# ZX81 vs ArcadeBox

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ZX81 at 98% against ArcadeBox's 0%. ZX81 also leads on price (Free vs $0.99) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 12 months). On ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

ZX81 is free to download; ArcadeBox costs $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ZX81 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ZX81 has 92 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 98% of ZX81's written reviews are positive against 0% of ArcadeBox's.

ZX81 ships an update every 10 days, ArcadeBox every 12 months. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ZX81 | ArcadeBox |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $0.99 |
| Rating | **[4.9 (92 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zx81/id1180117434/reviews)** | [4.5 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arcadebox/id6496372834/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **92** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | **98.4% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 12 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Size | 86 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 9+ | +4 |
| Developer | [Kevin Palser](https://appshunter.io/developer/1180117433) | [Gianluca Natalini](https://appshunter.io/developer/348380792) |

## What reviewers say

### ZX81

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zx81/id1180117434)

Experience early 1980s home computing with this app dedicated to the Sinclair ZX80 and ZX81. It includes a wealth of example software, offering a nostalgic journey into the origins of personal computing.

**Highlights:** Sinclair ZX80/ZX81 emulation, Timex Sinclair 1000 support, Includes example software, Focuses on early 1980s computing, ROM code included with permission

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Game Controller support, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### ArcadeBox

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arcadebox/id6496372834)

This application serves as a free emulator for GameBoy and GameBoy Color games. It supports iCade controllers and offers customizable game modes. Users can legally add their own purchased ROMs via file sharing.

**Highlights:** GameBoy and GameBoy Color emulation, iCade controller compatibility, 80s and 90s arcade style design, Color or green game mode, Supports user-added ROMs

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ZX81 free?

ZX81 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is ArcadeBox free?

ArcadeBox costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, ZX81 or ArcadeBox?

ZX81 is rated higher. ZX81 averages 4.9 out of 5 from 92 ratings, while ArcadeBox averages 4.5 from 4 ratings.

### Do ZX81 or ArcadeBox have ads?

Neither ZX81 nor ArcadeBox shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ZX81 or ArcadeBox?

ZX81 ships an update every 10 days, and ArcadeBox every 12 months. Most recently, ZX81 was updated on September 21, 2026 and ArcadeBox on September 6, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*