DOSBox vs DOSBox-X
DOSBox
dosbox.com
DOSBox-X
dosbox-x.comSide by side
| Figure | DOSBox | 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 |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · MS-DOS Emulators | 9.0 (#1) | 8.7 (#4) |
| Configuration | Settings are controlled through command-line options and text configuration files that are generated automatically. | It includes a graphical configuration tool and many options for customizing the virtual machine. |
| Networking | DOSBox supports IPX networking through its internal IPXNET program. | The project includes NE2000 Ethernet emulation and networking support. |
| Purpose | DOSBox is a DOS emulator intended to run older programs and games that do not run on newer computers. | DOSBox-X is an open-source DOS emulator for running DOS applications and games. |
| 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. | Official packages target Windows 7 or later, with XP-compatible and older 9x/NT4 builds also listed. |
| What it does | DOSBox is a PC emulator with built-in DOS aimed primarily at running DOS games. | DOSBox-X emulates IBM PC hardware and DOS environments so modern computers can run DOS games and applications. |
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-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.