Head-to-head · Game Compatibility Layers
Proton-CachyOS vs Winlator
Proton-CachyOS leads on 1 check, Winlator 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 planonly Proton-CachyOS
Proton-CachyOS scores higher on our rubric for game compatibility layers: 7.1 against 6.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #6.
Proton-CachyOS offers free plan; Winlator doesn't publish it. On anti-cheat status, Winlator gives you Not stated where Proton-CachyOS offers Partial.
Proton-CachyOS is the better fit for linux Steam users wanting enhanced Proton support. Winlator is the better fit for android users running Windows games.
- Proton-CachyOS fits best
Linux Steam users wanting enhanced Proton support
- Winlator fits best
Android users running Windows games
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Side by side
| Feature | Proton-CachyOS 7.1/10 Visit ↗ | Winlator 6.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.1 | 6.9 |
| Ranking | #5 in Game Compatibility Layers | #6 in Game Compatibility Layers |
| Best for | Linux Steam users wanting enhanced Proton support | Android users running Windows games |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Linux | Android |
| Built for | Solo | Solo, Small business |
| Features Proton-CachyOS 2/2 · Winlator 2/2 | ||
| Vulkan support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steam integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Host platforms | Linux | Android |
| Runtime model | Translation + runtime | Translation + runtime |
| DirectX support | Directx 9/10/11 + 12 | Directx 9/10/11 + 12 |
| Anti-cheat status | Partial | Not stated |
| Our review | ||
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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 → |
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
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
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
- Proton-CachyOS7.1/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source Proton build for Linux gamers seeking custom fixes and graphics options.
Visit CachyOSFull verdict → - Winlator6.9/10 · Open source
A configurable Wine-based layer for running compatible Windows games on Android.
Visit WinlatorFull verdict →
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All game compatibility layers comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Last updated · How we research and update