Head-to-head · Game Compatibility Layers
CrossOver vs Winlator
CrossOver leads on 0 checks, Winlator on 2, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreCrossOver · 9.2/10
- Most featuresWinlator · 2 of 2
CrossOver scores higher on our rubric for game compatibility layers: 9.2 against 6.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.
Winlator offers vulkan support; CrossOver doesn't publish it. Winlator offers steam integration; CrossOver doesn't publish it.
CrossOver is the better fit for mac and Linux users wanting polished Windows support. Winlator is the better fit for android users running Windows games.
- CrossOver fits best
Mac and Linux users wanting polished Windows support
- Winlator fits best
Android users running Windows games
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Side by side
| Feature | CrossOver 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Winlator 6.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 6.9 |
| Ranking | #1 in Game Compatibility Layers | #6 in Game Compatibility Layers |
| Best for | Mac and Linux users wanting polished Windows support | Android users running Windows games |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Starting price | $74one-time | Not published |
| Free plan | — | Not published |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | macOS, Linux | Android |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business |
| Features CrossOver 0/2 · Winlator 2/2 | ||
| Vulkan support | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Steam integration | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Host platforms | Not published | Android |
| Runtime model | Not published | Translation + runtime |
| DirectX support | Not published | Directx 9/10/11 + 12 |
| Anti-cheat status | Not published | Not stated |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | CrossOver is commercial compatibility software from CodeWeavers for running many Windows applications and games on macOS and Linux. It supports Intel and Apple silicon Macs, along with supported 64-bit Linux distributions, without… Read the review → |
Winlator is an open-source Android application for running Windows x86_64 applications and games. It combines Wine with Box86 and Box64 inside an Android-based environment, giving Android users a way to run compatible Windows software… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
CrossOver — where it wins
- Runs Windows applications without Windows or dual boot
- Isolated bottles, installation recipes, and desktop integration
- DXVK, D3DMetal, and vkd3d graphics components
Where it doesn't
- No time-unlimited free plan
- Full support and upgrades depend on the license tier
- Limited to macOS and supported 64-bit Linux distributions
Winlator — where it wins
- Combines Wine with Box86 and Box64 for x86 translation
- Offers configurable containers, drivers, and per-game settings
- Includes DXVK, VKD3D, input controls, and Steam improvements
Where it doesn't
- Limited to Android as the host platform
- Compatibility depends on the Windows applications and games involved
- Online anti-cheat compatibility is not documented
- CrossOver9.2/10 · From $74 · 14-day trial
A mature paid compatibility layer with broad Windows app support for Mac and Linux.
Visit CrossOverFull verdict → - Winlator6.9/10 · Open source
A configurable Wine-based layer for running compatible Windows games on Android.
Visit WinlatorFull verdict →
More comparisons
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- CrossOver vs Bannerlator
- CrossOver vs Proton-CachyOS
- CrossOver vs TDF
- Wine vs Winlator
- OpenNative vs Winlator
- Bannerlator vs Winlator
- Proton-CachyOS vs Winlator
All game compatibility layers comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Last updated · How we research and update