyond a single operating system.
Its strongest area is media and hardware emulation. XRoar reads and writes cassette tape images and audio files, along with DSK, VDK and DMK floppy-disk images. It also supports DragonDOS, Delta, RS-DOS and other cartridges, plus hard-disk media. Composite-video simulation includes PAL and NTSC support, while joystick and virtual joystick input suit software designed around original controls. Machine snapshots and PNG screenshots add practical preservation features, and GDB remote debugging support gives developers a way to inspect emulated software.
XRoar is particularly suitable when system accuracy, legacy media formats and debugging matter more than a broad library of unrelated platforms. Browser use is available through WebAssembly compilation, and pyDriveWire and DriveWire 4 integrations extend its fit for compatible storage workflows. Firmware ROM images are required for useful operation, so setup includes obtaining the appropriate machine firmware. The Android build is described as an older port, and documentation is the listed support channel. Choose XRoar for focused Dragon and Tandy emulation; choose a broader emulator if you need many unrelated computer or console families in one product.
Your product? Our editors can test XRoar in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
XRoar pricing
XRoar fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported systems | 10 |
| Android support | Yes |
| Arcade support | Not verified |
| Netplay | Not verified |
| BIOS required | Yes |
| Shader/upscaling | Not verified |
| License | Open-source |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: pyDriveWire, DriveWire 4 |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | 6809.org.uk |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
XRoar integrations
XRoar lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- pyDriveWire
- DriveWire 4
Alternatives to XRoar
- 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
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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