OxyROMon vs Retrom

oxyROMon is a free, cross-platform command-line tool for organizing and archiving ROM collections. Written in Rust, it checks files against known-good databases and supports console, computer and arcade systems through Logiqx DAT files. Commands can import, validate, check, convert, export and purge ROMs, as well as create M3U playlists for multi-disc games. It is designed for original and lossless formats; exporting to lossy formats leaves the lossless files untouched. Collections can be sorted by region or in 1G1R mode, while arcade sets can be grouped by BIOS, parent and clone. Settings are stored in SQLite with global options and per-system overrides. The documented database sources include No-Intro and Redump for consoles, and MAME or FBNeo for arcade systems. An optional server provides a GraphQL endpoint and web interface for browsing collections, managing settings, and importing ROMs and DATs. The server defaults to loopback, but URL imports can reach hosts accessible to it, so exposing the server beyond loopback requires care. No-Intro DAT handling checks for updates but does not download the DAT files.

Retrom is a self-hosted game library service centered on emulation. It scans a server filesystem for games and platforms, then adds them to a library that desktop clients can use to install, uninstall, and play games. Clients are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with a browser client for library access from other devices. Retrom can run with a dedicated server or in standalone mode, where a client runs the server locally; other clients can connect to that standalone server only while the client remains open. It supports cloud saves for built-in and standalone emulators, syncing save data and save states to the server. Emulator profiles can be kept on the server for sharing or restoration, though clients need matching emulator and other client-specific paths to share configurations. Retrom can retrieve metadata and artwork through IGDB, its only listed metadata provider. Steam is its only supported third-party library integration and needs a Steam API key and user ID. Retrom is free under GPL-3.0. The project says it lacks specific security measures and recommends local-network use or a properly secured reverse proxy.