Best 98.js Alternatives ranked by AI · updated Aug 2026

98.js is a browser-based recreation of the Windows 98 desktop and its classic applications. It is aimed at nostalgia, education, and web demonstrations rather than modern computing, and it reproduces familiar interface behavior with JavaScript.

Developer: Jordan Scales Price: Free 🎯 98.js.org

🔓 Open Source retro web desktop browser apps

Top 6 98.js alternatives

daedalOS

Dustin Brett

daedalOS is an open-source desktop environment that runs entirely in a web browser. It targets developers and curious users who want a...

Pros

Runs without installation in modern browsers
Combines desktop-like windows, files, games, and media in one interface
Open-source and built with web technologies

Cons

Not a full replacement for a native operating system
Fewer productivity applications than OS.js or a remote Linux desktop
Performance depends heavily on the browser and device

Free

Alternatives to daedalOS → Visit site

OS.js

OS.js Project

OS.js is an open-source JavaScript desktop environment and application platform that runs in the browser. It is aimed primarily at developers building...

Pros

More suitable than daedalOS for building custom browser desktop applications
Provides a structured application, window, and filesystem framework
Open-source with reusable packages and developer documentation

Cons

Less polished and content-rich out of the box than daedalOS
Requires more development work to create a complete desktop experience
Smaller user-facing application catalog than a native OS

Free

Alternatives to OS.js → Visit site

Webtop

LinuxServer.io

Webtop provides full Linux desktop environments through a web browser using containers and remote desktop technologies. It is designed for self-hosters and...

Pros

Runs real Linux desktop applications rather than simulated web apps
Docker-based deployment is practical for self-hosted environments
Offers multiple Linux desktop variants

Cons

Requires server, container, and storage resources
More setup and maintenance than daedalOS
Remote desktop latency affects interactive workloads

Free, open source

Alternatives to Webtop → Visit site

WebVM

Leaning Technologies

WebVM runs virtual machines and Linux environments directly in the browser using WebAssembly and browser virtualization technologies. It is intended for experimenting...

Pros

Runs Linux environments locally in the browser
More technically capable than daedalOS for command-line and system experimentation
Can work without sending workloads to a remote server

Cons

Less approachable as a general desktop interface than daedalOS
Performance and hardware access are limited by browser virtualization
Large operating system images can take time to load

Free

Alternatives to WebVM → Visit site

JSLinux

Fabrice Bellard

JSLinux is a collection of operating-system emulators that run in a web browser, including Linux and other lightweight systems. It serves developers,...

Pros

Runs several operating-system images without local installation
Useful for learning Linux and low-level system behavior
Established project from a highly regarded systems developer

Cons

Much less desktop-oriented and polished than daedalOS
Emulated performance is limited compared with native systems
User interface and documentation are utilitarian

Free

Alternatives to JSLinux → Visit site

Windows93

Jankenpopp and Zombectro

Windows93 is an experimental browser-based desktop that parodies and reimagines classic Windows interfaces. It targets digital artists, web enthusiasts, and users looking...

Pros

Offers more experimental games and audiovisual experiences than daedalOS
Works immediately in a browser with no installation
Distinctive creative direction rather than a conventional OS simulation

Cons

Less practical and less productivity-focused than daedalOS
Many features are intentionally absurd or nonstandard
Limited value for development or real operating-system work

Free

Alternatives to Windows93 → Visit site

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