Amiberry

Overview

Amiberry is a free, open-source emulator for running software designed for classic Amiga computers. It suits users with an existing Amiga collection who want broad model and image-format support across several desktop and mobile systems. Its range is a strength, but the missing Kickstart ROMs mean setup requires more than downloading the emulator.

Key features

Amiberry covers machines from the A500, A600 and A1200 through the A3000 and A4000T, along with CD32, CDTV and several arcade or specialist systems. Save states and hardware acceleration are supported, giving users options for resuming play and running emulated systems efficiently. It also supports ARM, x86, RISC-V and LoongArch64 hardware, with a custom JIT compiler for ARM64 and x86-64.

Its format support spans floppy and hard-disk images, optical-disc images and compressed archives. Supported formats include ADF, ADZ, DMS, IPF, HDF, ISO, CHD, ZIP, 7Z, LHA, LZH and LZX, among others. That breadth is useful for collections accumulated in different formats, though users still need to supply their own Kickstart ROMs.

WHDLoad titles can launch directly with automatic configuration, reducing the setup burden for that library. CRT bezels, built-in shaders and external GLSL shaders provide display customization. The interface works with a mouse or gamepad, accepts dragged-in floppy images, hard files and configuration files, and supports controller mapping for RetroArch setups.

An integrated update checker uses SHA256-verified downloads. The project also says Windows release binaries are signed through SignPath with a certificate from the SignPath Foundation. The community welcomes help requests, bug reports, feature suggestions and pull requests. Amiberry is GPLv3-licensed; commercial-product users are asked to contact the project about custom arrangements.

Pricing

Amiberry costs nothing. Its single free and open-source GPLv3 plan includes the emulator, with no separate paid tier or free trial. That makes it straightforward for personal use, but it does not include Kickstart ROMs. Commercial use in products requires contacting the project for custom arrangements.

Platforms

Host platforms include Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, FreeBSD and Haiku. The project lists Linux packages, a macOS Homebrew install and DMG, Windows installer and portable ZIP builds, and Android build instructions. The broader host-platform support gives users flexibility, although the published download routes vary by platform.

Who it's for

Amiberry is a strong fit for Amiga enthusiasts with ROMs and disk images already in hand, especially those who value WHDLoad launch support, extensive image compatibility, display options or gamepad navigation. It is less suitable for newcomers expecting a bundled, ready-to-run library, or for anyone who needs a turnkey commercial-use license.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Wide Amiga model and image-format support accommodates varied software collections.
• Pros: Direct WHDLoad launching with automatic configuration reduces manual setup for those titles.
• Pros: Mouse and gamepad interface navigation, drag-and-drop, and RetroArch controller mapping offer flexible controls.
• Cons: Kickstart ROMs are not included, so users must bring the required ROMs themselves.
• Cons: Commercial-product use requires contacting the project for custom arrangements.

Alternatives

Browse Amiga Emulators for a category-wide comparison. Choose FS-UAE if you want another free, open-source Amiga emulator for Linux, macOS or Windows. Amigo — Amiga Emulator is a free iOS and macOS option with no ads or accounts, but still requires your own Kickstart ROM and disks. Copperline is a free option for Linux, macOS, web and Windows; its maker says real Amigas are used as a reference for checking emulator behavior.

Amiga Forever is the paid alternative for readers who prefer a Windows installer bundled with Workbench 1.3 and ROM versions 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3; its Value Edition costs $19.95, paid once. vAmigaWeb is a free option for Android, iOS and web. Scripted Amiga Emulator (SAE) is a free API and web option. vAmiga is a free macOS option. Buddi is a free Linux, macOS and Windows app, but it is budgeting software rather than an Amiga emulator.

Verdict

Choose Amiberry if you want a free, configurable Amiga emulator with broad model and image-format support, particularly for WHDLoad titles and varied controls. Look elsewhere if you need bundled Kickstart ROMs or a commercial-use arrangement without first contacting the project.