Suggestions appear as you type. Use the up and down arrows to choose one and Enter to open it.

This page's audience real numbers from our own analytics — open to see them
–Visitors
–Page views
–Clicks to vendors
–Time on page
–Reading now
Clicks to vendors, by tool
  • –
Top countries
  • –
Devices
  • –

– · counted by iTechGuides's own first-party analytics, bots removed, every figure rounded down · how we count

DOSBox

Free#4 of 26 in MS-DOS Emulators

DOSBox: A capable free DOS emulator with broad hardware and disk-image support. Ranked #4 of 26 in MS-DOS Emulators by our editors (7.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for general-purpose classic DOS emulation.

7.4/10Editor score
Visit DOSBox
DOSBox7.4 Visit DOSBox

At a glance

  • Editor score
    7.4 / 10
  • Pricing
    Free plan
  • Best for
    General-purpose classic DOS emulation
  • Free plan
    Yes
  • Paid from
    None
  • Supported host platforms
    Windows, Linux, macOS
  • Facts checked
    20 Sep 2026
DOSBox screenshot

  • Where it wins

    • Free and open source across Windows, macOS, and Linux
    • Emulates period graphics, sound, CPU, controller, and CD hardware
    • Supports directories, floppy images, hard-drive images, and CD images

  • Where it doesn't

    • Primarily operated through command-line commands and configuration files
    • The listed 0.74-3 release dates to an older development period
    • Modern convenience features are less prominent than core emulation support

Our verdict on DOSBox

DOSBox is a free, open-source emulator for running classic DOS games and applications on modern computers. It is aimed at users who need general-purpose DOS compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux, with support for DOS-compatible software and period PC hardware. Its scope suits both games and applications that depend on older processors, graphics adapters, sound hardware, storage media, or input devices.

The emulator’s main strength is the breadth of its hardware and media coverage. It includes 286/386 real-mode and protected-mode CPU emulation, CGA through VESA graphics, Tandy and Hercules support, and emulation for SoundBlaster, AdLib, Gravis Ultrasound, PC speaker, and MIDI hardware. Joystick and gamepad input, keyboard mapping, configurable controls, CD audio playback, and IPX network emulation extend its usefulness for software with varied hardware requirements. Storage support includes mounting local directories as emulated drives, along with floppy, CD-ROM, and hard-drive images. ISO, CUE/BIN, and CUE/IMG CD-ROM formats are covered.

The trade-off is a more technical operating model. DOSBox is primarily controlled through command-line commands and configuration files, so it is better suited to users comfortable with DOS-style workflows than to those seeking a modern graphical launcher or streamlined setup experience. The listed DOSBox 0.74-3 release and the older 0.74 release history also make the product’s core emulation capabilities more central than newer convenience features. Choose DOSBox for broad, free classic DOS emulation with configurable hardware and image support; consider an alternative if graphical management and contemporary usability matter more than emulation breadth.

DOSBox pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.
See plans on dosbox.com

DOSBox fact sheet

Free planYes
Paid fromNone
Supported host platformsWindows, Linux, macOS
DOS target versionsDos-compatible
Disk image formatsISO, CUE/BIN, CUE/IMG, floppy images, hard-drive images
Gamepad supportYes
Save statesNot verified
Audio CD supportYes
Source availableYes
DeploymentDesktop
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux
SupportDocs
PricingFree plan
Websitedosbox.com
Facts checked20 Sep 2026

Alternatives to DOSBox

See all DOSBox alternatives →

DOSBox vs the competition

Compare DOSBox with any tool side by side →

Used DOSBox? Be the first to review it

The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used DOSBox for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.

Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears

Reviews come only from verified accounts. Sign in or create an account first — your e-mail is never shown.

Your rating

0 characters · at least 80, up to 3,000

Posted from your verified account. Reviews appear after an editor reads them, usually within two working days.

Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — DOSBox 7.4/10

DOSBox is listed in our MS-DOS Emulators directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/dosbox/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/dosbox.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Last updated · How we research and update