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Head-to-head · Windows Compatibility Layers

CrossOver vs Scotch

  • 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
Scotch #9 in Windows Compatibility Layers 6.6/10 Open source ✓ 3 of 5 features Visit Scotch

CrossOver leads on 2 checks, Scotch on 0, 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
  • Most featuresCrossOver · 5 of 5

CrossOver scores higher on our rubric for windows compatibility layers: 8.7 against 6.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #9.

CrossOver offers linux support; Scotch doesn't. On graphics acceleration, CrossOver gives you Dxvk-vkd3d where Scotch offers Dxvk. CrossOver offers compatibility database; Scotch doesn't.

CrossOver is the better fit for users wanting polished paid compatibility support. Scotch is the better fit for advanced Mac users tuning graphics and environments.

  • CrossOver fits best

    Users wanting polished paid compatibility support

  • Scotch fits best

    Advanced Mac users tuning graphics and environments

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 ↗ Scotch 6.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.7 6.6
Ranking #2 in Windows Compatibility Layers #9 in Windows Compatibility Layers
Best for Users wanting polished paid compatibility support Advanced Mac users tuning graphics and environments
Pricing model Paid Free
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan — Not published
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms macOS, Linux macOS
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market Solo, Small business
Features CrossOver 5/5 · Scotch 3/5
macOS support ✓ ✓
Linux support ✓ (best) —
Apple silicon support ✓ ✓
Compatibility database ✓ (best) —
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
  • Multiple graphics backends, including DXVK, DXMT, D3DMetal, and Mesa Zink
  • Per-program locales, arguments, environment variables, and GPU controls
  • Diagnostics, Winetricks, CLI operations, and one-click uninstall tools
Cons
  • No time-unlimited free plan
  • Full support and upgrade coverage depend on the license
  • Compatibility is focused on supported applications and games
  • Apple silicon Macs only; Intel Macs are unsupported
  • Requires macOS 26 Tahoe or later and Rosetta 2 for Wine
  • No Linux support or built-in application database
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 →

Scotch is an open-source macOS application for running Windows games and applications on Apple silicon Macs. It provides a native SwiftUI interface around Wine Staging and organizes separate Wine prefixes as bottles. The product is aimed…

Read the review →
  1. CrossOverWindows Compatibility Layers 8.7From $74 · 14-day trial
  2. ScotchWindows Compatibility Layers 6.6Open source

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

  • Scotch — where it wins

    • Multiple graphics backends, including DXVK, DXMT, D3DMetal, and Mesa Zink
    • Per-program locales, arguments, environment variables, and GPU controls
    • Diagnostics, Winetricks, CLI operations, and one-click uninstall tools

    Where it doesn't

    • Apple silicon Macs only; Intel Macs are unsupported
    • Requires macOS 26 Tahoe or later and Rosetta 2 for Wine
    • No Linux support or built-in application database
  • CrossOver8.7/10 · From $74 · 14-day trial

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

    Visit CrossOverFull verdict →
  • Scotch6.6/10 · Open source

    Open-source Wine interface for Apple silicon Macs with detailed graphics and bottle controls.

    Visit ScotchFull 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