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Best MS-DOS Emulators in 2026
If you want to run software or games made for MS-DOS, compare these emulators by DOS target versions, host platforms and disk image formats. Audio CD and gamepad support may matter for particular setups, while save states and source availability add other useful distinctions. Free-plan and paid-from details can help you assess access and cost. DOSBox and DOSBox Staging are among the entries, as are DOSBox Pure and Magic DosBox. Check the listed compatibility and features against the software you want to run and the device you plan to use.
- 26 apps
- Research read 23 Sept 2026
- How the order is worked out
- 1
DOSBox
Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1DOSBox provides DOS emulation and disk image support for running older software and games.
- 2
DOSBox Pure
Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1DOSBox Pure offers a range of DOS file and disk-image support, controller mapping, and save states in a free desktop emulator.
- 3
DOSBox Staging
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+2DOSBox Staging targets PC Booter, DOS, and Windows 3.1 titles, with a range of display, sound, and host-integration options.
- 4
DOSBox-X
Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1Pick DOSBox-X if you need a configurable, open-source emulator for DOS software, DOS-based Windows, preservation, testing, or DOS development.
- 5
DOS Browser
Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+2Choose DOS Browser to play DOS.Zone games with hardware acceleration, multiplayer support, and a range of desktop and mobile downloads.
- 6
DosKit
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3DosKit combines a DOS prompt, app-loading links, audio emulation, and offline use in a free PWA. Check browser compatibility and memory recommendations before relying on it for a particular device.
- 7
dosbox-automation
Free plan APILinuxWindowsdosbox-automation combines DOS emulation with interfaces for scripting, testing and inspection. Its platform and Windows 9x limits matter when choosing a host or DOS target.
- 8
DOSVAXJ3
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsDOSVAXJ3 combines support for three DOS environments with Japanese input, fonts, and disk-image booting.
- 9
js-dos
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1js-dos offers several ways to run DOS and Windows 9x programs, with browser and Node runtimes and networking support.
- 10
DOSBox PSP
Free planDOSBox PSP brings DOSBox to the PlayStation Portable, with support for several disk and input formats.
- 11
DOS-Emulator
Free plan LinuxMacDOS-Emulator offers a free DOS emulation project with debugger tools, but its known playable software range is limited.
- 12
Shed
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1Pick Shed if you want a free, self-hosted studio with browser mixing, remote guests, and simultaneous multi-destination streaming.
- 13
DOSBox Optionals
Free plan WindowsDOSBox Optionals is a free DOSBox fork with broad legacy-system and media support. Its Windows focus and system-specific memory limits are worth checking against your setup.
- 14
DOS Wasm X
Free plan Self-hostedWebDOS Wasm X combines browser-based DOS emulation with several storage sizes, input options, and file formats.
- 15
DOSBox 3DS
Free planChoose DOSBox 3DS if you want a free way to run DOS software on a Nintendo 3DS, with configurable emulation and support for several disk image types.
- 16
dosdoor
Free plan LinuxMacChoose dosdoor if you need a text-focused DOS emulator for BBS door games and your setup matches its supported host builds and drop-file formats.
- 17
DOSVisor
Free plan WindowsChoose DOSVisor if you want to study use of the Windows Hypervisor Platform API or run a few sample DOS programs.
- 18
Retro-DOS
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+1Consider Retro-DOS if you want a DOS launcher with searchable library browsing and flexible control options.
- 19
DOSBox Wii
Free planDOSBox Wii offers DOS-compatible emulation with removable-storage support and flexible input options.
- 20
Magic DosBox
Free plan AndroidMagic DosBox pairs DOS emulation with configurable controls and shareable game profiles. Consider the Lite limits and Android storage constraints, and bring your own DOS games.
- 21
MS-DOS Player
Free plan WindowsChoose MS-DOS Player if you need to run text-mode DOS commands on Windows or want to embed a command file in a Windows executable.
- 22
UniPCemu
Free plan AndroidWindowsChoose UniPCemu if you want a free emulator with configurable classic PC hardware and input options across Windows and Android.
- 23
riapyx
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsChoose riapyx for source-based experimentation with an 8086-era machine and Windows 3.0 real mode.
- 24
EM-DOSBox
Free plan WebChoose EM-DOSBox if you want a free, source-available route to running DOS software in a browser and can serve a packaged page.
- 25
Unity
Free planChoose Unity if you want a free Java Edition resource pack that keeps Minecraft’s traditional look while adding subtle visual changes.
#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price