CrossOver vs PlayOnLinux
CrossOver
codeweavers.comPlayOnLinux
playonlinux.comSide by side
| Figure | CrossOver | PlayOnLinux |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $6.17/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 6 | 2 |
| Spec score · Windows Compatibility Layers | 9.0 (#1) | 8.3 (#3) |
| Spec score · Game Compatibility Layers | 9.0 (#2) | 8.3 (#5) |
| Documentation depth | The support site provides Mac and Linux user guides, troubleshooting, changelogs, compatibility resources, forums, and extensive CrossTie profile documentation. | The project wiki covers installation, troubleshooting, scripting, Wine management, filesystems, advanced topics and PlayOnLinux 5 development. |
| Extensibility | CrossTie documentation covers installer profiles, file and application profiles, pre-installation, installation, post-installation, CD, advanced options, examples, and data types. | The repository contains Bash, Python, plugin, script and function directories, while the wiki documents scripting components and functions. |
| Purpose | CrossOver translates Windows application commands so many Windows programs can run on Mac and Linux without a Windows emulator or Windows OS license. | PlayOnLinux lets users install and use numerous games and applications designed for Microsoft Windows. |
| Security and privacy | The maker’s site states that CodeWeavers or third-party tools process personal data such as browsing data or IP addresses and use cookies or other identifiers; the opened product pages provide no security certification details. | The legal notice says the site is hosted in the European Union, follows GDPR obligations, hashes passwords, does not sell personal data and uses firewalls, pseudonymisation, encryption and passwords as security measures. |
| Support | The 12-month plan includes email and phone support for 12 months, while the lifetime plan includes unlimited email and phone support for life. | Users can get help through the documentation and forums, and can contact the team by email at [email protected]. |
| What it does | CrossOver translates Windows application commands so Windows software can run on macOS and Linux without installing Windows, dual booting, or using a virtual machine. | PlayOnLinux installs and runs many Windows games and applications on GNU/Linux and macOS through Wine. |
Plans
CrossOver
- CrossOver FreeFree
- CrossOver Free (14 Day Trial)Free
- CrossOver +$74 a year
- CrossOver + (12 Months Support)$74 a year
- CrossOver Life$494, paid once
- CrossOver Life (Lifetime Support)$494, paid once
In their own words
CrossOver
CrossOver translates commands from Windows applications so many can run on macOS or Linux without a Windows emulator or Windows OS license. It is presented for productivity software, utilities and games, and advertises one-click installation, desktop integration and running apps without rebooting. CodeWeavers says the Linux version avoids Windows or virtual-machine overhead and integrates with Linux. Compatibility is incomplete: some applications may have reduced functionality or may not run. The Compatibility Center collects user reports about application behavior. CrossOver supports Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, as well as Linux PCs. The Mac version requires at least 1 GB of free disk space and does not run on iPads or iPhones; Linux has specified hardware, distribution and software dependencies. A fully functional 14-day trial costs nothing, requires no credit card and starts at first launch. CrossOver + costs $74 a year, including 12 months of phone and email support, upgrades and bug fixes, and Preview access. CrossOver Life costs $494, paid once, with lifetime upgrades, bug fixes and support. CodeWeavers says 95% of the Wine code it develops for CrossOver is released back to the Wine project.
PlayOnLinux
PlayOnLinux helps users install and run many games and applications made for Microsoft Windows on Linux and macOS. It is built on Wine, with the aim of shielding users from Wine’s complexity; a Windows license is not required. The project describes it as free software, and its listed plan is free. It uses Bash and Python and includes prefix management, a compatibility database, and DXVK graphics acceleration. Not every game is supported, though a manual installation module is available. The project also reports occasional performance declines, such as less-fluid images or less-detailed graphics. The website lists version 4.3.4 as the latest release. Installation options include a generic tar.gz package and instructions for Arch Linux, Debian, Fedora, Frugalware, and Ubuntu. Documentation and forums offer support, with email contact also available. The project wiki includes tutorials, installation-script guidance, command and API documentation, and advanced topics.