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DOSBox

dosbox.com

Free plan Open source WindowsmacOSLinuxSelf-hosted
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Spec score 9.0 #1 of 26 in MS-DOS Emulators

What it is

DOSBox is a free, open-source DOS emulator for running older programs and games that may not run on newer computers. It emulates 286 and 386 CPUs in real and protected modes, along with XMS and EMS memory. Its graphics support covers Tandy, Hercules, CGA, EGA, VGA, and VESA, while sound emulation includes SoundBlaster and Gravis UltraSound cards. Users can mount floppy and CD-ROM images, including ISO and CUE/BIN formats. DOSBox also supports IPX networking through its internal IPXNET program and can emulate a serial nullmodem cable over a network or the internet. The site identifies version 0.74-3 as the latest version and lists builds or packages for Mac OS X, Windows, Fedora, and Debian, along with source code. Its game compatibility list uses statuses including runnable, playable, and supported. For untrusted files, the site recommends secure mode; that mode disables MOUNT, IMGMOUNT, and BOOT. DOSBox runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS, and the forum is the suggested place to ask about usage or a particular game.

Spec sheet

What it does
DOSBox is a PC emulator with built-in DOS aimed primarily at running DOS games.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dosbox.com
Purpose
DOSBox is a DOS emulator intended to run older programs and games that do not run on newer computers.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dosbox.com
Security
The DOSBox site recommends using config -securemode with untrusted files; this mode disables MOUNT, IMGMOUNT and BOOT.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dosbox.com
Support
The crew page directs questions about using DOSBox or running a specific game to the forum.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dosbox.com
Android port features
The Magic DosBox Android port advertises touch controls, mouse, keyboard, sound, gamepad support and IPX networking.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Browser port
The js-dos repository describes an Emscripten port that compiles DOSBox to JavaScript for browser play and is GPL licensed.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Compatibility
The site maintains a game compatibility list with statuses including runnable, playable and supported.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dosbox.com
Configuration
Settings are controlled through command-line options and text configuration files that are generated automatically.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dosbox.com
Controller support
The manual documents joystick and gamepad emulation, button mapping and configurable joystick types.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dosbox.com
CPU emulation
It emulates 286 and 386 processors in real and protected modes, with XMS and EMS memory.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dosbox.com
Current official version
The official site lists 0.74-3 as the latest version.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dosbox.com
Developer build
The source can be compiled on systems with SDL and a decent C++ compiler, supporting self-hosted builds.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dosbox.com
Disk images
The manual says IMGMOUNT can mount floppy disk images and CD-ROM images, including ISO and CUE/BIN formats.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dosbox.com
Documentation
The project provides a large v0.74-3 manual, FAQ, tutorial and configuration wiki covering installation, controls, networking and troubleshooting.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dosbox.com
Downloads
The download page lists DOSBox 0.74-3 builds or packages for Mac OS X, Windows, Fedora and Debian, as well as source code.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dosbox.com
Frontends
The official downloads page lists numerous community frontends for Windows, macOS, Linux and other systems.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dosbox.com
Graphics
DOSBox emulates Tandy, Hercules, CGA, EGA, VGA and VESA graphics.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dosbox.com
Graphics emulation
Supported display hardware includes Tandy, Hercules, CGA, EGA, VGA and VESA modes.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dosbox.com
Independent platform description
ComputerBase describes DOSBox as freeware for Windows, Linux and macOS with 286/386, classic graphics, sound, keyboard, mouse and DOS filesystem emulation.Read 15 Oct 2026 · computerbase.de
Licence
Open Hub identifies DOSBox as GNU General Public License version 2.0 or later.Read 15 Oct 2026 · openhub.net
Limit: gaming focus
The official FAQ says non-gaming DOS applications are not the project's primary focus and lists parallel ports, long filenames and Ctrl-Break as unsupported.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dosbox.com
Limit: hardware edge cases
