Best Linux Emulator Apps & Games

213+ iOS apps & games curated and reviewed

4.4 avg rating
20 free apps & games
Updated July 2026

UTM SE is the household name in linux emulator, but it's far from the only option. We track 213+ alternatives and competitors on iOS — many free, many higher-rated than you'd expect.

Top Picks for Linux Emulator

UTM SE: Retro PC emulator#1

UTM SE: Retro PC emulator by Turing Software, LLC

Run classic software and games
Editor's Choice
🎬 Entertainment
3.9😐(454 ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
UTM SE: Retro PC emulator screenshot 1
UTM SE: Retro PC emulator screenshot 2
UTM SE: Retro PC emulator screenshot 3
UTM SE: Retro PC emulator screenshot 4
UTM SE: Retro PC emulator screenshot 5
UTM SE: Retro PC emulator screenshot 6

Experience classic computing by running old-school games and software. This emulator supports various display modes and processor architectures, allowing you to run pre-built systems or configure your own.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Great app that can run Windows and macOS
  • 👍 Useful for nostalgic reasons
  • 👍 Can run Linux VMs

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Slow performance, especially on older devices
  • 🐛 Crashes and freezes
  • 🐛 Display and boot issues
Termux -#2

Termux - by TERMUX LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Terminal and Linux Environment
Strong Contender
🛠️ Developer Tools
4.3(41 ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
#90in Developer Tools
Termux - screenshot 1
Termux - screenshot 2
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Termux - screenshot 5
Termux - screenshot 6

This app provides a full Linux terminal emulator on iOS, allowing native command-line operations without remote connections. It features a virtual keyboard, AI command generation, and customizable themes for system administration practice, script development, and more.

iSH Shell#3

iSH Shell by Theodore Dubois

Linux in your pocket
Worth Considering
🛠️ Developer Tools
4.7😊(1.1K ratings)
Free
#21in Developer Tools
iSH Shell screenshot 1

Experience a Linux-like command-line environment directly on your iOS device. This application allows you to perform common Linux operations such as editing, moving, and manipulating files using familiar commands.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Excellent Linux environment
  • 👍 Great for SSH and network utilities
  • 💡 Allows running Linux apps on iOS
  • 🔒 Secure and sandboxed

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Crashes and freezes
  • 🔋 Battery intensive
  • ⚠️ Limited functionality compared to full Linux

More Linux Emulator apps to explore

4
UTM Remote Virtual Machines
UTM Remote Virtual Machines
UTM Remote Virtual Machines
Remote desktop for VMs
Free

Access and control your virtual machines from your iOS device. Stream Windows, Ubuntu, and other operating systems running on your Mac remotely. This app requires UTM for Mac to function.

Stream virtual machines remotelySupports Windows, Ubuntu, and moreControl VMs from iOS device
📊 Productivity
(48)
free
5
a-Shell
a-Shell
a-Shell
*Local* Unix terminal (& ssh)
Free

Run a full Unix-like terminal environment on your iOS device. Execute a wide range of commands, edit files, and even program using included interpreters and compilers. Supports multitasking and integration with Shortcuts.

Local Unix terminal emulatorSSH clientFile transfer (scp, curl)
🛠️ Developer Tools
(61)
paid
6
PPSSPP - PSP emulator
PPSSPP - PSP emulator
PPSSPP - PSP emulator
Play your PSP games
Free

Experience your favorite PSP titles on your iOS device with high-definition graphics and enhanced features. This emulator allows you to play a vast library of PSP games with excellent performance. Access your own game files or explore free homebrew titles.

Play PSP games on iOSHigh-definition graphicsExtra features
🎮 Games
(2.6K)
free with in-app purchases
7
Delta - Game Emulator
Delta - Game Emulator
Delta - Game Emulator
An AltStore app
Free

This app allows you to play classic games from various retro consoles on your iOS or iPadOS device. It supports multiple systems, online multiplayer for some games, and extensive controller customization. You can also manage game saves, use cheats, and sync your data across devices.

Supports NES, SNES, N64, DS, GBA, and moreOnline multiplayer for Nintendo DS gamesExtensive controller support (Switch, PS, Xbox, MFi)
🎬 Entertainment
(26K)
free with in-app purchases
8
a-Shell mini
a-Shell mini
a-Shell mini
*Local* Unix terminal (& ssh)
Free

Run Unix commands locally on your iOS device with a powerful terminal emulator. Supports file transfer, editing, scripting with Python and Lua, and network utilities. Integrates with Shortcuts and supports multiple windows for multitasking.

Local Unix terminal emulatorSSH clientFile transfer (scp, curl)
🛠️ Developer Tools
(14)
paid
9
Manic EMU - Game Emulator
Manic EMU - Game Emulator
Manic EMU - Game Emulator
Love Retro Games
Free

This app is a comprehensive emulator for a vast array of classic gaming consoles, allowing you to relive your favorite retro titles. It offers advanced features like save states, speed control, and visual filters, with cloud sync and controller support for a seamless experience.

Supports 30+ classic gaming platformsRetroAchievements integrationUnlimited manual and auto-save slots
🎬 Entertainment
(10K)
subscription
10
Gamuroid: All Game Emulator
Gamuroid: All Game Emulator
Gamuroid: All Game Emulator
GBA GBC PSP PS1 3DS DS Wii GB
Free

Experience classic gaming on your mobile device with this all-in-one emulator. Build your retro library, import games easily, and enjoy authentic gameplay with modern conveniences like save states and cheat support. Supports a vast range of consoles from Nintendo, Sony, and SEGA.

