Side by side
Box64 vs FEX-Emu
Both stand on game compatibility layers. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidLinux
Box64 is aimed at running 64-bit x86 Linux software on specified non-x86 Linux hosts. Its host requirements and separate route for 32-bit binaries are important constraints.
Visit Box64 Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted
FEX-Emu provides a route for running x86 software on supported ARM64 Linux systems, with configuration controls and Wine integration. Check the hardware and root filesystem requirements, and note the stated SteamVR and split-lock limitations.
Visit FEX-EmuThe facts
| Box64 | FEX-Emu | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, Linux | Linux, Self-hosted |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Not published |
| Plans published | None | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | box86.org | fex-emu.com |
| On game compatibility layers | #10 of 27 | #14 of 27 |
Box64: what it does well
- Targets ARM64, RISC-V 64-bit and LoongArch Linux devices.
- DynaRec supports all three target architectures.
- Supports Wine64 and Proton.
- Project maintains a game compatibility list.
What to know first
- Requires a little-endian 64-bit host with 64-bit libraries.
- 32-bit binaries require Box86 or experimental Box32.
- DynaCache can use up to 2 GB by default.
FEX-Emu: what it does well
- Runs both 32-bit and 64-bit x86 binaries.
- Supports AVX and AVX2 instruction extensions.
- Can forward OpenGL and Vulkan calls to host libraries.
- Offers per-application settings and a configuration GUI.
- MIT-licensed and free.
What to know first
- Requires ARMv8.0-a hardware with FEAT_FP and FEAT_CRC32.
- AArch64 hosts need an x86-64 root filesystem.
- Android is not a supported target.
- SteamVR is not currently functional under FEX.
Alternatives to Box64 Alternatives to FEX-Emu The whole list