A SourceForge reviewer reported that a game failed with a configuration error, while another requested better optimization for low-end hardware.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Limit: learning curve
Reviewers describe setup, mounting drives and editing configuration files as tricky for newcomers.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Limit: missing save states
An Open Hub reviewer praised smooth gameplay and upscaling but said save and load machine-state support was missing.Read 15 Oct 2026 · openhub.net
Limit: single-core performance
The manual states that DOSBox uses one host CPU core, so performance is limited by that core's available power.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dosbox.com
Maker structure
The official crew page identifies Peter Veenstra, Sjoerd Harekiet, Tommy Frössman and Ulf Wohlers as the people behind DOSBox.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dosbox.com
Memory emulation
DOSBox emulates XMS and EMS memory.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dosbox.com
Networking
DOSBox supports IPX networking through its internal IPXNET program.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dosbox.com
Praise: compatibility
SourceForge reviewers repeatedly say DOSBox runs large libraries of older games and applications reliably, often faster than original hardware.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Praise: configurability
Reviewers praise its extensive configuration options and ability to preserve access to legacy DOS software.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Praise: nostalgia
The sole Trustpilot reviewer said DOSBox successfully brought back memories through very old games after working through setup issues.Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
Project origin
Wikipedia records development by Dutch programmers Peter Veenstra and Sjoerd van der Berg beginning around Windows 2000, with the first beta uploaded on July 22, 2002.Read 15 Oct 2026 · en.wikipedia.org
Rating on ComputerBase
4.7 out of 5 stars from 45 ratings.Read 15 Oct 2026 · computerbase.de
Rating on Google Play (Magic DosBox port)
3.9 out of 5 stars from about 1.44K reviews.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Rating on Open Hub
4.5 out of 5.0 from 68 ratings.Read 15 Oct 2026 · openhub.net
Rating on SourceForge
4.8 out of 5 stars from 165 reviews.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Rating on Trustpilot
3.6 out of 5 from 1 review.Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
Release activity
The official news page records the 0.74-3 release on June 26, 2019 and a Linux keyboard workaround on January 27, 2021.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dosbox.com
Secure mode
The project recommends using CONFIG -securemode when opening untrusted files.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dosbox.com
Security release
Version 0.74-3 fixed a batch-file buffer overflow, restricted access to Linux /proc paths and corrected additional memory-safety issues.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dosbox.com
Serial multiplayer
DOSBox can emulate a serial nullmodem cable over a network or the internet.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dosbox.com
Serial networking
DOSBox can emulate a serial null-modem connection over a network or the internet.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dosbox.com
Sound
DOSBox emulates SoundBlaster and Gravis UltraSound cards.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dosbox.com
Sound emulation
The project emulates SoundBlaster and Gravis UltraSound hardware for compatibility with older games.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dosbox.com
Storage mounting
Users can mount local directories and disk-image files as drives inside the emulator.Read 15 Oct 2026 · openhub.net
Supported hosts
Official downloads include Windows, macOS, Fedora, Debian, FreeBSD, RISC OS, Gentoo, OS/2 and Solaris builds or packages.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dosbox.com
System requirements
A compatible SDL port and a reasonably capable C++ compiler such as GCC are the principal build requirements; smooth gaming depends on the emulated game and host hardware.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dosbox.com
Version
The site identifies DOSBox 0.74-3 as its latest version.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dosbox.com

Plans and prices

DOSBox Free x86 DOS emulator · free of charge · open source Read 15 Oct 2026 · dosbox.com

Every DOSBox plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and open source
  • Emulates 286 and 386 CPUs and XMS and EMS memory
  • Supports floppy and CD-ROM disk images
  • Includes IPX networking and serial nullmodem emulation
  • Provides a game compatibility list

Limits

  • Latest version listed is 0.74-3
  • Secure mode disables MOUNT, IMGMOUNT, and BOOT
  • Listed builds or packages cover Mac OS X, Windows, Fedora, and Debian

Who it suits

It suits people who need to run older DOS-compatible programs or games on Windows, Linux, or macOS. Its networking and disk-image support may also suit users working with DOS software that relies on those functions.

