DOSBox vs DosKit
DOSBox
dosbox.com
DosKit
doskit.netSide by side
| Figure | DOSBox | DosKit |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · MS-DOS Emulators | 9.0 (#1) | 8.0 (#8) |
| Purpose | DOSBox is a DOS emulator intended to run older programs and games that do not run on newer computers. | DosKit is a cross-platform foundation for running DOS applications using js-dos WebAssembly technology. |
| Support | The crew page directs questions about using DOSBox or running a specific game to the forum. | The project directs users to review existing GitHub issues or open a new issue with browser, operating-system, and console-error details. |
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.
DosKit
DosKit is a cross-platform foundation for running DOS applications through js-dos WebAssembly technology. It opens to an interactive DOS command prompt and is available as an installable Progressive Web App for desktop and mobile devices. After the first visit, service-worker caching enables offline use. URL parameters can load applications such as Second Reality and Impulse Tracker. Input includes standard DOS keyboard controls, including function keys and special characters, plus mobile touch controls. Audio output uses Sound Blaster and AdLib emulation. DosKit uses js-dos 8.3.20 WebAssembly and supports DOSBox and DOSBox-X backends. Its command interface includes pause, resume, mute, unmute, screenshots and filesystem read/write commands. WebAssembly and JavaScript are required, with at least 2GB of RAM recommended. Internet Explorer is unsupported, and iOS Safari versions before 15 have limited WebAssembly support. DosKit is free under the MIT License; js-dos and DOSBox are listed under GPL-2.0 licenses.