DOSBox-X vs Manic EMU
DOSBox-X
dosbox-x.comManic EMU
github.comSide by side
| Figure | DOSBox-X | Manic EMU |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $0.42/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 9 |
| Spec score · Multi-System Emulators | 8.8 (#3) | 8.8 (#6) |
| Integrations | The project says printing can work with third-party tools such as Printfil or WinPrint on Windows hosts. | Cloud import supports Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Baidu, Aliyun, WebDAV, and SMB. |
| License | The main repository identifies the software as GPL-2.0 licensed. | The upstream Manic EMU source is licensed under GNU AGPL-3.0, with separate notices for bundled cores and dependencies. |
| Purpose | DOSBox-X is an open-source DOS emulator for running DOS applications and games. | Manic EMU is an all-in-one retro game emulator for iPhone and iPad. |
| Save states | The emulator supports up to 100 save slots, user save files and automatic state saving. | Premium supports unlimited manual saves plus 50 automatic slots, while the free tier provides three save states. |
| Self-hosting | Source code and build instructions are published, and binaries are available for Windows, Linux, macOS and DOS. | The product has no server deployment model, but RomM connectivity supports LAN self-hosted servers. |
| System requirements | Official packages target Windows 7 or later, with XP-compatible and older 9x/NT4 builds also listed. | The App Store listing requires iOS or iPadOS 15 or later and supports Macs with macOS 12 or later and Apple silicon. |
| What it does | DOSBox-X emulates IBM PC hardware and DOS environments so modern computers can run DOS games and applications. | Manic EMU is an all-in-one iOS emulator for console, handheld, arcade, computer and mobile Java systems. |
Plans
Manic EMU
- FreeFree
- SideloadFree
- Sideload / GitHubFree
- Premium Monthly$0.99 a month
- Premium Monthly Plan$0.99 a month
- Premium Annual Plan$4.99 a year
- Premium Annual$5.99 a year
- Premium Forever Access$9.99, paid once
- Forever Access$11.99, paid once
In their own words
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.
Manic EMU
Manic EMU is a free retro game emulator for iPhone and iPad, supporting more than 30 classic platforms across consoles, arcade, DOS, Symbian, and J2ME. It includes save states, auto-saves, fast-forward, cheats, shortcuts, filters, screenshots, and custom skins. Cloud import works with Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Baidu, Aliyun, WebDAV, and SMB. The project says iCloud sync keeps games, saves, and settings encrypted in the cloud across devices. Manic EMU integrates RetroAchievements and supports local multiplayer and Netplay on eligible Libretro cores. The free App Store build limits fast-forward to 2×, save states and cheat codes to three each, and controllers to one player. Premium plans cost $0.99 a month, $4.99 a year, or 9.99 USD once for lifetime access, and include higher fast-forward speeds, more save states and cheat slots, and extra controller players. A free sideload build includes premium play features but does not provide iCloud save sync. The app does not include ROMs, BIOS files, or game data.