CrossOver
7.4#1 in windows compatibility layersFrom $74 a yearFree planLinuxmacOS
VisitCrossOver vs PlayOnLinux
PlayOnLinux
7.2#2 in windows compatibility layersFree planFree planLinuxmacOS
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | CrossOver | PlayOnLinux |
|---|---|---|
| Documentation depth | The support site provides Mac and Linux user guides, troubleshooting, changelogs, compatibility resources, forums, and extensive CrossTie profile documentation. | The project wiki covers installation, troubleshooting, scripting, Wine management, filesystems, advanced topics and PlayOnLinux 5 development. |
| Extensibility | CrossTie documentation covers installer profiles, file and application profiles, pre-installation, installation, post-installation, CD, advanced options, examples, and data types. | The repository contains Bash, Python, plugin, script and function directories, while the wiki documents scripting components and functions. |
| Purpose | CrossOver translates Windows application commands so many Windows programs can run on Mac and Linux without a Windows emulator or Windows OS license. | PlayOnLinux lets users install and use numerous games and applications designed for Microsoft Windows. |
| Security and privacy | The maker’s site states that CodeWeavers or third-party tools process personal data such as browsing data or IP addresses and use cookies or other identifiers; the opened product pages provide no security certification details. | The legal notice says the site is hosted in the European Union, follows GDPR obligations, hashes passwords, does not sell personal data and uses firewalls, pseudonymisation, encryption and passwords as security measures. |
| Support | The 12-month plan includes email and phone support for 12 months, while the lifetime plan includes unlimited email and phone support for life. | Users can get help through the documentation and forums, and can contact the team by email at [email protected]. |
CrossOver plans
- CrossOver FreeFree
- CrossOver Free (14 Day Trial)Free
- CrossOver +$74 a year
- CrossOver + (12 Months Support)$74 a year
- CrossOver Life$494, paid once
- CrossOver Life (Lifetime Support)$494, paid once
PlayOnLinux plans
- FreeFree
- PlayOnLinuxFree
Pick CrossOver if…
It may suit Mac or Linux users who want to run supported Windows applications, including productivity software, utilities, or games. Readers should check compatibility reports and platform requirements before choosing it.
Pick PlayOnLinux if…
It suits Linux and macOS users seeking to install Windows games or applications without owning a Windows license. Users should check the stated compatibility and performance limits before relying on it for a particular program.