DOSBox Optionals vs DOSBox Staging
DOSBox Optionals
github.comDOSBox Staging
dosbox-staging.orgSide by side
| Figure | DOSBox Optionals | DOSBox Staging |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 1 |
| Spec score · MS-DOS Emulators | 7.5 (#17) | 8.9 (#2) |
| Audio | Listed sound support includes MAME sound, FluidSynth, Munt MT-32, Nuked OPL3, and SSI-2001 reSID emulation. | Emulated sound options include Roland MT-32 and SC-55, FluidSynth MIDI, OPL, Gravis UltraSound, and PC speaker audio. |
| Graphics | The listed video backends are Surface, OpenGL, and OpenGL3 with shader support. | Features include zero-configuration CRT emulation, aspect-ratio-correct output, accurate VGA emulation, custom shaders, and 3dfx Voodoo emulation. |
| Networking | The README lists Novel NE2000 and IPX mode support. | A virtual Novell NE2000 card supplies TCP/IP networking through DHCP, with configurable TCP and UDP port forwarding. |
| Purpose | DOSBox Optionals is a DOS, Windows 95, and Windows 98 emulator forked from DOSBox and targeting Windows. | Runs MS-DOS and Windows 3.1 software on modern Windows, macOS, and Linux computers, with MS-DOS emulation built in. |
Plans
In their own words
DOSBox Optionals
DOSBox Optionals has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
DOSBox Staging
DOSBox Staging runs MS-DOS and Windows 3.1 software on modern Windows, macOS, and Linux computers through built-in MS-DOS emulation. Its main compatibility goal is PC Booter, DOS, and Windows 3.1 games released from 1981 to 2000. Default settings are intended to let most games and applications work without adjustment, and existing DOSBox configurations remain usable. Graphics options include CRT emulation, aspect-ratio-correct output, VGA and 3dfx Voodoo emulation, and custom shaders. Emulated audio includes Roland MT-32 and SC-55, FluidSynth MIDI, OPL, Gravis UltraSound, and PC speaker sound. Networking includes Ethernet through SLiRP and ENet modem transport. Host features include clipboard integration, physical CD-ROM mounting, high-DPI support, and Windows 3.1 seamless mouse integration. An optional HTTP REST API can inspect or modify emulator state, but it is disabled by default and binds to localhost; exposing it to untrusted networks gives them full control of the emulator. The project says it collects no personal information and makes no network connection unless initiated by the user. It is free for personal use, without warranty, and intended for low-stakes scenarios.