Hoxs64
Hoxs64: Accurate, open-source C64 emulation with broad media and peripheral support. Ranked #11 of 31 in Commodore 64 Emulators by our editors (7.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for windows users seeking accurate classic emulation.
At a glance
- Editor score7.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forWindows users seeking accurate classic emulation
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Supported platformsWindows 7/10/11
- Founded1999
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Cycle-based CPU, CIA, VIC and SID emulation
- Supports 1541, tapes, cartridges and 1750 REU expansion
- Free, open-source GNU GPL software with 32-bit and 64-bit builds
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only desktop distribution
- Focused specifically on Commodore 64 emulation
- Requires choosing among multiple supported image formats and controls
Our verdict on Hoxs64
Hoxs64 is a Windows desktop emulator designed to reproduce the Commodore 64 with cycle-based CPU, CIA, VIC and SID emulation. It is suited to users who want a focused classic-computing emulator with support for original-style storage, expansion and input devices. The project is distributed as free software under the GNU GPL and provides both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows downloads.
Its strongest area is emulation depth. Hoxs64 includes a virtual Commodore 1541 disk drive, tape-deck emulation, cartridge support and 1750 RAM Expansion Unit support up to 512K. It also supports full-screen display, configurable keyboard and joystick controls, and a broad set of disk, tape, program and cartridge image formats: D64, G64, P64, FDI, TAP, PRG, P00, T64 and CRT. That combination makes it a practical fit for software distributed across different C64 media types and for users who value hardware-oriented emulation details.
The main trade-off is platform scope. Hoxs64 is a Windows-only desktop product, with Windows 7/10/11 runtime requirements listed by the developer and Windows 10 described on the official homepage. Its focus is also narrow by design: it emulates the Commodore 64 rather than serving as a broader multi-system platform. Choose Hoxs64 if accurate C64 hardware behavior, classic media support and open-source availability matter most. Choose an alternative if you need a non-Windows environment or a wider collection of computer and console systems.
Your product? Our editors can test Hoxs64 in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Hoxs64 pricing
Hoxs64 fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Windows 7/10/11 |
| Disk and tape formats | D64, G64, P64, FDI, TAP, PRG, P00, T64, CRT |
| Built-in debugger | Not verified |
| Netplay support | Not verified |
| Emulated C64 variants | Not verified |
| Bundled software library | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Support | |
| Built for | Solo (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | hoxs64.net |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Hoxs64
- VICEFree, open-source C64 emulation with cycle accuracy, debugging, media support and network play.9.4
- Breadbin466A free, open-source C64 emulator built for accurate hardware behavior and debugging.9.0
- C64 ForeverA Windows-focused C64 package with bundled titles, broad emulation, and preservation tools.8.8
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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