TRS-80 Emulators Complete Guide
Current Emulators (2024-2025)
Web-Based Emulators
Platform-Specific
Legacy Systems
Multiple excellent TRS-80 emulators exist for various operating systems and use cases. Each has unique strengths, and you may need different emulators depending on specific features or hardware you want to emulate.
Top Recommendations:
- TRS80GP: Most comprehensive, built-in ROMs, cross-platform
- TRS32: Full Windows GUI, excellent hardware emulation
- SDLTRS2: Advanced clone support, extensive memory options
Feature Comparison Tables
Core System Support
| Feature | TRS80GP | SDLTRS 2 | TRS32 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi | Windows, Mac, Linux, BSD, Haiku, Solaris | Windows Only |
| Interface | Command Line + Text GUI | Command Line + Text GUI | Full Windows GUI |
| Models Supported | I, I (Japanese), II, III, 4, 4P, 12, 16, 6000, DT-1, Videotex, MC-10, CoCo I | I, I Clones, III, 4, 4P, Multiple Clone Systems | I, III, 4, 4P |
| Built-in ROMs | Yes (All Models) | No | No |
| Built-in DOS | TRSDOS, LDOS | No | No |
Storage and Media
| Feature | TRS80GP | SDLTRS 2 | TRS32 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disk Formats | DSK (JV1/JV3), DMK, IMD, HFE, LDOS DiskDISK | DSK (JV1/JV3), DMK | DSK (JV1/JV3), DMK |
| Tape Formats | WAV, CAS | WAV, CAS | WAV, CAS |
| High Speed Cassette | Yes (Model III) | Yes | No |
| Stringy Floppy | Acculab | Exatron | Exatron |
Memory and Expansion
| Feature | TRS80GP | SDLTRS 2 | TRS32 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model I RAM Expansion | No | EG 64.1, Lubomir Selector (512KB) | No |
| Model 4 RAM Expansion | HyperMEM, SuperMEM, MegaMEM | Dave Huffman, Selector, SuperMem, HyperMem, Anitek MegaMem | Alpha Technology |
| Wait State Emulation | Yes (NONE/1/2) | No | No |
Graphics and Audio
| Feature | TRS80GP | SDLTRS 2 | TRS32 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80-Grafyx (Model I) | Yes | No | Yes |
| Hi-Res Graphics | Radio Shack, Micro-Labs | Radio Shack, Micro-Labs | Radio Shack, Micro-Labs |
| Electric Crayon | Yes | No | No |
| Orchestra Support | ORCH-80, ORCH-85, ORCH-90 | ORCH-80, ORCH-85, ORCH-90 | ORCH-85, ORCH-90 |
Development and Debugging
| Feature | TRS80GP | SDLTRS 2 | TRS32 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in Z-80 Debugger | Yes (Advanced features) | Yes (Standard features) | No |
| Turbo Speed | Multiple modes | Adjustable clock rate | Slider control |
| Save Emulator State | No | Yes | Yes |
| Screen Capture | Screenshots, Animated GIF, AVI | BMP Screenshots | Screenshots |
TRS80GP – Comprehensive Multi-Model Emulator
Development Team
Authors: George and Peter Phillips
Website: http://48k.ca/trs80gp.html
Current Version: 2.5.5 (June 2025)
Platform Support
Systems: Windows (XP+), macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi
Download: Latest Release
Note: Runs well under Wine on unsupported platforms
TRS80GP provides the most comprehensive TRS-80 emulation available, with exceptional accuracy and extensive hardware support. The “organic, hand-crafted” codebase delivers cycle-perfect emulation with advanced debugging capabilities.
