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Head-to-head · Windows Compatibility Layers

CrossOver vs PlayOnLinux

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score CrossOver #2 in Windows Compatibility Layers 8.7/10 From $74 · 14-day trial ✓ 5 of 5 features Visit CrossOver
PlayOnLinux #4 in Windows Compatibility Layers 7.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit PlayOnLinux

CrossOver leads on 1 check, PlayOnLinux on 1, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreCrossOver · 8.7/10
  • Free planonly PlayOnLinux
  • Most featuresCrossOver · 5 of 5

CrossOver scores higher on our rubric for windows compatibility layers: 8.7 against 7.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.

PlayOnLinux offers free plan; CrossOver doesn't. CrossOver offers apple silicon support; PlayOnLinux doesn't publish it. On graphics acceleration, CrossOver gives you Dxvk-vkd3d where PlayOnLinux offers Dxvk.

CrossOver is the better fit for users wanting polished paid compatibility support. PlayOnLinux is the better fit for free Linux users wanting guided Wine installs.

  • CrossOver fits best

    Users wanting polished paid compatibility support

  • PlayOnLinux fits best

    Free Linux users wanting guided Wine installs

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature CrossOver 8.7/10 Visit ↗ PlayOnLinux 7.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.7 7.7
Ranking #2 in Windows Compatibility Layers #4 in Windows Compatibility Layers
Best for Users wanting polished paid compatibility support Free Linux users wanting guided Wine installs
Pricing model Paid Free
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms macOS, Linux Linux
Support Email, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs Email, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market Solo, Small business
Features CrossOver 5/5 · PlayOnLinux 4/5
macOS support ✓ ✓
Linux support ✓ ✓
Apple silicon support ✓ (best) Not published
Compatibility database ✓ ✓
Prefix management ✓ ✓
Specs
Graphics acceleration Dxvk-vkd3d Dxvk
Our review
Pros
  • Runs Windows applications without Windows or dual boot
  • Recipes, bottles, and compatibility ratings guide application setup
  • Supports Intel and Apple silicon Macs plus supported 64-bit Linux distributions
  • Free plan includes scripts and manual installation
  • Manages virtual drives and Wine versions graphically
  • Supported-software catalog plus DXVK support
Cons
  • No time-unlimited free plan
  • Full support and upgrade coverage depend on the license
  • Compatibility is focused on supported applications and games
  • Linux is the listed platform for PlayOnLinux
  • Manual installation can require additional configuration
  • The listed version is PlayOnLinux 4.3.4
Our verdict

CrossOver is commercial compatibility software from CodeWeavers for running many Windows applications and games on macOS and Linux. It is aimed at users who want Windows software integrated into a host desktop without installing Windows or…

Read the review →

PlayOnLinux is free software for installing and running Windows games and applications on GNU/Linux through Wine. It is aimed at Linux users who want a graphical layer around Wine rather than managing every installation step manually. The…

Read the review →
  1. CrossOverWindows Compatibility Layers 8.7From $74 · 14-day trial
  2. PlayOnLinuxWindows Compatibility Layers 7.7Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • CrossOver — where it wins

    • Runs Windows applications without Windows or dual boot
    • Recipes, bottles, and compatibility ratings guide application setup
    • Supports Intel and Apple silicon Macs plus supported 64-bit Linux distributions

    Where it doesn't

    • No time-unlimited free plan
    • Full support and upgrade coverage depend on the license
    • Compatibility is focused on supported applications and games

  • PlayOnLinux — where it wins

    • Free plan includes scripts and manual installation
    • Manages virtual drives and Wine versions graphically
    • Supported-software catalog plus DXVK support

    Where it doesn't

    • Linux is the listed platform for PlayOnLinux
    • Manual installation can require additional configuration
    • The listed version is PlayOnLinux 4.3.4
  • CrossOver8.7/10 · From $74 · 14-day trial

    A paid compatibility layer with application recipes, bottles, ratings, and graphics options.

    Visit CrossOverFull verdict →
  • PlayOnLinux7.7/10 · Free plan

    A free graphical Wine manager for guided installs, virtual drives, and Windows app shortcuts.

    Visit PlayOnLinuxFull verdict →

More comparisons

All windows compatibility layers comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

Last updated · How we research and update