DOSBox in depth

Read the full write-up

DOSBox is a free, open-source emulator for running older DOS programs and games on Windows, Linux, and macOS. It is a strong fit for people who need period hardware features as well as a DOS environment; a specific game's compatibility is the key caveat.

Its broad emulation and disk-image support make it a practical way to revisit DOS software without an original PC, while its compatibility list helps set expectations before you commit.

Overview

DOSBox emulates 286 and 386 CPUs in real and protected modes, plus XMS and EMS memory. That combination gives older programs access to hardware they may depend on, rather than merely providing a place to launch them. Still, compatibility is title-specific: the maintained game list uses runnable, playable, and supported statuses, and the forum is the place to ask about a particular game or usage question.

Key features

Hardware, sound, and controls

Graphics emulation covers Tandy, Hercules, CGA, EGA, VGA, and VESA, while sound emulation includes SoundBlaster and Gravis UltraSound. Gamepad and audio CD support round out the options. This breadth is useful for software designed around particular DOS-era devices, but it does not make every title compatible.

Images and multiplayer

IMGMOUNT can attach floppy and CD-ROM images, including ISO and CUE/BIN; supported image types also include CUE/IMG and hard-drive images. For older multiplayer setups, DOSBox supports IPX networking through IPXNET and can emulate a serial nullmodem connection over a network or the internet. Those capabilities extend its usefulness beyond single-player programs, though users opening untrusted files should use config -securemode: it disables MOUNT, IMGMOUNT, and BOOT.

Pricing

DOSBox is free and open source. Its DOSBox plan costs free, with no paid tier to weigh against missing features. That makes it an accessible choice for anyone who wants a desktop DOS emulator, rather than a product with a paid upgrade path.

Platforms

DOSBox supports Windows, Linux, and macOS. The download page offers DOSBox 0.74-3 builds or packages for Mac OS X, Windows, Fedora, and Debian, alongside source code; the site identifies 0.74-3 as its latest version.

Who it's for

Choose DOSBox if you want to run DOS-era software on a current Windows, Linux, or macOS computer and value broad period hardware, media, and multiplayer emulation. It is less suitable when you need certainty for one specific game: check its status in the compatibility list and ask the forum if the result is unclear.

Pros and cons

Pros: Extensive CPU, memory, graphics, and sound emulation serves software built around varied DOS-era hardware.

Pros: Support for disk images, gamepads, audio CDs, IPX, and serial nullmodem play covers more than basic program launching.

Pros: Free, open-source availability across three desktop platforms keeps the choice straightforward.

Cons: Compatibility varies by game, so the compatibility list or forum may be necessary before relying on it for a particular title.

Cons: Secure mode disables mounting and booting functions, so safety precautions constrain some workflows with untrusted files.

Alternatives

For a wider comparison, browse MS-DOS Emulators. Pick DosKit if you need an option spanning mobile, desktop, and web platforms. DOS Browser suits browser-based use, with free play limited to browser indexed storage and no cross-device play. Consider DOSBox Staging for a free alternative intended for personal, low-stakes scenarios and offered without warranty. js-dos is another free option with web and self-hosted availability. Magic DosBox is the Android alternative. MS-DOS Player is a free Windows-only option. Choose DOS Wasm X if a browser-based emulator with selectable virtual drive and RAM sizes better suits your setup. DOSBox Pure is a free standalone desktop emulator with optional donations.

Verdict

DOSBox is the right starting point for people who want a free, open-source DOS emulator with broad hardware and image support across Windows, Linux, and macOS. Its main advantage is that range; look elsewhere only if your platform or a particular game's compatibility calls for another option.

Verdict

DOSBox covers a wide range of DOS-era hardware features and disk-image formats. Its compatibility list and forum can help readers assess a particular game or usage question.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to DOSBoxAll alternatives →