BlastEm vs Zeta
BlastEm
retrodev.comZeta
zemu.appSide by side
| Figure | BlastEm | Zeta |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · Sega Genesis Emulators | 9.0 (#2) | 7.0 (#26) |
| Gameplay features | Features include save states, cartridge save RAM and EEPROM support, turbo and slow modes, game controller input and VGM logging. | Listed features include manual and automatic save states, speed-up up to 5×, cheat codes, custom controls, one-tap combos, custom skins, filters, and screenshots. |
| Product | BlastEm is an emulator for Sega's 16-bit and 8-bit consoles. | Zeta is an iPhone retro game emulator intended to help users play classic games on modern devices. |
| Security | MegaWiFi emulation can let ROMs access the network, so the feature is disabled by default because of security implications. | The privacy policy describes TLS/SSL encryption in transit, access controls, security assessments, vulnerability scanning, firewalls, and iOS sandbox protection for local game data. |
Plans
Zeta
- FreeFree
- Premium featuresPrice not published
- Premium subscriptionPrice not published
- Premium subscriptionPrice not published
In their own words
BlastEm
BlastEm is a free, open-source emulator for Sega's 16-bit and 8-bit consoles. It supports Genesis/Mega Drive, Sega CD, 32X, Master System, Game Gear, SG-1000, SC-3000, Sega Pico, and Yamaha Copera. Downloads are listed for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with an experimental web version. Gameplay features include save states, cartridge save RAM and EEPROM support, turbo and slow modes, controller input, and VGM logging. Its integrated debugger can inspect and modify state, set conditional breakpoints, run scripts, and show visual VDP tools. Developers can use the GDB remote debug protocol for source-level debugging of SGDK and other C or C++ projects. The maker describes it as fast enough for older PCs and accurate enough for demanding demos. Most Sega CD and 32X games are playable, but compatibility is not perfect. Yamaha Copera emulation is incomplete: games generally lack music, though Copera-specific ADPCM samples play. The listed macOS download is x86-64 and not notarized; the page directs ARM users to Homebrew.
Zeta
Zeta is an iPhone emulator for playing games from a range of classic systems on modern devices. It supports iPhones running iOS 16.0 or later; iPad and Mac are not supported. Users can drag game files into the app or select a library folder through its file browser, after which Zeta recognizes games and displays cover art. Listed systems include Nintendo 3DS, DS, Wii, GameCube, Game Boy, PlayStation 2, PSP, PlayStation, Sega Dreamcast, and Genesis. Gameplay features include manual and automatic save states, speed-up to 5×, cheat codes, custom controls, one-tap combos, skins, filters, and screenshots. Bluetooth controller support covers Xbox Wireless, PlayStation DualShock and DualSense, Nintendo Switch Pro, and MFi-certified iOS controllers. The app also lists multi-controller play, link play, AirPlay casting, and a console mode. The free plan includes core emulation, ROM loading, save states, basic controller support, and screen recording. Premium options are a monthly subscription or one-time purchase, with prices shown in-app or in the App Store.