CrossOver vs PlayOnMac

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.

PlayOnMac is free software for installing and using games and other programs designed for Microsoft Windows on a Mac. The maker says a Windows license is not required. Compatibility is partial, and ease of use and performance depend on whether the program is supported, so support information matters when considering a specific application. Examples shown on the site include Star Wars: The Old Republic, Trackmania Nation Forever, Photofiltre, and Internet Explorer 8. The download page offers version 4.4.4 for macOS 10.15 or macOS 11 and later, and version 4.3.3 for macOS versions before 10.15. It also cautions that antivirus warnings about some PlayOnMac .exe files may be false positives related to interaction with the emulated Windows registry. PlayOnMac is listed for macOS, with no Linux support, and its free software plan requires a supported Windows program. The legal notice identifies Alius IT as the site owner, Quentin Paris as publication director and webmaster, and OVH in Roubaix, France, as the website host. The notice says personal data is not commercialized and describes security measures while noting that absolute security cannot be guaranteed.