Supports 3DS, Wii, PS1, PSP, GBA, SNES, and moreImport games from ZIP, 7Z, RARAccurate emulation for authentic gameplay
🎬 Entertainment
(9.3K)
subscription
11
GBA Emulator - Retro Games
GBA Emulator - Retro Games
GBA Emulator - Retro Games
Retro Gameboy & PS1, NES, SNES
Free

Relive classic gaming with this comprehensive emulator supporting a vast array of retro consoles. Save progress, fast-forward, customize controls, and even play with friends. Explore game facts and quizzes to enhance your retro experience.

Supports multiple classic game consolesSave and load game statesFast forward gameplay
🎬 Entertainment
(926)
free with in-app purchases
12
ServerCat - SSH Terminal
ServerCat - SSH Terminal
ServerCat - SSH Terminal
Monitor & Shell & Automation
Free

Monitor your Linux servers and Docker containers directly from your mobile device. View detailed resource usage, network traffic, and container stats. Offers an SSH terminal for remote management and automation capabilities.

Server status monitoringCPU, GPU, Memory usageNetwork traffic and speed
🛠️ Developer Tools
(990)
free with in-app purchases
13
Termius - Modern SSH Client
Termius - Modern SSH Client
Termius - Modern SSH Client
SFTP, Terminal, Telnet, PuTTY
Free

This app provides a modern SSH client and terminal for seamless remote access across devices. It offers a desktop-grade terminal experience with advanced features like multi-tab support, custom themes, and saved commands. Securely manage connections and credentials with cloud sync and hardware key authentication.

SSH, Mosh, Telnet, Port Forwarding, SFTP supportVirtual keyboard with special keysMulti-tab interface and split-view
🛠️ Developer Tools
(19K)
freemium
14
RetroArch
RetroArch
RetroArch
A frontend for emulators
Free

This application serves as a versatile frontend for emulators and game engines, supporting a vast array of systems through downloadable cores. It offers advanced features like netplay, save states, and customizable controls for an enhanced gaming experience.

Supports numerous gaming systems via libretro coresNetplay for multiplayer gamingSave states and fast forward/rewind
🎮 Games
(1.8K)
free
15
Game Emulator: GamePod Emu
Game Emulator: GamePod Emu
Game Emulator: GamePod Emu
GBA,GBC,NES,NDS,PS1,PSP,N64
Free

This app allows you to relive classic gaming experiences by emulating multiple retro consoles. Organize your game library with custom covers and enjoy smooth performance with controller support. Its retro-inspired interface brings back the feel of 90s gaming.

Supports multiple classic console formatsOrganize and browse personal game libraryFast, stable emulation
🎬 Entertainment
(6.2K)
free with in-app purchases
16
Gamma - PS 1 Game Emulator
Gamma - PS 1 Game Emulator
Gamma - PS 1 Game Emulator
The famous PS1 emulator!
Free

This app allows you to play your favorite PlayStation 1 games on your device. It offers enhanced graphics, controller customization, and cloud syncing for save states. Enjoy a superior gaming experience with easy file import and cheat code support.

Enhanced hi-resolution graphicsCustomizable controller skinsSave state syncing via cloud
🎮 Games
(6.4K)
free with in-app purchases
17
Blink Shell, Build & Code
Blink Shell, Build & Code
Blink Shell, Build & Code
The Pro tool for developers
Free

Transform your iOS device into a powerful terminal for coding and development. Leverage Mosh and SSH for stable, fast connections. Integrate with VS Code and manage your entire development workflow from your pocket.

Mosh and SSH connectionsVS Code integration (Blink Code)Remote runtime creation (Blink Build)
🛠️ Developer Tools
(398)
free with in-app purchases
18
jor1k-Linux
jor1k-Linux
jor1k-Linux
A Linux terminal at hand
Free

This app provides a Linux terminal on your iPhone or iPad, allowing you to practice basic commands for learning programming languages and exploring a different Linux flavor. It's designed for users interested in hands-on computer science education.

Linux terminal emulatorPractice basic commandsLearn computer programming
📚 Education
(1)
free
19
iGBA: GBA & GBC Retro Emulator
iGBA: GBA & GBC Retro Emulator
iGBA: GBA & GBC Retro Emulator
Retro Game Console Emulator
Free

This app provides a smooth and intuitive retro gaming experience for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance titles. Customize your gameplay with various visual and control options, including custom skins and touch controller transparency. Enjoy your favorite classic games with auto-save and detailed ROM information.

Supports GBA, GBC, and GB ROMsCustomizable skins and color optionsAdjustable touch controller transparency and vibration
🎬 Entertainment
(2.6K)
free with in-app purchases
20
Retro game emulator - GBA, DS
Retro game emulator - GBA, DS
Retro game emulator - GBA, DS
Play any of the retro games
Free

Relive classic gaming on your iPhone with this app. It allows you to play your own retro game files through a user-friendly interface with customizable controls and high-quality graphics. The app ensures a legal and safe gaming experience by requiring users to provide their own game files.

Play your own retro game filesUser-uploaded content onlySeamless file upload
🎮 Games
(1.2K)
free with in-app purchases