Emulation Accuracy
- Cycle-perfect Z-80 and video timing
- Authentic phosphor-dot rendering
- Beam drop-outs and subtle video effects
- Visual Z-80 memory conflict indication
Built-in Convenience
- All ROMs included (no external files needed)
- TRSDOS and LDOS built-in
- Ready to run out of the box
- Drag-and-drop program loading
Advanced Features
- Source-level debugging with zmac support
- Bus tracing and profiling
- Auto-turbo for slow operations
- Screen/audio capture (AVI, GIF, WAV)
Modern Conveniences
- TCP/IP printer support
- ZIP archive file access
- Batch mode automation
- Fast type and paste functionality
2020-2022 Enhancements
- Model 16 emulation
- Hard drive support
- Videotex terminal emulation
- Electric Crayon color display
- Omikron mapper for Model I
- HFE floppy format support
- MX-70 printer emulation
- Orchestra-85/90 sound
2022-2025 Features
- MC-10 support
- Japanese Model I emulation
- LDOS DiskDISK format
- Enhanced disk debugging tools
- Device viewer with timing analysis
- macOS joystick support
- WAV cassette input for Models I/III/4
SDLTRS2 – Advanced Cross-Platform Emulator
Development
Author: Jens Guenther (forking from Mark Grebe)
Based on: XTRS with extensive enhancements
Version: 1.2.33 (August 2025)
Repository: GitLab
Platform Support
Systems: BSD, Haiku, Linux, macOS, Solaris, Windows
Download: Release and Source
Interface: SDL2-based with extensive keyboard shortcuts
SDLTRS2 excels at emulating TRS-80 compatible systems and clones, offering the most extensive support for international variants and third-party memory expansions.
Clone Systems Supported
- EACA EG 3200 (Genie III)
- TCS Genie III
- Prologica CP-300, CP-500, CP-500/M80
- Aster CT-80 (Partial)
- Dick Smith System 80 MK II
Memory Expansion Options
- EG 64.1 for Model I (512KB)
- Lubomir Soft Banker
- Alpha Technology SuperMem (1024KB)
- Dave Huffman expansions
- Various banking adaptors
Enhanced Graphics
- Schmidtke 80-Z Video Card
- EG 3210 Programmable Graphics
- 480×192 HRG for LNW80
- LNW80 Model II banking
Speed Enhancement
- Archbold speed-up board
- Holmes Sprinter II/III
- Seatronics Super Speed-Up
- Adjustable CPU clock on the fly
TRS32 – Professional Windows Emulator
Development
Author: Matthew Reed (1959-2019)
Website: TRS-80 Emulators
Current Version: 1.28 (Registered)
Last Update: August 20, 2013
TRS32 provides the most polished Windows experience with complete GUI integration and hardware-level accuracy. While development has ceased, it remains an excellent choice for Windows users seeking a traditional application interface.
Interface Advantages
- Full Windows GUI integration
- No command-line requirements
- Standard Windows menus and dialogs
- Concurrent operation with other apps
Hardware Emulation
- Cycle-accurate timing
- Realistic disk drive sounds
- Complete peripheral support
- Protected disk compatibility
Professional Features
- Built-in Epson FX-80 printer emulation
- RS-232 serial communications
- Hard disk support
- State save/restore
User Conveniences
- Cut/paste screen contents
- Drive status indicators
- Graphical tape controls
- Windows joystick support
XTRS – Unix/Linux Foundation
Development
Author: Tim Mann
Version: 4.9d (June 15, 2009)
Website: Original Site
GitHub: Current Repository
Legacy and Influence
XTRS served as the foundation for both SDLTRS and SDLTRS2, establishing many emulation standards still used today. While development has ceased, its influence continues through its descendants.
Download: Source Code
Web-Based Emulators
Model III Emulator in TypeScript (Online)
Development
Source Code: GitHub Repository
Modern TypeScript implementation running entirely in the browser with no installation required.
TRS-80 Emulator for Android
Features
- Model I & III text mode
- Cassette and floppy support
- Multiple keyboard layouts
- Game controller support
- Chromecast compatibility
- Accelerometer controls for games
SHARP-80 – Windows Model III Emulator
Self-Contained Solution
Author: Matt Hamilton
Version: 1.1.0.99 (March 9, 2017)
Download: Complete Package
Key Features
- ROM and DOS built-in
- Bundled software library
- Built-in Z-80 assembler/disassembler
- Real-time register monitoring
- Supports all video modes including Kanji
- Faithful Z-80 emulation (passes ZEXALL)
Legacy Emulators
Revolutionary for their time, these DOS-based emulators provided comprehensive hardware emulation including advanced features like hardware clock emulation and direct PC drive mapping.
Available Emulators
- Model I v6.21 (1998)
- Model III/4/4P v6.21 (2002)
Archive Site: Historical Reference
Notable Features
- Full cassette support (all baud rates)
- WAV file compatibility
- Hardware peripherals (joystick, mouse, clock)
- VS-100 voice synthesizer
- PC drive mapping for file transfer
- System snapshots
High-performance DOS emulators optimized for older PC hardware, featuring excellent compatibility and transfer utilities.
