86Box
What it is
86Box is a free emulator for x86-based IBM PC systems and compatible machines, covering hardware from 1981 through systems based on the PCI bus. It emulates processors from the 8086 through the Pentium with an emphasis on accuracy and lets users configure virtual machines such as the IBM PC 5150 and IBM PS/2 line. Supported peripherals include video and sound adapters, network adapters, hard-disk controllers and SCSI adapters. Guest operating systems include MS-DOS, older Windows releases, OS/2, many Linux distributions, BeOS and NEXTSTEP. MIDI output can use Windows support, FluidSynth or emulated Roland synthesizers. The software runs on Windows, Linux and macOS and is released under the GNU General Public License version 2 or later. Stable and experimental builds are available. Most emulation logic runs in one thread, and a BIOS is required.
For and against
For
- Free plan with no emulator charge
- Emulates systems from 8086 through Pentium
- Supports configurable IBM PC and PS/2 machines
- Runs MS-DOS, older Windows, OS/2 and Linux
- Available for Windows, Linux and macOS
Against
- Most emulation logic runs in a single thread
- Experimental builds may be less stable or performant
- A BIOS is required
- Built-in virtual machine manager is only a preview
The verdict
86Box focuses on detailed emulation of classic x86 PCs, with broad peripheral and guest-system support. Stable builds offer the main path, while experimental versions and the preview manager have stated limitations.
Who it suits
86Box suits users preserving, exploring or running software from historical IBM-compatible systems. It is available to Windows, Linux and macOS users who can provide a BIOS and suitable host hardware.
Plans and prices
86Box
No charge for the emulator · Donations welcome
Read 9 Oct 2026 · 86box.net
On the record
- Builds
- The site offers stable and experimental builds, and notes experimental builds may be less stable or performant than release builds.86box.net · read 9 Oct 2026
- Guest systems
- 86Box supports MS-DOS, older Windows versions, OS/2, many Linux distributions, BeOS, and NEXTSTEP.86box.net · read 9 Oct 2026
- Hardware requirements
- The site recommends a 64-bit Intel Core 2, AMD Athlon 64, or ARMv8 processor or newer and at least 4 GB of RAM.86box.net · read 9 Oct 2026
- Host platforms
- The site lists Windows, Linux, and macOS system requirements, with Windows 7 SP1 or newer on Intel/AMD, Ubuntu 16.04 or Debian 9.0 or newer for Linux, and macOS 10.14 Mojave or newer.86box.net · read 9 Oct 2026
- License
- 86Box is released under the GNU General Public License version 2 or later.86box.net · read 9 Oct 2026
- Management
- The project recommends manager applications for handling multiple virtual machines and says its built-in virtual machine manager is a preview.86box.net · read 9 Oct 2026
- MIDI
- MIDI output can use Windows built-in MIDI support, FluidSynth, or emulated Roland synthesizers.86box.net · read 9 Oct 2026
- Performance limit
- Most emulation logic runs in a single thread, and performance depends on host and guest configuration.86box.net · read 9 Oct 2026
- Peripherals
- Supported peripherals include video adapters, sound cards, network adapters, hard disk controllers, and SCSI adapters.86box.net · read 9 Oct 2026
- Processor emulation
- It emulates 8086-based processors up to the Pentium with a focus on accuracy.86box.net · read 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- 86Box emulates x86-based IBM PC systems and compatibles from 1981 through systems based on the PCI bus.86box.net · read 9 Oct 2026
- Security reporting
- The project security policy says to report vulnerabilities by opening a GitHub issue or joining its Discord server.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project offers community discussion through IRC and Discord and links to a documentation site.86box.net · read 9 Oct 2026
- Virtual machines
- The emulator supports customizable virtual machines and a range of systems including the IBM PC 5150 and IBM PS/2 line.86box.net · read 9 Oct 2026
