Alternatives to RetroArch Web Player

RetroArch compiled to WebAssembly, running in a browser tab. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as RetroArch Web Player.

  • RetroArch

    One front end for dozens of emulators, with unified settings, shaders and a controller setup you only do once.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS

    RetroArch is the native desktop and mobile application the web player is built from, faster and with more reliable saves and controllers, but it requires installation and downloading cores.

  • Antstream Arcade

    A subscription service that streams more than 1,300 officially licensed retro games to supported devices.

    PaidProprietaryWeb

    Antstream Arcade streams more than 1,300 licensed retro games on the web with no setup, but requires a paid subscription and cannot play your own games.

Also worth comparing

These listings name RetroArch Web Player as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.

  • OpenEmu

    macOS emulator front end with a polished library interface.

    FreeOpen sourcemacOS

    RetroArch Web Player runs libretro cores in a browser tab with no installation, but it is slower than native, limited to lighter systems and has more fragile saves and controller support.

  • Provenance

    Multi-system emulator for iOS and tvOS covering more than thirty consoles.

    FreeOpen sourceiOS

    RetroArch Web Player runs libretro cores in any modern browser with no installation or sideloading, but it is slower than native and limited to lighter systems.