Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

CodeWeavers CrossOver VS ProtonUp-Qt

Compare CodeWeavers CrossOver VS ProtonUp-Qt and see what are their differences

CodeWeavers CrossOver logo CodeWeavers CrossOver

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.

ProtonUp-Qt logo ProtonUp-Qt

Install and manage GE-Proton, Luxtorpeda & more for Steam and Wine-GE & more for Lutris with this graphical user interface.
  • CodeWeavers CrossOver Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-09
  • ProtonUp-Qt Landing page
    Landing page //
    2025-02-08

CodeWeavers CrossOver features and specs

  • 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 of CodeWeavers CrossOver

  • 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.

ProtonUp-Qt features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    ProtonUp-Qt provides a graphical interface that makes managing and updating compatibility tools like Proton and Wine-GE easier for users, especially those who are not comfortable with command-line operations.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    The tool supports multiple platforms, including Linux and macOS, which allows users across different operating systems to access and manage their game tools seamlessly.
  • Automated Updates
    ProtonUp-Qt can automatically check for and install the latest versions of Proton and other compatibility tools, ensuring that users always have the most recent and optimized versions.
  • Customization Options
    The application allows users to install specific versions of compatibility tools according to their needs, offering greater control over gameplay experience and compatibility.

Possible disadvantages of ProtonUp-Qt

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While it simplifies basic management tasks, power users may find the application lacking in advanced features that could further customize their gaming setup.
  • Dependency on External Tools
    ProtonUp-Qt requires Proton or Wine-GE updates from external sources, which could pose issues if there are upstream problems with those projects.
  • Potential Stability Issues
    As with any tool that manages compatibility layers, there might be stability issues or bugs introduced with updates that could temporarily affect game performance or compatibility.
  • Learning Curve for New Users
    Although it provides a GUI, new users without prior experience in managing game compatibility layers might still face a learning curve in understanding and utilizing all the features effectively.

Analysis of CodeWeavers CrossOver

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.

CodeWeavers CrossOver videos

Crisis on Infinite Earths: Crossover Review

More videos:

  • Review - Top 10 New Crossover Cars with Updated Looks, Prices and Specifications in 2019
  • Review - 2019 Compact Crossover Challenge | MotorWeek Comparison Test

ProtonUp-Qt videos

Install ProtonUp-QT and TRANSFORM your games and the Steam Deck experience.

More videos:

  • Review - ProtonUp-QT 2.7.7 for Steam Deck brings new game support!

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to CodeWeavers CrossOver and ProtonUp-Qt)
Group Chat & Notifications
Cloud Computing
80 80%
20% 20
Gaming
76 76%
24% 24
Tool
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using CodeWeavers CrossOver and ProtonUp-Qt. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare CodeWeavers CrossOver and ProtonUp-Qt

CodeWeavers CrossOver Reviews

15 Lutris Alternatives
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 easy to link your Windows programs together. The business edition is excellent for large organizations because it has better support and more powerful features....

ProtonUp-Qt Reviews

We have no reviews of ProtonUp-Qt yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, CodeWeavers CrossOver seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 1 time since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

CodeWeavers CrossOver mentions (1)

  • Anyone try V Rising on Parallels or Crossover?
    Here you go https://codeweavers.com/crossover. Source: over 3 years ago

ProtonUp-Qt mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of ProtonUp-Qt yet. Tracking of ProtonUp-Qt recommendations started around Feb 2025.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing CodeWeavers CrossOver and ProtonUp-Qt, you can also consider the following products

Wine - Open Source Software for running Windows applications on other operating systems.

Proton - Compatibility tool for Steam Play based on Wine and additional components

WineBottler - WineBottler is an App to manage and wrap your Windows apps into convenient OS X apps.

DDrawCompat - DirectDraw and Direct3D 1-7 compatibility, performance and visual enhancements for Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10 and 11 - narzoul/DDrawCompat

PlayOnLinux - PlayOnLinux will allow you to play your favorite games on Linux easily

D8VK - A Vulkan-based translation layer for Direct3D 8/9/10/11 which allows running 3D applications on Linux using Wine.