Comparison

VirtualKim vs EMWaver

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

VirtualKim

Experience the 6502 microprocessor, the heart of 1970s home computers. This app emulates the 8-bit processor with an assembler and programming puzzles. Learn to code on a minimalist interface and discover how early computing was done.

Highlights
  • 6502 CPU emulation
  • Built-in assembler
  • Programming puzzles
  • Minimalist UI with LEDs and buttons
  • Monitor program for memory editing
  • Debug and run applications
Features
Read full description

The 6502 microprocessor changed the world. Released in the 1970’s, it was the reason that home computers were within the reach of many hobbyists. This app re-creates the 6502 CPU and some of the hardware that used it. This isn't a game (although games are included), this is an emulation of the 8-bit processor, complete with an assembler and some programming puzzles to solve. Start with the most basic user interface you can imagine - six 7-segment LEDs and some buttons - to enter, debug and run your applications. Then upgrade to a display and keyboard, and use the built-in monitor program to dump memory, makes edits and execute your code. Can you run BASIC? Maybe. FORTH? Perhaps. Assembler? Definitely! Don't think of this as a something "fun" or "enjoyable" in the traditional sense. Think of it as a puzzle: how on earth did those folks in the 1970's manage to do ANYTHING when computers were this basic? Documentation is provided, but to get the most of out of this app you'll need to do your own research. Just like in the 1970s. Features - KIM-1 keypad/LED mode simulator. - KIM-1 serial terminal mode simulator. - Apple 1 serial terminal mode simulator. - Multiple programs including Life, Mastermind, word games, Trek, and more. - Working 6502 Assembler with single-step, memory and register view. - A comprehensive 6502 tutorial system with interactive lessons and reference material. - Shareware! All features are always available without a purchase.

About

EMWaver

Features
Read full description

EMWaver is a local-first electronics lab for iPhone and iPad. Connect a supported ESP32-S3 or STM32-based board, run JavaScript scripts, inspect device signals, manage bundled firmware, and use optional Agent assistance with your own API key. Local hardware control does not require an EMWaver account, cloud activation, hosted relay, subscription, or device ownership check. Scripts and core device workflows stay on your device by default. Use EMWaver to: • Run local scripts against supported microcontroller boards • Inspect device state and hardware signals from a mobile-first interface • Manage app-bundled firmware workflows for supported targets • Keep script-first hardware experiments out of the compile/flash/debug loop • Ask the optional Agent for script and troubleshooting help when you provide an API key EMWaver is open-source and built by Continual MI.

Screenshots

VirtualKim4 screens
EMWaver3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: EMWaver at none against VirtualKim's 1. VirtualKim's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 12 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. VirtualKim sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. EMWaver asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VirtualKim ships an update weekly, EMWaver every 12 months. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and May 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
VirtualKim versus EMWaver: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVirtualKimEMWaver
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (29 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews84.6% of reviews—
Number of ratings29 — better—
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 12 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size72 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJohn KennedyLuis Lopes

In-app purchases

1 purchases

VirtualKim

One-time1
  • Buy Me a Coffee$0.99
None

EMWaver

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is VirtualKim free?
VirtualKim is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is EMWaver free?
EMWaver is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do VirtualKim or EMWaver have ads?
Neither VirtualKim nor EMWaver shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VirtualKim or EMWaver?
VirtualKim ships an update weekly, and EMWaver every 12 months. Most recently, VirtualKim was updated on September 9, 2026 and EMWaver on May 31, 2026.

Other comparisons