Box64 vs Box86
Box64
box86.orgBox86
github.comSide by side
| Figure | Box64 | Box86 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game Compatibility Layers | 7.3 (#15) | 7.9 (#7) |
| Configuration | Behavior can be configured through environment variables and INI-style configuration files at /etc/box64.box64rc and ~/.box64rc. | Box86 supports configuration files at /etc/box86.box86rc and ~/.box86rc, with the user file taking priority. |
| Dynamic recompilation | Its DynaRec backends for Arm, RISC-V, and LoongArch are described as 5–10 times faster than the interpreter alone. | Its ARM dynamic recompiler is described as providing a 5 to 10 times speed boost over the interpreter. |
| License | The Box64 repository provides the software under the MIT License. | The project repository identifies the software as MIT licensed. |
| Native libraries | Box64 uses native system libraries such as libc, libm, SDL, and OpenGL to integrate with applications. | Box86 uses native versions of system libraries such as libc, libm, SDL, and OpenGL to integrate with applications. |
| Purpose | Box64 runs x86_64 Linux programs, including games, on non-x86_64 Linux systems. | Box86 runs x86 Linux programs, including games, on non-x86 Linux systems such as ARM. |
Plans
In their own words
Box86
Box86 runs 32-bit x86 Linux programs on Linux systems using other processor architectures, including ARM. It translates programs at runtime and connects them to native system libraries such as libc, libm, SDL, and OpenGL. The host must provide a 32-bit little-endian system or a 32-bit userspace subsystem; Box86 does not translate 32-bit programs for a 64-bit-only userspace. On ARM, its dynamic recompiler is described as providing a 5 to 10 times speed boost over the interpreter. The project names WorldOfGoo, Airline Tycoon Deluxe, FTL, and several GameMaker Linux games as examples that run, and links to a GitHub issue list for compatibility information. Wine is supported, though many games require graphics drivers. Steam can run with Box86 but also needs Box64 to be fully usable and uses substantial memory. Vulkan wrapping requires a 32-bit Vulkan driver; the Pi 4 Vulkan driver does not support DXVK. Box86 is the legacy 32-bit version of Box64 and is free under the MIT license, which provides the software as-is and disclaims warranties and liability.