DOSBox vs Magic DosBox
DOSBox
dosbox.comMagic DosBox
magicbox.imejl.skSide by side
| Figure | DOSBox | Magic DosBox |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · MS-DOS Emulators | 9.0 (#1) | 8.3 (#5) |
| Configuration | Settings are controlled through command-line options and text configuration files that are generated automatically. | Games can be configured through a simplified GUI or through Expert settings based on a modified DOSBox configuration. |
| Networking | DOSBox supports IPX networking through its internal IPXNET program. | The app supports IPX networking and serial modem connections. |
| Purpose | DOSBox is a DOS emulator intended to run older programs and games that do not run on newer computers. | Magic DosBox is an optimized DOSBox port for Android that runs DOS games and applications and is designed for touch devices. |
| Support | The crew page directs questions about using DOSBox or running a specific game to the forum. | The app listing provides [email protected] as its support email and points users to the maker’s website for documentation. |
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.
Magic DosBox
Magic DosBox emulates MS-DOS so users can play their own classic DOS games on Android phones and tablets; games are not included. Its on-screen widgets can send keys, emulate a mouse, pause a game, and perform other actions. Users can customize widget appearance, size, and position, then export or share game profiles and layouts. It also supports physical mice, Samsung styluses, external gamepads, keyboards, sound, IPX networking, and serial modem connections. Games can be configured through a simplified interface or Expert settings based on a modified DOSBox configuration. The app lists ISO, GOG, INST, and CUE files, and supports save states. Magic DosBox Lite is free, with three widgets and a limited number of games in the collection. The $3.99, paid once plan includes all widgets and removes the collection limit. The maker says Google Play's required storage access can be slower than direct access, while Android 11-based changes block mounting the storage root and Downloads folder.