Don't buy a Windows license, don't reboot and don't use a Virtual Machine. Try a free trial of CrossOver to run your Windows software on Mac, Linux and Chrome OS.
Notivo is a private, per-person notebook for managers. Capture feedback, commitments, and 1:1 context as it happens — from web, iOS, WhatsApp, email, ChatGPT, or Claude — then get it back later, organized by person.
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Which is more popular?
Based on our record, Obsidian
seems to be a lot more popular than CodeWeavers CrossOver.
While we know about 1533 links to Obsidian,
we've tracked only 1 mention of CodeWeavers CrossOver.
social mentions
1 vs 1,533
Group Chat & Notifications popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
111 vs 240+
Base details
Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.
Compatibility CrossOver enables users to run many Windows applications on macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS without requiring a Windows license or virtual machine.
Performance Applications generally run faster and consume fewer resources as compared to running them in a virtual machine because CrossOver eliminates the overhead associated with a full Windows OS.
Ease of Use The interface is user-friendly, allowing even non-technical users to install and run Windows applications with relative ease.
Cost CrossOver is generally less expensive than purchasing a Windows license and a virtual machine software, offering a cost-effective solution for running Windows applications.
Official Support CrossOver provides official technical support and frequent updates, which can be an advantage over community-supported tools like Wine.
Integration Windows applications run more seamlessly within your native operating system environment, making them appear like native applications.
Possible disadvantages
Limited Compatibility While CrossOver supports many Windows applications, it does not support all of them. Some applications may not run perfectly or may have performance issues.
Subscription Model CrossOver operates on a subscription model, which might be a con for users looking for a one-time purchase option.
Dependency on Wine CrossOver is based on Wine, an open-source project, meaning your experience is partially dependent on the progress and limitations of the Wine project.
Performance Overhead Although less resource-intensive than virtual machines, there's still some performance overhead associated with translating Windows API calls to the host OS.
Initial Setup While easier than some alternatives, initial setup and configuration can still be complex for users unfamiliar with compatibility layers or Windows applications.
Licensing Restrictions Certain commercial or enterprise licenses may have restrictions or limitations that can complicate using CrossOver in a business environment.
Local-first Obsidian stores your notes locally on your device, giving you full control over your data and enhancing privacy.
Markdown Support Obsidian uses Markdown, making it easy to format text and compatible with many other text editors and tools.
Bidirectional Linking You can create bidirectional links between notes, which helps in building a knowledge graph and navigating related information more easily.
Customizability Obsidian is highly customizable with community plugins, themes, and various settings to fit different workflows.
Graph View Provides a visual graph view of your notes and their connections, aiding in understanding relationships and discovering insights.
Offline Access Since the notes are stored locally, you can access and edit them without an internet connection.
Possible disadvantages
Learning Curve Obsidian can be complex and overwhelming for beginners due to its extensive features and customizable nature.
Sync Limitations While local-first is great for privacy, it requires additional steps or third-party solutions for syncing across devices.
No True Real-time Collaboration Obsidian lacks native real-time collaboration features, making it less suitable for collaborative work compared to cloud-based solutions.
Limited Mobile Features The mobile version of Obsidian, while functional, is not as robust as the desktop application, potentially hindering productivity on the go.
Dependence on Plugins Many advanced features require the use of third-party plugins, which could lead to compatibility issues and reliance on community support.
Performance on Large Vaults Performance might degrade with a very large number of notes or complex graphs, impacting usability.
Analysis
An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.
CodeWeavers CrossOverObsidian
Overall verdict
Overall, CodeWeavers CrossOver is a good solution for those who need Windows applications on other operating systems. While it may not support every Windows application, its ease of use and solid performance make it a worthwhile option for many users.
Why this product is good
CodeWeavers CrossOver is well-regarded for allowing users to run Windows applications on macOS and Linux systems without the need to install a separate Windows OS. It is user-friendly, supports a wide range of applications, and offers good performance. The continuous development and dedicated support from CodeWeavers also add value, making it a reliable choice for many users.
Recommended for
Mac users looking to run essential Windows applications without dual booting.
Linux users who need access to specific Windows software for work or personal use.
Individuals who prefer a straightforward installation process without the need for a full Windows license.
Users seeking an affordable alternative to virtual machines or dual boot setups for accessing Windows applications.
Overall verdict
Overall, Obsidian.md is an excellent tool for users looking for a versatile and powerful note-taking application. Its unique features such as backlinking, markdown support, and robust customization options make it a favorite among knowledge management enthusiasts.
Why this product is good
Obsidian.md is considered good by many users because it is a powerful knowledge management and note-taking application that leverages Markdown for document formatting. It allows for bi-directional linking between notes, which helps in creating a network of interconnected ideas, often described as a 'second brain.' Its ability to support plugins, themes, and robust graph visualization also adds to its appeal. Additionally, it stores notes locally, ensuring privacy and data ownership, while being cross-platform compatible across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Recommended for
Knowledge workers who need a powerful tool to organize and connect their thoughts.
Students who are looking to create a structured and visually interconnected note system.
Writers and researchers who benefit from linking related ideas and maintaining detailed notes.
Tech-savvy users or developers who appreciate the local storage and open ecosystem for plugins and customization.
CrossOver is a compatibility layer for Windows that lets the program run natively on Linux, macOS, and Chrome OS, among others. This free and open-source program has many useful features and functions that make it...
One thing to note: Notion bills itself as an Evernote competitor for personal users. It can be—but it's too much for most people, and its offline functionality isn't the best. If you love the idea of Notion, go right...
This app is the kind of thing that, if you’re into it, will have you exploring its various ins, outs, and add-ons for days and weeks on end. Obsidian uses the Markdown format for its notes (which means they can be...
However, it's important to note that Obsidian's whiteboard functionality is not as robust as dedicated collaboration tools. While it lacks real-time basic collaboration features, Obsidian compensates with its vibrant...
Here you go https://codeweavers.com/crossover.
Source:
over 4 years ago
Build your plugins
After publishing my first plugin which really helped me dive into Obsidian, I realized that the tool I'm using for note taking is missing a very simple, but handy feature - templates for base-based notes.
- Source: dev.to
/
about 3 hours ago
The reasons live somewhere else: in practice notes in an Obsidian vault, one note per convention, with the repos it has held in. A note starts as an idea, moves to trialing, and only becomes enforced once I've applied it again in a few...
- Source: dev.to
/
4 days ago
Joplin is a free, open source note taking and to-do application, which can handle a large number of notes organised into notebooks. The notes are searchable, tagged and modified either from the applications directly or from your own text editor.
Compare Joplin to CodeWeavers CrossOver or Obsidian:
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