DOSBox

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Score7.0

Rank#4 of 26

PriceFree

Free planYes

Runs onLinux, macOS, Windows

Summary

DOSBox is a free, open-source DOS emulator for running older programs and games that may not run on newer computers. It emulates 286 and 386 CPUs in real and protected modes, along with XMS and EMS memory. Its graphics emulation covers Tandy, Hercules, CGA, EGA, VGA, and VESA, while its sound emulation includes SoundBlaster and Gravis UltraSound cards. DOSBox can mount floppy and CD-ROM images, including ISO and CUE/BIN formats. It also supports IPX networking through its internal IPXNET program and can emulate a serial nullmodem connection over a network or the internet. The site identifies version 0.74-3 as the latest version and lists packages for Mac OS X, Windows, Fedora, and Debian, as well as source code. Its compatibility list labels games as runnable, playable, or supported. For untrusted files, the site recommends secure mode, which disables MOUNT, IMGMOUNT, and BOOT. Questions about use or a specific game can be directed to the forum.

Who it is for

DOSBox suits people who want to run older DOS games or programs on Windows, Linux, or macOS. Its emulation and disk-image support may also suit users working with older DOS software or game media.

What is good

Free and open source
Emulates 286 and 386 CPUs and XMS/EMS memory
Supports multiple legacy graphics and sound standards
Mounts floppy and CD-ROM images
Supports IPX networking and serial nullmodem connections

What to know first

The site identifies 0.74-3 as the latest version
Secure mode disables MOUNT, IMGMOUNT, and BOOT

Verdict

DOSBox is a no-cost option for running older DOS software, with a broad range of hardware emulation and disk-image support. Users handling untrusted files should note that the recommended secure mode disables several mounting and boot commands.

DOSBox plans and pricing

All plans

DOSBox Free Free of charge · open source dosbox.com · 28 Sept 2026

Compared on MS-DOS emulators

Free plan: Yesdosbox.com
Supported host platforms: Windows, Linux, macOSdosbox.com
DOS target versions: dos-compatibledosbox.com
Disk image formats: ISO, CUE/BIN, CUE/IMG, floppy images, hard-drive imagesdosbox.com
Gamepad support: Yesdosbox.com
Audio CD support: Yesdosbox.com
Source available: Yesdosbox.com

Facts

Purpose: DOSBox is a DOS emulator intended to run older programs and games that do not run on newer computers.dosbox.com · 28 Sept 2026
CPU emulation: DOSBox emulates 286 and 386 CPUs in real and protected modes.dosbox.com · 28 Sept 2026
Memory emulation: DOSBox emulates XMS and EMS memory.dosbox.com · 28 Sept 2026
Graphics: DOSBox emulates Tandy, Hercules, CGA, EGA, VGA and VESA graphics.dosbox.com · 28 Sept 2026
Sound: DOSBox emulates SoundBlaster and Gravis UltraSound cards.dosbox.com · 28 Sept 2026
Disk images: The manual says IMGMOUNT can mount floppy disk images and CD-ROM images, including ISO and CUE/BIN formats.dosbox.com · 28 Sept 2026
Networking: DOSBox supports IPX networking through its internal IPXNET program.dosbox.com · 28 Sept 2026
Serial multiplayer: DOSBox can emulate a serial nullmodem cable over a network or the internet.dosbox.com · 28 Sept 2026
Security: The DOSBox site recommends using config -securemode with untrusted files; this mode disables MOUNT, IMGMOUNT and BOOT.dosbox.com · 28 Sept 2026
Downloads: The download page lists DOSBox 0.74-3 builds or packages for Mac OS X, Windows, Fedora and Debian, as well as source code.dosbox.com · 28 Sept 2026
Compatibility: The site maintains a game compatibility list with statuses including runnable, playable and supported.dosbox.com · 28 Sept 2026
Support: The crew page directs questions about using DOSBox or running a specific game to the forum.dosbox.com · 28 Sept 2026
Version: The site identifies DOSBox 0.74-3 as its latest version.dosbox.com · 28 Sept 2026