Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

PlayOnLinux VS CodeWeavers CrossOver

Compare PlayOnLinux VS CodeWeavers CrossOver and see what are their differences

PlayOnLinux logo PlayOnLinux

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

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.
  • PlayOnLinux Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-17
  • CodeWeavers CrossOver Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-09

PlayOnLinux features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    PlayOnLinux provides a graphical user interface that makes it easier for users to install and manage Windows applications on Linux without needing complex command-line instructions.
  • Preconfigured Scripts
    It includes a library of scripts to help users install popular Windows applications and games easily, reducing the need for manual configuration.
  • Multi-Version Support
    PlayOnLinux allows users to install and run multiple versions of software simultaneously, which can be useful for testing or compatibility purposes.
  • Community Support
    The platform has an active community that contributes scripts and provides support, which can be valuable for troubleshooting and enhancing software compatibility.
  • Free and Open Source
    PlayOnLinux is free to use and open-source, allowing users to modify and contribute to the software’s development.

Possible disadvantages of PlayOnLinux

  • Performance Overhead
    Running Windows applications through PlayOnLinux can result in reduced performance compared to native Linux applications due to the emulation layer.
  • Limited Compatibility
    While PlayOnLinux supports many applications, not all Windows software can be successfully run, and some might have limited functionality or require significant tweaking.
  • Dependency on Wine
    PlayOnLinux is essentially a front-end for Wine, so it inherits all the limitations and bugs found in Wine, which can affect application compatibility and stability.
  • Complexity for Advanced Configurations
    While simpler installations are streamlined, users aiming to execute complex configurations might find the process involved and may require Wine-specific knowledge.
  • Inconsistent Script Updates
    Sometimes the scripts provided by the community may not be updated frequently, leading to compatibility issues with newer versions of Windows applications.

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.

PlayOnLinux videos

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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 PlayOnLinux and CodeWeavers CrossOver)
Group Chat & Notifications
Gaming
48 48%
52% 52
Cloud Computing
40 40%
60% 60
Tool
45 45%
55% 55

User comments

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Reviews

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

PlayOnLinux Reviews

15 Lutris Alternatives
Intelligent software called PlayOnLinux lets Linux users use Windows programs. With this program, you can easily switch between your two operating systems using the same application. It can make you much more productive. If you like Windows games but have a Linux computer or tablet, you can easily download them and play them there. PlayOnLinux uses a script library that can...

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.

PlayOnLinux mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of PlayOnLinux yet. Tracking of PlayOnLinux recommendations started around Mar 2021.

CodeWeavers CrossOver mentions (1)

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

What are some alternatives?

When comparing PlayOnLinux and CodeWeavers CrossOver, 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.

Porting Kit - Install Windows Games in Mac OS X natively and easily and for free with Wineskin technology

Turbo.net for Mac - Turbo.net for Mac runs PC and other apps on Mac without VMs.

QEMU - QEMU (short for "Quick EMUlator") is a free and open-source hosted hypervisor that...