Side by side
ares vs DOSBox-X
Both stand on multi-system emulators. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
ares offers playback controls, display options, and a broad listed range of systems in a free, open-source package. Linux users should note the project’s preference for source compilation or third-party packages.
Visit ares
Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
Pick DOSBox-X if you need a configurable, open-source emulator for DOS software, DOS-based Windows, preservation, testing, or DOS development. Look elsewhere if your work depends on emulating Pentium 4 or faster CPUs or post-2000 PC hardware, which the project lists as non-goals.
Visit DOSBox-XThe facts
| ares | DOSBox-X | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | ares-emu.net | dosbox-x.com |
| On multi-system emulators | #1 of 54 | #2 of 54 |
ares: what it does well
- Free and open-source under the ISC license
- Supports save states, rewind, and fast-forward
- Offers pixel shaders and optional color correction
- Virtual Game-Pads adapt configured controls across systems
- macOS binaries support Intel and Apple Silicon
What to know first
- Some listed systems are experimental
- No official Linux binaries are provided
- Android is not supported
- A BIOS is required
DOSBox-X: what it does well
- Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Supports DOS-based Windows guests, including Windows 3.x and Windows 9x/Me.
- Includes DOS/V and NEC PC-98, AX, and J-3100 emulation.
- Offers up to 100 save slots and automatic saving options.
- Supports guest networking through PCAP and Slirp backends.
What to know first
- Android is not supported.
- Emulating Pentium 4 or faster CPUs is a stated non-goal.
- Emulating post-2000 PC hardware is a stated non-goal.
Alternatives to ares Alternatives to DOSBox-X The whole list