DOSBox Staging vs DOSBox-X
DOSBox Staging
dosbox-staging.org
DOSBox-X
dosbox-x.comSide by side
| Figure | DOSBox Staging | DOSBox-X |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · MS-DOS Emulators | 8.9 (#2) | 8.7 (#4) |
| License | DOSBox Staging is licensed under GNU GPL version 2 or later. | The main repository identifies the software as GPL-2.0 licensed. |
| Maintainer | The project says it is maintained by the DOSBox Staging team. | The project is maintained by Jonathan Campbell. |
| Networking | A virtual Novell NE2000 card supplies TCP/IP networking through DHCP, with configurable TCP and UDP port forwarding. | The project includes NE2000 Ethernet emulation and networking support. |
| Purpose | Runs MS-DOS and Windows 3.1 software on modern Windows, macOS, and Linux computers, with MS-DOS emulation built in. | DOSBox-X is an open-source DOS emulator for running DOS applications and games. |
| Rating on Softpedia | 3.8 out of 5 from 6 votes | 4.5 out of 5 from an unspecified number of reviews |
| What it does | Runs MS-DOS and Windows 3.1 software on modern Windows, macOS and Linux computers without requiring a separate DOS installation. | DOSBox-X emulates IBM PC hardware and DOS environments so modern computers can run DOS games and applications. |
Plans
In their own words
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.
DOSBox-X
DOSBox-X is a free, open-source DOS emulator for running DOS applications and games on Linux, macOS and Windows. It also supports DOS-based Windows guests, including Windows 3.x and Windows 9x/Me. The project emphasizes general emulation and accurate hardware behavior, with DOS/V services and emulation for NEC PC-98, AX and J-3100 systems. A graphical configuration tool and many virtual-machine options let users adjust the emulated environment. DOSBox-X provides up to 100 save slots, with automatic saving for selected programs or at user-defined intervals. Its emulated NE2000 adapter supports guest networking through PCAP and Slirp backends. Printing can use parallel ports and real or emulated printers, with PostScript or PNG output. Launching host applications from the emulator is disabled by default for security and can be enabled through configuration or a command-line option. The project describes use for DOS software, historical preservation, testing and continued DOS development; emulating Pentium 4-or-higher CPUs and post-2000 PC hardware are listed as non-goals.