Head-to-head · Game Compatibility Layers
Proton-CachyOS vs TDF
Proton-CachyOS leads on 1 check, TDF on 0, and 2 are 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 scoreProton-CachyOS · 7.1/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresProton-CachyOS · 2 of 2
Proton-CachyOS scores higher on our rubric for game compatibility layers: 7.1 against 6.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #8.
Proton-CachyOS offers steam integration; TDF doesn't.
Proton-CachyOS is the better fit for linux Steam users wanting enhanced Proton support. TDF is the better fit for linux gamers prioritizing sandboxing and portability.
- Proton-CachyOS fits best
Linux Steam users wanting enhanced Proton support
- TDF fits best
Linux gamers prioritizing sandboxing and portability
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Side by side
| Feature | Proton-CachyOS 7.1/10 Visit ↗ | TDF 6.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.1 | 6.6 |
| Ranking | #5 in Game Compatibility Layers | #8 in Game Compatibility Layers |
| Best for | Linux Steam users wanting enhanced Proton support | Linux gamers prioritizing sandboxing and portability |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux | Linux |
| Support | Docs | Docs |
| Built for | Solo | Solo, Small business |
| Features Proton-CachyOS 2/2 · TDF 1/2 | ||
| Vulkan support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steam integration | ✓ (best) | — |
| Specs | ||
| Host platforms | Linux | Linux |
| Runtime model | Translation + runtime | Translation + runtime |
| DirectX support | Directx 9/10/11 + 12 | Directx 9/10/11 + 12 |
| Anti-cheat status | Partial | Partial |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Proton-CachyOS is a free, open-source compatibility tool for Linux gamers who want to run Windows-exclusive games through Steam Play and umu-launcher. Maintained by CachyOS, it builds on Proton and Wine while adding patches, experimental… Read the review → |
TDF is an open-source compatibility layer for installing, packaging, and running Windows games on GNU/Linux without requiring Steam. It is aimed at advanced Linux users who want portable game environments, configurable Wine and graphics… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Proton-CachyOS — where it wins
- Supports Steam Play, umu-launcher, Lutris, and Heroic Games Launcher
- Adds DXVK, VKD3D, codecs, game workarounds, and runtime options
- Offers optional FSR, DLSS, Vulkan Reflex, and OptiScaler integrations
Where it doesn't
- Limited to Linux host systems
- Anti-cheat support is partial
- Advanced configuration relies on environment variables and launch options
TDF — where it wins
- Bundles Wine, DXVK, and VKD3D-Proton for DirectX game support
- Blocks filesystem and network access by default with bubblewrap sandboxing
- Portable game instances can be transferred and run without Steam
Where it doesn't
- Linux-only, with Vulkan 1.3 or newer and an x86_64 CPU required
- Online games requiring anti-cheat software will usually not work
- Designed for advanced users rather than a simplified setup experience
- Proton-CachyOS7.1/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source Proton build for Linux gamers seeking custom fixes and graphics options.
Visit CachyOSFull verdict → - TDF6.6/10 · Free plan
A free, portable Linux compatibility layer for advanced users who value isolation.
Visit TDFFull verdict →
More comparisons
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- CrossOver vs TDF
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- Wine vs TDF
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- OpenNative vs TDF
- Bannerlator vs Proton-CachyOS
- Bannerlator vs TDF
All game compatibility layers comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Last updated · How we research and update