RetroArch vs Zeta
RetroArch
retroarch.comZeta
zemu.appSide by side
| Figure | RetroArch | Zeta |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · Sega Genesis Emulators | 8.3 (#7) | 7.0 (#26) |
| Controllers | Common game controllers are automatically configured when plugged in, and users can also configure them manually. | The FAQ lists Xbox Wireless, PlayStation DualShock and DualSense, Nintendo Switch Pro, and MFi-certified iOS controllers connected over Bluetooth. |
| Privacy | The privacy policy says third-party vendors including Google use advertising cookies on some of the project’s websites. | Zeta says it does not collect ROMs, game saves, or gameplay behavior; its privacy policy says it collects technical diagnostics and crash data, including through Firebase Crashlytics. |
| Support | The FAQ directs users to the forums, Discord and documentation for help. | Zeta offers FAQ and help center pages and directs users to email support; its home page says the small team personally reads and replies to every email. |
Plans
Zeta
- FreeFree
- Premium featuresPrice not published
- Premium subscriptionPrice not published
- Premium subscriptionPrice not published
In their own words
RetroArch
RetroArch is a frontend for emulators, game engines, and media players, bringing them under a unified settings system. The RetroArch/Libretro project includes more than 200 cores across those categories. Its menu can group scanned games by system and display thumbnails and animated backgrounds. Common game controllers configure automatically when plugged in, and button actions can also be assigned manually.
Stackable shaders can change rendered graphics or imitate the look of CRT monitors. Built-in netplay supports hosting or joining network gaming sessions, including spectator mode. RetroArch can record gameplay to video files and stream games to Twitch or YouTube. Versions are listed for Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, macOS, and web browsers. RetroArch is free and open source under GPL version 3; the libretro API uses an MIT license. Features differ by platform and store version: the browser edition has lower performance and fewer capabilities than the full version, while Steam lacks Core Updater and thumbnail scraping and offers a selected core set.
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.