Side by side

DOSBox Pure vs DosKit

Both stand on ms-dos emulators. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

DOSBox Pure

Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1

DOSBox Pure offers a range of DOS file and disk-image support, controller mapping, and save states in a free desktop emulator. Note the save-state conditions and the network limitation if those matter to your setup.

Visit DOSBox Pure

DosKit

Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

DosKit 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.

Visit DosKit

The facts

	DOSBox Pure	DosKit
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	Not published
Runs on	Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows	Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Free or on request
Plans published	2	1
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	schelling.itch.io	doskit.net
On ms-dos emulators	#2 of 26	#6 of 26

DOSBox Pure: what it does well

Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Loads DOS executables, folders, and disk images.
Provides 10 save-state slots per content.
Gamepad controls can map to keyboard, mouse, or joystick.

What to know first

Complex late-era DOS games may have save-state problems.
Save states require matching game and video or CPU settings.
The emulated network card cannot access the real internet.
Software graphics rendering uses much more CPU.

DosKit: what it does well

Works offline after the first visit.
Installable PWA for desktop and mobile.
Supports DOS keyboard input and mobile touch controls.
Offers Sound Blaster and AdLib emulation.

What to know first

Requires JavaScript and WebAssembly.
At least 2GB of RAM is recommended.
Internet Explorer is unsupported.
Earlier iOS Safari versions have limited WebAssembly support.

Alternatives to DOSBox Pure Alternatives to DosKit The whole list