Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Proton GE VS CodeWeavers CrossOver

Compare Proton GE VS CodeWeavers CrossOver and see what are their differences

Proton GE logo Proton GE

This is my build of Proton with the most recent bleeding-edge Proton Experimental 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.
Not present
  • CodeWeavers CrossOver Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-09

Proton GE features and specs

  • Enhanced Compatibility
    Proton GE often includes additional patches and fixes that improve game compatibility beyond the official Proton releases, allowing more games to run smoothly on Linux.
  • Community Support
    Proton GE benefits from a robust community of users and contributors who actively work on troubleshooting and improving game performance.
  • Frequent Updates
    The project is regularly updated to include the latest features, optimizations, and bug fixes, ensuring compatibility with newer games and technologies.
  • Customization
    Users have the flexibility to apply specific patches or configurations tailored to their system needs, offering a more personalized gaming experience.

Possible disadvantages of Proton GE

  • Stability Concerns
    Because Proton GE incorporates experimental patches, it may introduce instability or bugs in some games compared to the official Proton.
  • Manual Installation
    Installing Proton GE requires manual setup and configuration, which can be cumbersome for users unfamiliar with Linux or command-line operations.
  • Non-Official Support
    As a community-driven project, Proton GE does not benefit from official support from Valve, making fixes and updates subject to community availability.
  • Potential Legal Issues
    By including unofficial patches and modifications to game executables, Proton GE might run into legal issues concerning reverse engineering and software modification.

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.

Proton GE videos

Upgrade Your Steam Deck with Proton GE

More videos:

  • Review - Proton GEN-2 2004-2012 Review - GOOD USED BUY??

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 Proton GE and CodeWeavers CrossOver)
Cloud Computing
16 16%
84% 84
Group Chat & Notifications
Gaming
19 19%
81% 81
Game Managers
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using Proton GE and CodeWeavers CrossOver. 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 Proton GE and CodeWeavers CrossOver

Proton GE Reviews

We have no reviews of Proton GE yet.
Be the first one to post

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.

Proton GE mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Proton GE yet. Tracking of Proton GE recommendations started around Feb 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 Proton GE and CodeWeavers CrossOver, you can also consider the following products

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

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

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

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

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.

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