PlayOnLinux vs Porting Kit
PlayOnLinux
playonlinux.com
Porting Kit
portingkit.comSide by side
| Figure | PlayOnLinux | Porting Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Windows Compatibility Layers | 8.3 (#3) | 7.3 (#17) |
| Spec score · Game Compatibility Layers | 8.3 (#5) | 7.3 (#17) |
| Cost | The project describes PlayOnLinux as a cost-free solution. | The maker describes Porting Kit as free. |
| Privacy | The legal notice says PlayOnLinux does not sell personal data and uses it only as necessary or for statistics and analysis. | The terms say the app may collect video card and macOS details for rankings and Google Analytics, and says it does not obtain or share other information from the Mac. |
| Purpose | PlayOnLinux lets users install and use numerous games and applications designed for Microsoft Windows. | Porting Kit uses Wineskin technology to install games and apps compiled for Microsoft Windows in macOS. |
| Support | Users can get help through the documentation and forums, and can contact the team by email at [email protected]. | The terms say copies obtained outside PortingKit.com are not considered legitimate and will not receive support. |
Plans
In their own words
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.
Porting Kit
Porting Kit is a free macOS application that uses Wineskin technology to install games and apps compiled for Microsoft Windows. Its instructions cover installing games from sources including GOG, Steam, Origin, Uplay, GamersGate, and CD/DVD. For Steam ports, Porting Kit can install the Windows Steam client on the Mac, after which users sign in and download games. The download page offers Porting Kit 7 for macOS 12.0 and later, and the maker says Apple Silicon support is growing with newer engines and macOS versions. The download page recommends watching a tutorial before installing game ports. The maker does not guarantee that a port will work on a particular computer and recommends checking its video card ranking. The terms say the app should be used to install legitimate app copies, with an exception stated for abandonware. Ports are for personal use; distribution requires the maker's approval. The terms also say the app may collect video card and macOS details for rankings and Google Analytics, while stating it does not obtain or share other information from the Mac.