CSpect vs ZEsarUX

CSpect is a ZX Spectrum Next emulator for Windows, macOS, and Linux, intended mainly as a development tool. It can also run games and the full ZXNextOS environment. The maker describes it as an emulator, assembler, and debugger. Its ULA overlay support provides access to an extra 24 kB of RAM; the debugger can be resized, and the `-dscale` option enlarges its text. CSpect supports z88dk map files directly and lists plugins for symbols, Pasta/80 symbol loading, and z88dk map-file loading. The iCSpect interface includes `AddSymbol()` and `HexToInt64(string)`. Linux shell scripts are included in the release archive. To run the full machine environment, the release notes describe a `ZXOS.BAT` file for downloading and installing the ZX Spectrum Next SD card image. CSpect is free. The maker says there is no support or warranty and advises users to assume updates will not be released. Password-protected Patreon beta builds are a perk for Builder-level Patreons, and redistribution is not permitted.

ZEsarUX is free, open-source emulation software for Sinclair computers and other systems, including ZX Spectrum, ZX80, ZX81, QL, Z88, Amstrad, MSX, ColecoVision, and Sega machines. For Spectrum emulation, its listed details include timing behavior, undocumented Z80 flags and registers, contended memory, and ULA timing. It handles tape, snapshot, floppy, microdrive, MMC/SD, IDE, and cartridge formats, and can capture audio and video to files. Debugging tools include reverse debugging, CPU history, breakpoints, watches, assembler and disassembler views, and memory inspection. Its Network Gaming protocol supports multiplayer across up to 16 emulator instances or through a central online server. The remote command protocol can be used with a telnet client, and the project mentions enhanced debugging from Visual Studio Code via DeZog. Text-to-speech software can read the emulator menu and captured game text. Host platforms include GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, Haiku, macOS, Windows, Raspberry Pi, and Cygwin; a Docker image is also linked. ZEsarUX is distributed under GNU GPL v3 and costs nothing to use. Included third-party ROMs, media, programs, and games are not covered by that license.