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No. 3 of 26 ·MS-DOS Emulators

DOSBox

Windows · Mac · Linux

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Freedom report

Three barsScore 6.5

  • Free tierA free tier is on its own pricing page
  • Open codeNo open-source code on record
  • Runs widely3 of 6 device platforms
  • DocumentedPlans, terms and facts published

DOSBox is a DOS emulator for running older programs and games that may not work on newer computers. It is available for Windows, Linux, and macOS, and is free and open source. Its emulation includes 286 and 386 CPUs in real and protected modes, XMS and EMS memory, and graphics standards from Tandy and Hercules through VGA and VESA. Sound emulation covers SoundBlaster and Gravis UltraSound cards. DOSBox can mount floppy and CD-ROM images, including ISO and CUE/BIN formats. It also supports IPX networking through its internal IPXNET program and can emulate a serial nullmodem connection over a network or the internet. The site identifies version 0.74-3 as the latest and lists packages for Mac OS X, Windows, Fedora, and Debian, as well as source code. A game compatibility list uses statuses including runnable, playable, and supported. For untrusted files, the site recommends secure mode; this disables MOUNT, IMGMOUNT, and BOOT. Questions about using DOSBox or running a particular game can be posted in the forum.

Who it is for

DOSBox suits people looking to run older DOS programs or games on Windows, Linux, or macOS. Its disk image mounting and networking features may also fit users with those needs.

What is good

  • Free and open source.
  • Emulates several DOS-era CPU and graphics standards.
  • Mounts floppy and CD-ROM images.
  • Supports IPX networking and serial nullmodem connections.
  • Publishes a compatibility list for games.

What to know first

  • The latest listed version is 0.74-3.
  • Secure mode disables MOUNT, IMGMOUNT, and BOOT.
  • Listed packages cover Mac OS X, Windows, Fedora, and Debian.

Verdict

DOSBox provides DOS emulation and disk image support for running older software and games. Check the compatibility list for a game's status and use secure mode with untrusted files, keeping in mind the commands it disables.

DOSBox plans and pricing

All plans
DOSBox Free Free of charge · open source dosbox.com · 28 Sept 2026

Compared on MS-DOS emulators

Free plan
Yes
Supported host platforms
Windows, Linux, macOS
DOS target versions
dos-compatible
Disk image formats
ISO, CUE/BIN, CUE/IMG, floppy images, hard-drive images
Gamepad support
Yes
Audio CD support
Yes
Source available
Yes

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