GZX
GZX is a ZX Spectrum emulator for Windows, Linux and HelenOS.
What GZX is
GZX is a ZX Spectrum emulator for Windows, Linux and HelenOS. It emulates the 48K, 128K, +2 and +2A models, and includes Kempston joystick emulation. For tape media, it can read, write and convert TZX, TAP and WAV files; supported snapshot formats are Z80, SNA and AY. Graphics options include double-line mode, ULAplus and Spec256 emulation, and GZX also emulates the built-in MIDI port of the 128K Spectrum. It can record audio to WAV files and data sent to I/O ports, and includes a built-in debugger. Most of the emulator, including its source code, binaries, font and documentation, is free software under an MIT-style license; ZX Spectrum ROM files are excepted. The 2019.1 binary release supports 64-bit Linux and Windows. Building requires a GNU toolchain and SDL 1.2 development package on Linux or a similar operating system. Some games do not work, and many turbo-loading games from TZX fail to load.
Good
- Emulates four listed ZX Spectrum models.
- Reads, writes and converts three tape formats.
- Includes a built-in debugger.
- Most of the emulator is MIT-style free software.
Watch out
- Some games still do not work.
- Many turbo-loading games from TZX fail to load.
- Building requires GNU toolchain and SDL 1.2 development package.
Who it suits
GZX suits people looking to emulate supported ZX Spectrum models on Windows, Linux or HelenOS. Its debugger and tape conversion features may also interest users working with Spectrum software and media.
Verdict
GZX offers broad Spectrum model, tape and snapshot support, along with graphics options and a debugger. Its stated game compatibility limits are worth considering, especially for turbo-loading titles in TZX format.
Plans and prices
From GZX's own pricing page, checked 1 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free software | Free | MIT-style license · ZX Spectrum ROM files excepted |
The facts
Each one read from GZX's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Build requirements
- Building requires a GNU toolchain and SDL 1.2 development package on Linux or a similar operating system.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Debugger
- The emulator includes a built-in debugger.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Graphics
- Features include double-line mode, ULAplus emulation and Spec256 emulation.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Joystick
- It provides Kempston joystick emulation.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Known limitation
- Some games still do not work and many turbo-loading games from TZX fail to load.checked 1 Oct 2026
- License
- Most of the emulator, including source code, binaries, font and documentation, is free software under an MIT-style license.checked 1 Oct 2026
- MIDI
- It emulates the built-in MIDI port of the 128K Spectrum.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- The emulator runs in Windows, Linux and HelenOS.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Recording
- It can record audio to WAV files and data sent to I/O ports.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Release support
- The 2019.1 binary release supports 64-bit Linux and Windows.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Snapshot formats
- It supports Z80, SNA and AY snapshots.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Supported models
- It emulates ZX Spectrum 48K, 128K, +2 and +2A models.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Tape formats
- It can read, write and convert TZX, TAP and WAV tape formats.checked 1 Oct 2026
- What it does
- GZX is a ZX Spectrum emulator.checked 1 Oct 2026
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