Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

D8VK VS CodeWeavers CrossOver

Compare D8VK VS CodeWeavers CrossOver and see what are their differences

D8VK logo D8VK

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

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.
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  • CodeWeavers CrossOver Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-09

D8VK features and specs

  • Increased Performance
    D8VK can enhance the performance of Direct3D 8 games by translating calls to Vulkan, which can efficiently utilize modern GPU hardware features.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    By using Vulkan, D8VK makes Direct3D 8 games more accessible across different platforms, including Linux.
  • Active Development
    As an open-source project hosted on GitHub, D8VK benefits from community contributions and the potential for ongoing enhancements.
  • Preservation of Older Games
    D8VK helps in preserving and running classic Direct3D 8 games that might not otherwise function on modern systems.

Possible disadvantages of D8VK

  • Compatibility Issues
    Some Direct3D 8 games might not be fully compatible with D8VK, leading to issues with graphics or gameplay.
  • Development Overhead
    Users need to manage an additional translation layer, which may require technical knowledge to configure and troubleshoot.
  • Limited Direct3D 8 Features
    D8VK may not support all Direct3D 8 features, potentially resulting in missing graphical effects or reduced visual fidelity.
  • Resource Consumption
    Using a translation layer can incur additional resource usage, which might be a concern for systems with limited resources.

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.

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.

D8VK videos

Devil May Cry 5 / Winlator Emulator Android / D8VK 64Bit Performance

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

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to D8VK and CodeWeavers CrossOver)
Cloud Computing
24 24%
76% 76
Group Chat & Notifications
Gaming
28 28%
72% 72
Game Managers
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare D8VK and CodeWeavers CrossOver

D8VK Reviews

We have no reviews of D8VK yet.
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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....

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.

D8VK mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of D8VK yet. Tracking of D8VK recommendations started around Jul 2025.

CodeWeavers CrossOver mentions (1)

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

What are some alternatives?

When comparing D8VK and CodeWeavers CrossOver, you can also consider the following products

ForceD3D9On12 - This project provides DLL wrappers for the DirectX 1-9 graphics components. Its purpose is to disable the use of the Direct3D 9 user-mode display driver provided by GPU vendors. This forces the runtimes to use D3D9On12 instead.

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

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

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

WineD3D - Is a DirectX 1-11 to OpenGL wrapper based on WineD3D, which is an almost full implementation of DirectX used in Wine.

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