Model 4 Emulator v1.01B
- 64K RAM with 128K upgrade option
- Four double-sided 80-track drives
- Virtual hard drive (up to 13MB)
- Model III compatibility mode
- High-resolution graphics support
Other TRS-80 Computer Emulators
Color Computer Emulators
XRoar (Cross-Platform)
Author: Ciaran Anscomb
Version: 0.35.4 (May 13, 2019)
Website: Official Site
Emulates: Dragon and CoCo series
Downloads:
VCC (CoCo III)
Author: Joseph Forgione
Version: 1.42 (August 13, 2010)
Platform: Windows
Downloads:
David Keil’s CoCo Emulators
Author: David M. Keil
Last Update: April 8, 2005
Platform: DOS
Downloads:
Archive: Historical Site
Model 100 Series Emulators
Virtual T
Authors: Stephen James Hurd and Ken Pettit
Version: 1.7 (July 9, 2015)
Platform: Windows, Linux, macOS
Homepage: SourceForge
Downloads:
Virtual Vanessa (Historical)
Author: Kurt Dekker
Version: 1.10 (September 1988)
Platform: DOS
Download: Historical Archive
Early Model 100 emulator for historical interest
Clone Computer Emulators
HT 1080/Z System Emulators
Modern Version: HT 1080/Z v1.6.4 (July 2011)
Author: Attila Grósz
Downloads:
Features: Full Z80 core, YM2149 sound, tape/disk support
Legacy HT Emulators
FastZ80: v1.02 (July 18, 2008) by Kintli Lajos
Real Pro: v2.5.5 (March 8, 2008) by Zoltán Kollár
Downloads:
Additional legacy emulators are preserved for historical completeness, including early DOS implementations, Amiga ports, and experimental versions. These represent the evolution of TRS-80 emulation from the late 1980s through the early 2000s.
Notable Historical Emulators:
- Jeff Vavasour’s Model I Series: Pioneering DOS emulators (1995-2002)
- PC-Four/PC-Three: Early commercial emulators by Hypersoft (1987-1988)
- Yves Lempereur’s Mac Emulator: Classic Macintosh implementation (1999)
- WinTRS80: Early Windows emulator with voice synthesis (2000)
For Beginners
- TRS80GP: Built-in ROMs, ready to run
- SHARP-80: Complete package with software
- Web emulators: No installation required
For Windows Users
- TRS32: Professional GUI interface
- TRS80GP: Advanced features
- SHARP-80: Self-contained solution
For Cross-Platform
- TRS80GP: Most platforms supported
- SDLTRS2: Extensive Unix/Linux features
- Web emulators: Any modern browser
For Development
- TRS80GP: Advanced debugging tools
- SDLTRS2: State save/restore
- TRS32: Windows integration
New to TRS-80 emulation? Start with our Introduction to Emulators guide for step-by-step setup instructions and beginner tips.
Need disk images? Visit our software archives for games, applications, and operating systems compatible with these emulators.
Technical support? Each emulator has dedicated documentation and community support through their respective websites and forums.
I had a TRS-80 Color computer 2. The TRS-80 models 3 and 4 with the built-in monitor would not do color or pixel graphics – SET instead of PSET – If you can get ahold of QBASIC, it will use most of the commands from the TRS-80.
-Coffee Monster
I’m now running Windows 7 64-bit. Are there any emulator’s for the TRS-80 Color Computer I that will work on that?
-Thanks
I once owned a trs-80 too! Now, on my android “goophone” 7, I couldn’t install the trs80 app listed here. But trsv11 for dos worked in the dosbox app. You can then load boot dsk files using F7 in the quick menu (three dots, special keys). I loaded nd80 which I got from the SA Adventures zip file at the IF archives site. It includes a level 1 rom! If you can use a game pad on your device, great. interactive fiction is perfect, but the text is too tiny. My device can’t use dosbox in landscape mode, sadly.
I hope I find help. My second computer after the Sinclair ZX81 was a TRS-80 Model 1. I started there with a flight simulation, where you only had the digital output of the instruments on the screen and a DIN-A4 paper with a printed airfield and coordinates like a map. Did anyone of you know the name of the program, or have a copy of that paper and a picture from the screen, or where I can download this program for an emulator? I use meanwhile MSFS2021 and can fly realistic, but the beginning was on my beloved TRS-80
FS1 perhaps ? (Flight Simulator 1, I believe the first that was at some stage taken over by Microsoft)