CrossOver
CrossOver: A paid compatibility layer with application recipes, bottles, ratings, and graphics options. Ranked #2 of 26 in Windows Compatibility Layers by our editors (8.7/10); pricing: From $74 · 14-day trial; best for users wanting polished paid compatibility support.
At a glance
- Editor score8.7 / 10
- PricingFrom $74 · 14-day trial
- Best forUsers wanting polished paid compatibility support
- Free planNo
- macOS supportYes
- Founded1996 · St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
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
Our verdict on CrossOver
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 setting up a dual-boot configuration. Support covers Intel and Apple silicon Macs, along with supported 64-bit Linux distributions. Its application recipes, isolated Windows application bottles, searchable compatibility database, and desktop integration make it suited to people who want structured support for selected Windows software rather than a general Windows environment.
The published plans use one-time pricing. CrossOver Free provides a 14-day fully functional trial. CrossOver+ costs $74 one time and includes the full version, 12 months of support, upgrades and bug fixes for 12 months, and access to CrossOver Preview. CrossOver Life costs $494 one time and adds no renewal fees, unlimited email and phone support, lifetime upgrades and bug fixes, and access to CrossOver Preview. The main choice is therefore between a lower one-time cost with a defined support period and a higher one-time cost for lifetime coverage.
CrossOver’s standout depth is its application-focused compatibility layer. Installation recipes help with supported applications, while bottles isolate Windows application environments. A searchable compatibility database with ratings helps buyers assess software before installation. DXVK, D3DMetal, and vkd3d provide graphics translation options, and automatic updates cover applications and CrossOver. CrossOver is a strong fit for users whose required Windows applications appear in its supported ecosystem and who value paid support. Users seeking a free, open-source layer, a time-unlimited free plan, or broad Windows system functionality should consider another approach.
CrossOver pricing
All 3 CrossOver plans and prices →
CrossOver fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| macOS support | Yes |
| Linux support | Yes |
| Apple silicon support | Yes |
| Graphics acceleration | Dxvk-vkd3d |
| Compatibility database | Yes |
| Prefix management | Yes |
| Free trial | 14 days |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS, Linux |
| Support | Email, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | From $74 · 14-day trial (source) |
| Website | codeweavers.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to CrossOver
- WineWine is a free, broad foundation for running Windows applications on Linux and macOS.9.0
- BottlesA free, open-source choice for organizing and running Windows apps across platforms.8.2
- PlayOnLinuxA free graphical Wine manager for guided installs, virtual drives, and Windows app shortcuts.7.7
See all CrossOver alternatives →
CrossOver vs the competition
- CrossOver vs Wine
- CrossOver vs Bottles
- CrossOver vs PlayOnLinux
- CrossOver vs Porting Kit
- CrossOver vs BottleLite
- CrossOver vs Q4Wine
Compare CrossOver with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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