Provenance vs Retra
Provenance
provenance-emu.comRetra
github.comSide by side
| Figure | Provenance | Retra |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $3.33/mo | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 0 |
| Spec score · Game Boy Advance Emulators | 8.5 (#2) | 6.7 (#25) |
| Cloud sync | Provenance Plus can synchronize libraries, saves, settings, skins, BIOS files and artwork across Apple devices through iCloud. | The project says cloud synchronization and cross-device conflict resolution are not release-ready, and recommends local backup/export. |
| Game library | The library can show automatically downloaded box art, screenshots, release information, ratings, and scanned manuals. | The library supports grid and list views, search, and filters for continue, favorites, patches, homebrew, and unplayed games. |
| Privacy | The maker says the apps collect no personal or identifying information, while anonymous device model and iOS-version analytics may be recorded. | The product overview says ROMs, battery saves, save states, screenshots, and settings stay local on the device. |
Plans
Provenance
- FreeFree
- Monthly$3.99 a month
- Annual$39.99 a year
- Lifetime$99.99, paid once
In their own words
Provenance
Provenance is a free, open-source retro game emulator frontend for Apple platforms, available for iOS and macOS. It supports more than 38 console systems, including systems from Atari, Nintendo, Sega, and Sony. Its library can display automatically downloaded box art, screenshots, release details, ratings, and scanned manuals. Listed emulation features include save states, cheats, fast forward, shaders, visual filters, controller support, RetroAchievements, and multiplayer. Apple integration includes native tvOS, Apple TV TopShelf, Siri Remote, Spotlight search, Siri shortcuts, and iCloud sync; Apple TV supports MFi, Xbox, and PlayStation gamepads. Nearly all CD-based cores support CHD disc images, and the native Mednafen core has a custom CHD implementation. The source is published on GitHub under the BSD license. Installation options include the App Store, sideloading with AltStore or SideStore, and building from source. The free plan includes emulation features when sideloaded or built from source. Plus adds iCloud sync and priority support.