Side by side

EM-DOSBox vs Magic DosBox

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.

EM-DOSBox

Free plan Web

Choose EM-DOSBox if you want a free, source-available route to running DOS software in a browser and can serve a packaged page. Look elsewhere if you need saves to persist after closing the page or require a supported Windows build environment.

Visit EM-DOSBox

Magic DosBox

Free plan Android

Magic 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.

Visit Magic DosBox

The facts

	EM-DOSBox	Magic DosBox
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Web	Android
Lowest paid plan	Not published	Magic DosBox: $3.99, paid once
Plans published	None	2
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	github.com	magicbox.imejl.sk
On ms-dos emulators	#24 of 26	#20 of 26

EM-DOSBox: what it does well

Runs DOS games and programs in a web browser.
Supports ISO, CUE/BIN, CUE/IMG, floppy and hard-drive images.
Gamepad and audio CD support are listed.
Packager tools can load DOS files and launch a chosen program.
Configuration can adjust speed, audio and graphics.

What to know first

Saved games disappear when the web page closes by default.
Building requires a Unix-like environment; Windows builds are unsupported.
A few programs can encounter paging exceptions.

Magic DosBox: what it does well

Supports customizable on-screen widgets.
Profiles and layouts can be shared.
Supports external gamepads, keyboards, and physical mice.
IPX networking and serial modem connections are supported.

What to know first

Games are not included.
Lite has three widgets and a limited collection.
Google Play storage access can be slower.
Android 11-based changes restrict mounting some folders.

Alternatives to EM-DOSBox Alternatives to Magic DosBox The whole list