Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

DOSBox-X VS FreeDOS

Compare DOSBox-X VS FreeDOS and see what are their differences

DOSBox-X logo DOSBox-X

DOSBox-X: Free, cross-platform and complete DOS, Windows 3.x and 9x emulation package

FreeDOS logo FreeDOS

. creation tool just didn't feel up to the task. So, I created a new utility that may have better results.
  • DOSBox-X Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-07
  • FreeDOS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-06-18

DOSBox-X features and specs

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    DOSBox-X is available for multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, and macOS, ensuring broad accessibility across different operating systems.
  • Enhanced DOS Emulation
    Offers improved emulation of MS-DOS systems, supporting a wider range of DOS applications and games compared to its predecessor.
  • Advanced Configuration Options
    Provides extensive configuration settings which allow users to customize and optimize the emulation environment according to specific needs.
  • Active Development
    The project is actively maintained and updated, incorporating community feedback and releasing new features and bug fixes regularly.
  • Comprehensive Debugging Tools
    Includes robust debugging tools useful for developers looking to analyze the behavior of DOS programs and games.

Possible disadvantages of DOSBox-X

  • Complexity
    The extensive configuration options may be overwhelming for beginners who may prefer a simpler, more straightforward emulation solution.
  • Performance Overhead
    Compared to simpler DOSBox variants, the additional features and capabilities can introduce performance overhead, particularly on lower-end systems.
  • Advanced Knowledge Requirement
    To fully utilize its capabilities, users may need a good understanding of DOS systems and emulation settings.
  • Occasional Stability Issues
    As with any emulation software, certain configurations or applications may lead to occasional crashes or unpredictable behavior.
  • Limited Official Documentation
    While it has an active community, some official documentation may not be as comprehensive, requiring users to search for external resources or community support.

FreeDOS features and specs

  • Open Source
    FreeDOS is open source software, which means that users can freely view, modify, and distribute the source code. This promotes transparency and community involvement.
  • Compatibility with DOS Programs
    FreeDOS is highly compatible with legacy DOS applications and games, making it a suitable choice for running older software that requires a DOS environment.
  • Lightweight
    Given its text-based interface and minimal system requirements, FreeDOS is lightweight, making it ideal for use on older or resource-constrained hardware.
  • Active Community Support
    An active community surrounds FreeDOS, offering support, documentation, and a range of contributed software that helps users overcome issues and expand functionality.
  • No Cost
    FreeDOS is free to download, install, and use, making it a cost-effective solution for users and organizations needing a DOS-compatible operating system.

Possible disadvantages of FreeDOS

  • Limited Modern Software Compatibility
    FreeDOS primarily supports programs designed for DOS, which limits its compatibility with modern software that requires advanced operating systems and features.
  • Lack of GUI
    As a command-line-based operating system, FreeDOS does not offer a graphical user interface, which can be a hurdle for users accustomed to GUI-based systems like Windows or macOS.
  • Limited Device Driver Support
    FreeDOS may struggle with hardware compatibility due to limited support for modern device drivers, impacting its ability to work seamlessly with current peripherals.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    For users not familiar with command-line interfaces, FreeDOS can have a steep learning curve, requiring an understanding of DOS commands and file systems.
  • Limited Security Features
    FreeDOS lacks the sophisticated security features found in modern operating systems, which may pose a risk for handling sensitive data or connecting to networks.

DOSBox-X videos

DOSBox 0.74-3 vs. DOSBox-X 0.82.20 - ADG Filler #78

More videos:

  • Review - How-to: Install DOSBox-X Running Windows 3.11, Netscape, CalmiraXP, and More!

FreeDOS videos

FreeDOS 1.2 Review - Can it replace MS DOS for retro gaming?

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to install FreeDOS + Review of features
  • Review - FreeDOS Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to DOSBox-X and FreeDOS)
Games
69 69%
31% 31
Emulators
51 51%
49% 49
Gaming
58 58%
42% 42
Media Player
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using DOSBox-X and FreeDOS. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, DOSBox-X should be more popular than FreeDOS. It has been mentiond 59 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

DOSBox-X mentions (59)

  • 101 Basic Computer Games
    If you are craving a BASIC fix, I highly recommend getting a DOS emulator like DosBos-X and just installing a copy of Quickbasic 4.5 (which has a compiler among other niceties over the original Microsoft QBASIC). You can easily find it on the Internet Archive. There are modern variants like QB64, but personally I find that BASIC really loses a lot of its appeal/flavor when you move from an interpretative language... - Source: Hacker News / 11 days ago
  • doesn't exist error?
    If you want to use DOS productivity software or DOS database programs, go with https://dosbox-x.com/ or https://www.vdos.info/. Source: over 1 year ago
  • The Ur-Quan Masters: The Open Source Remake of Star Control II
    He probably meant this fork https://dosbox-x.com/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Best portable way to use MS-DOS/Windows 98?
    Have you tried DOSBox-X yet? It officially runs Windows 98 and can be mostly configured through a UI. Source: over 1 year ago
  • How/Where to get DosBox
    Https://dosbox-x.com/ if you want a version where modern controllers work properly. Source: almost 2 years ago
View more

FreeDOS mentions (8)

View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing DOSBox-X and FreeDOS, you can also consider the following products

DOSBox - DOSBox is a DOS-emulator that uses the SDL-library.

vDos - vDos lets you conveniently run DOS applications by emulating a (spiced up) DOS PC in a window.

vDosPlus - vDosPlus (formerly vDos-lfn) is a free general-purpose non-gaming DOS emulator running on Windows...

DOSEMU - DOSEMU stands for DOS Emulation, and allows you to run DOS and many DOS programs, including many...

DOSBox SVN Daum - An enhanced SVN build of the DOS emulator which incorporates unofficial features and fixes that are...

JsDOSBox - [Development stage] JavaScript PC DOS Emulator