DOSBox vs DOSBox Staging
DOSBox
dosbox.comDOSBox Staging
dosbox-staging.orgSide by side
| Figure | DOSBox | DOSBox Staging |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 1 |
| Spec score · MS-DOS Emulators | 9.0 (#1) | 8.9 (#2) |
| Compatibility | The site maintains a game compatibility list with statuses including runnable, playable and supported. | Its primary goal is to run PC Booter, DOS, and Windows 3.1 games released from 1981 to 2000. |
| Graphics | DOSBox emulates Tandy, Hercules, CGA, EGA, VGA and VESA graphics. | Features include zero-configuration CRT emulation, aspect-ratio-correct output, accurate VGA emulation, custom shaders, and 3dfx Voodoo emulation. |
| Graphics emulation | Supported display hardware includes Tandy, Hercules, CGA, EGA, VGA and VESA modes. | Graphics support includes Hercules, CGA, EGA, VGA, SVGA, expanded S3 emulation, custom CGA colors and 3dfx Voodoo 1. |
| Licence | Open Hub identifies DOSBox as GNU General Public License version 2.0 or later. | DOSBox Staging is licensed under GNU GPL version 2 or later. |
| Networking | DOSBox supports IPX networking through its internal IPXNET program. | A virtual Novell NE2000 card supplies TCP/IP networking through DHCP, with configurable TCP and UDP port forwarding. |
| Purpose | DOSBox is a DOS emulator intended to run older programs and games that do not run on newer computers. | Runs MS-DOS and Windows 3.1 software on modern Windows, macOS, and Linux computers, with MS-DOS emulation built in. |
| What it does | DOSBox is a PC emulator with built-in DOS aimed primarily at running DOS games. | Runs MS-DOS and Windows 3.1 software on modern Windows, macOS and Linux computers without requiring a separate DOS installation. |
Plans
In their own words
DOSBox
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.
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.