EverythingXiaomi
For vendors
AdvertiseTop spots, featured rows, home sponsor Get listedAdd a product we don't cover yet Claim a listingFree: verify the domain, then correct your page Vendor dashboardNumbers, orders and placements
List your app
Vendor dashboard

DOSBox Staging

B
B tier on MS-DOS EmulatorsScore 7.1 · #3 of 26
Android app
Not listed
Free plan
Yes
Runs on
api, Linux, Mac, Windows
dosbox-staging.org
The DOSBox Staging homepage
Visit site Alternatives

Summary

DOSBox Staging runs MS-DOS and Windows 3.1 software on modern Windows, macOS and Linux computers through built-in MS-DOS emulation. Its main compatibility goal is PC Booter, DOS and Windows 3.1 games released from 1981 to 2000. Sensible defaults are intended to let most games and applications run without changes, and existing DOSBox configurations continue to work. Graphics features include CRT emulation, aspect-ratio-correct output, VGA and 3dfx Voodoo emulation, and custom shaders. Audio options include Roland MT-32 and SC-55, FluidSynth MIDI, OPL, Gravis UltraSound and PC speaker sound. It supports Ethernet through SLiRP and ENet modem transport, along with clipboard integration, physical CD-ROM mounting and high-DPI support. An optional HTTP REST API can inspect or alter emulator state, including CPU registers and memory. The API is disabled by default and binds to localhost; exposing it to untrusted networks gives them full control of the emulator. The project says it collects no personal information and makes no network connection unless initiated by the user. It is free for personal use, comes with no warranty and is intended for low-stakes scenarios.

Who it is for

DOSBox Staging suits people seeking to run DOS or Windows 3.1-era software on Windows, macOS or Linux. It is intended for personal, low-stakes use rather than guaranteed compatibility.

What is good

  • Free for personal use.
  • Supports Windows, macOS and Linux hosts.
  • Existing DOSBox configurations continue to work.
  • Includes graphics and audio emulation options.
  • No personal information is collected, according to the project.

What to know first

  • No warranty or guaranteed compatibility.
  • Does not target Windows 9x/Me.
  • API exposure to untrusted networks grants emulator control.

Verdict

DOSBox Staging provides a broad set of emulation and host-integration features for older DOS and Windows 3.1 software. Its stated compatibility scope and lack of warranty make it important to check whether it suits your particular use.

DOSBox Staging plans and pricing

All plans
DOSBox Staging Free Free for personal use · No warranty · Intended for personal, low-stakes scenarios dosbox-staging.org · 30 Sept 2026

Compared on MS-DOS emulators

Free plan
Yesdosbox-staging.org
Supported host platforms
Windows, macOS, Linuxdosbox-staging.org
DOS target versions
ms-dosdosbox-staging.org
Disk image formats
IMG, IMA, CUE/BIN, ISO, MDS/MDF, VHDdosbox-staging.org
Gamepad support
Yesdosbox-staging.org
Audio CD support
Yesdosbox-staging.org
Source available
Yesdosbox-staging.org

Facts

Purpose
Runs MS-DOS and Windows 3.1 software on modern Windows, macOS, and Linux computers, with MS-DOS emulation built in.dosbox-staging.org · 30 Sept 2026
Compatibility
Its primary goal is to run PC Booter, DOS, and Windows 3.1 games released from 1981 to 2000.dosbox-staging.org · 30 Sept 2026
Easy setup
Sensible defaults mean most games and applications work without tweaking, and existing DOSBox configurations continue to work.dosbox-staging.org · 30 Sept 2026
Graphics
Features include zero-configuration CRT emulation, aspect-ratio-correct output, accurate VGA emulation, custom shaders, and 3dfx Voodoo emulation.dosbox-staging.org · 30 Sept 2026
Audio
Emulated sound options include Roland MT-32 and SC-55, FluidSynth MIDI, OPL, Gravis UltraSound, and PC speaker audio.dosbox-staging.org · 30 Sept 2026
Networking
The feature list includes Ethernet support via SLiRP and ENet modem transport.dosbox-staging.org · 30 Sept 2026
Host integration
Host features include clipboard integration, physical CD-ROM mounting, high-DPI support, and Windows 3.1 seamless mouse integration.dosbox-staging.org · 30 Sept 2026
HTTP API
An optional HTTP REST API lets external tools inspect and modify emulator state, including CPU registers and memory.dosbox-staging.org · 30 Sept 2026
API security
The HTTP API is disabled by default and binds to localhost; the project warns that exposing it to untrusted networks gives full control over the emulator.dosbox-staging.org · 30 Sept 2026
Privacy
The project states it collects no personal information and makes no network connection unless the user initiates one.dosbox-staging.org · 30 Sept 2026
License
DOSBox Staging is licensed under GNU GPL version 2 or later.dosbox-staging.org · 30 Sept 2026
Limitations
The project does not aim to support Windows 9x/Me, end-of-life operating systems, or legacy physical hardware.dosbox-staging.org · 30 Sept 2026
Support and intended use
The project is intended for personal, low-stakes use and disclaims warranties and guaranteed compatibility; its site links to GitHub and Discord.dosbox-staging.org · 30 Sept 2026
Maintainer
The project says it is maintained by the DOSBox Staging team.dosbox-staging.org · 30 Sept 2026

Best DOSBox Staging alternatives

See all 12
Btier DosKit #1 7.4 Android FreeBtier DOS Browser #2 7.3 Android FreeBtier DOSBox #4 7.0 FreeBtier DOSBox Pure #5 7.0 FreeBtier Magic DosBox #6 7.0 Android FreeCtier DOS Wasm X #7 6.9 Free

Where it ranks on Everything Xiaomi

Is DOSBox Staging yours?

Claim it for free: prove the domain, then correct facts, plans and screenshots. An editor reviews every change.

Claim it free Promote DOSBox Staging

Sources