Bootbox vs OpenSol
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Bootbox
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Bootbox is a virtual PC for iPad and iPhone. It emulates a complete 64-bit x86 computer in software and boots real operating systems on it, with no jailbreak, sign-in or server. CHOOSE A SYSTEM • Linux Desktop: windows, a taskbar, a terminal, a file manager and a WebKit web browser. • Linux Terminal: a full Linux console with Python 3.12 and pip, internet access, and Wine for Windows command-line programs. • Android 12 (AOSP): the Android home screen with touch and keyboard. It resumes in seconds from a ready-made snapshot. • Your own disk images and ISO files. A REAL COMPUTER, EMULATED • Up to 8 virtual CPU cores that really run in parallel. • Internet inside the virtual machine, through a network stack built into the app. • Files move between your device and the virtual machine, and machines can be saved and resumed. • Built-in benchmarks (CPU-Z, 7-Zip, sysbench, GPU and web tests) show what the emulated PC can do. GOOD TO KNOW Every instruction of the virtual PC is translated in software, so it runs much slower than a real computer. It's best for learning Linux, scripting, retro-style computing and experiments, not heavy work. The systems download on first use (about 240 MB for the Linux desktop, about 900 MB for Android) and then run offline. Newer devices with more memory run them best. Bootbox collects no data.
OpenSol
Experience a classic 8080 computer emulator inspired by the Sol-20 Terminal Computer. Interact with original firmware, customize display effects, and enjoy an immersive terminal experience. This independently developed app offers a unique retro computing simulation.
- Intel 8080 interpreter
- Original OpenSol firmware
- Sol Command Monitor
- Customizable display effects (CRT, phosphor)
- Full-screen immersive mode
- External keyboard and controller support
- Virtual cassette tools
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OpenSol is an independently developed Intel 8080 computer emulator inspired by the Processor Technology Sol-20 Terminal Computer. Explore a 64-by-16 character display, type directly into the original OpenSol firmware, and use the built-in Sol Command Monitor. Choose white, green, amber, or red phosphor; switch between a sharp flat display and period-inspired CRT effects; and use full-screen mode for an immersive terminal experience. OpenSol includes: • A complete independently written Intel 8080 interpreter • Original OpenSol firmware and Sol Command Monitor • iPhone, iPad, and Mac interfaces • Direct typing, touch input, external keyboards, and compatible game controllers • User-selected ENT and raw-binary file import • Private on-device Recent Programs and session restoration • Experimental virtual cassette and USB-audio cassette tools OpenSol includes no SOLOS ROM, vintage applications, download catalog, advertising, analytics, tracking, accounts, or network service. Users provide their own lawfully obtained compatible files. OpenSol is not affiliated with or endorsed by Processor Technology Corporation or any successor rights holder. Historical product names are used only to describe compatibility and historical context.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ratings volume: OpenSol at 5 against Bootbox's 1. On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Bootbox against 5.0 for OpenSol. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: OpenSol has 5 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.
| Parameter | Bootbox | OpenSol |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) | 5.0 (5 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 5 — better |
| Update frequency | — | Every 8 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 69 MB | 11 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | chienchung Yu | Jordan Ruderman |
In-app purchases
Bootbox
No in-app purchases
OpenSol
No in-app purchases









