DOSBox Pure suits people who want to run DOS games or software on Windows, macOS, or Linux, either as a desktop app or RetroArch core.
Free plan Open source WindowsMacLinuxSelf-hosted
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Best MS-DOS Emulators 2026
Facts read 30 Sep 2026 – 15 Oct 2026
For older software and games built for DOS, compatibility is a useful place to begin comparing emulators. Check DOS target versions, supported host platforms, and disk image formats, then weigh features such as audio CD and gamepad support or save states. Magic DosBox, DOS Browser, and DosKit are among the entries to consider, alongside Retro-DOS and UniPCemu. Source availability and free-plan details may also matter, while the paid-from field provides a starting point for price comparisons. Match the listed formats and features to the software you want to run and the controls and host system you plan to use.
The standings: top 10
| Name | In a line | Record score | Price from | Try it free | Runs on | Facts read |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 DOSBox Pure | DOSBox Pure suits people who want to run DOS games or software on Windows, macOS, or Linux, either as a desktop app or RetroArch core. | 5.4 | Free plan | Free plan | Windows, Mac, Linux, Self-hosted | 15 Oct 2026 |
| 02 DOSBox-X | It suits people running legacy DOS software, preserving historical systems, testing programs, or continuing DOS development. | 5.4 | Free plan | Free plan | Windows, Mac, Linux, Self-hosted | 15 Oct 2026 |
| 03 DosKit | DosKit suits people who want to run DOS applications through a browser-based PWA on desktop or mobile devices. | 5.4 | Free plan | Free plan | Android, iPhone & iPad, Web, Windows | 1 Oct 2026 |
| 04 DOSBox | DOSBox suits people who want to run older DOS software or games on Windows, Linux, or macOS. | 5.1 | Free plan | Free plan | Windows, Mac, Linux, Self-hosted | 15 Oct 2026 |
| 05 DOSBox Staging | It suits people who want to run older DOS or Windows 3.1 software on Windows, macOS, or Linux. | 5.1 | Free plan | Free plan | Windows, Mac, Linux, API | 15 Oct 2026 |
| 06 DOS Browser | 5.1 | Free plan | Free plan | Android, Web, Windows, Mac | 30 Sep 2026 | |
| 07 Retro-DOS | Retro-DOS suits handheld users who want to browse and launch DOS games or applications, including people using physical gamepads or on-screen controls. | 4.9 | Free plan | Free plan | Android, iPhone & iPad, Windows, Linux | 8 Oct 2026 |
| 08 Magic DosBox | Magic DosBox may suit Android users who have DOS games and want customizable on-screen controls or support for external input devices. | 4.8 | $3.99 one-time | Free plan | Android | 3 Oct 2026 |
| 09 js-dos | It suits developers who want to embed DOS or Windows 9x programs in browser or Node projects. | 4.6 | Free plan | Free plan | Web, Linux, API, Self-hosted | 5 Oct 2026 |
| 10 riapyx | 4.6 | Free plan | Free plan | Windows, Mac, Linux | 9 Oct 2026 |
02
DOSBox-X
It suits people running legacy DOS software, preserving historical systems, testing programs, or continuing DOS development.
WindowsMacLinux+1 Record5.4 Visit
03
DosKit
DosKit suits people who want to run DOS applications through a browser-based PWA on desktop or mobile devices.
AndroidiPhone & iPadWeb+3 Record5.4 Visit
04
DOSBox
DOSBox suits people who want to run older DOS software or games on Windows, Linux, or macOS.
WindowsMacLinux+1 Record5.1 Visit
05
DOSBox Staging
It suits people who want to run older DOS or Windows 3.1 software on Windows, macOS, or Linux.
WindowsMacLinux+2 Record5.1 Visit
7
Retro-DOS
AndroidiPhone & iPadWindows+1 Free plan Record4.9 Visit Retro-DOS suits handheld users who want to browse and launch DOS games or applications, including people using physical gamepads or on-screen controls.
8
Magic DosBox
Android $3.99 one-time Record4.8 Visit Magic DosBox may suit Android users who have DOS games and want customizable on-screen controls or support for external input devices.
9
js-dos
WebLinuxAPI+1 Free plan Record4.6 Visit It suits developers who want to embed DOS or Windows 9x programs in browser or Node projects.
11
Shed
WebLinuxAPI+1 Free plan Record4.6 Visit Shed suits broadcasters and production teams comfortable deploying self-hosted software on Linux or container platforms.
12
UniPCemu
AndroidWindows Free plan Record4.6 Visit UniPCemu suits people looking to run classic PC games on Android or Windows, with configurable emulated hardware and several input options.
13
DOSBox PSP
Free plan Record4.5 Visit DOSBox PSP suits PSP owners who want to run MS-DOS software and are comfortable adjusting configuration settings.
14
DOS-Emulator
MacLinux Free plan Record4.5 Visit It suits users on macOS or Ubuntu Linux who want a small, source-available DOS emulator and developers interested in Rust emulation work.
15
DOSVAXJ3
WindowsMacLinux Free plan Record4.5 Visit DOSVAXJ3 suits users who need AX, J-3100, or DOS/V emulation with Japanese input.
16
DOSVisor
Windows Free plan Record4.5 Visit DOSVisor suits Windows users exploring the Windows Hypervisor Platform API or running a few sample DOS programs.
17
MS-DOS Player
Windows Free plan Record4.5 Visit It fits Windows users who need DOS text utilities or compatibility with older command-line programs.
20
DOS Wasm X
WebSelf-hosted Free plan Record4.4 Visit It suits people who want to run DOS-compatible software in a browser, including on mobile.
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