# VirtualKim vs EMWaver

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.

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

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

## The numbers

| Metric | VirtualKim | EMWaver |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (29 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtualkim-6502-emulator/id1548356829/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **29** | — |
| Positive reviews | 84.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 12 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 72 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [John Kennedy](https://appshunter.io/developer/284943103) | [Luis Lopes](https://appshunter.io/developer/1819487598) |

## What reviewers say

### VirtualKim

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtualkim-6502-emulator/id1548356829)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Buy Me a Coffee | $0.99 | one-time |


### EMWaver

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/emwaver/id6747035939)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked 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.

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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.*