Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Wine VS Proton

Compare Wine VS Proton and see what are their differences

Wine logo Wine

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

Proton logo Proton

Compatibility tool for Steam Play based on Wine and additional components
  • Wine Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-12-07
  • Proton Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-27

Wine features and specs

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Wine allows users to run Windows applications on Unix-like operating systems, including Linux and macOS, thereby bridging the gap between different operating systems and expanding software usability.
  • Performance
    Wine can offer performance that is comparable to running the software natively on Windows, avoiding the overhead associated with full virtual machines.
  • Open Source
    Wine is an open-source project, allowing users to contribute to its development, customize it according to their needs, and benefit from a wide community of developers.
  • Cost Savings
    By using Wine, there's no need to purchase a Windows license, which can result in significant cost savings, especially for businesses or users who only need occasional access to Windows applications.

Possible disadvantages of Wine

  • Compatibility Issues
    Not all Windows applications run flawlessly on Wine. Compatibility can vary, and some applications may experience bugs or fail to run at all.
  • Complex Configuration
    Setting up Wine to run specific applications can be complex and may require detailed configuration or additional software components, which can be challenging for less technical users.
  • Resource Usage
    While generally efficient, some applications run on Wine may consume more system resources compared to their native Windows execution due to the emulation layer.
  • Security Risks
    Running Windows applications on Wine can expose Unix-like systems to certain vulnerabilities and risks associated with Windows software, including malware.

Proton features and specs

  • Improved Game Compatibility
    Proton allows Windows games to be played on Linux, significantly increasing the library of games available for Linux users.
  • Integrated with Steam
    Since it is developed by Valve, Proton is seamlessly integrated into the Steam client, making it easy for users to run games without complicated configurations.
  • Open Source
    Proton is open-source, allowing the community to contribute to its development and quickly address bugs or issues.
  • Regular Updates
    Proton is frequently updated to support more games and improve performance and compatibility with existing titles.
  • Performance Optimization
    Proton includes performance optimizations that can sometimes result in Windows games running better on Linux through Proton than they do natively on Windows.

Possible disadvantages of Proton

  • Inconsistent Game Support
    Not all Windows games work perfectly with Proton, and some may have performance issues or not run at all on Linux.
  • Limited Support for Anti-Cheat Systems
    Many anti-cheat systems used in multiplayer games are not compatible with Proton, preventing some games from being playable online.
  • Resource Intensive
    Running some games through Proton can be more resource-intensive than running them natively, possibly requiring more powerful hardware.
  • Dependency on Steam
    Proton is tied to the Steam ecosystem, which may not be ideal for users who prefer other distribution platforms or DRM-free games.
  • Complex Troubleshooting
    When issues arise, troubleshooting can be complex and may require technical knowledge, especially when dealing with compatibility problems.

Analysis of Wine

Overall verdict

  • Wine is generally considered a good solution for running Windows applications on non-Windows operating systems if the applications are compatible. Many users appreciate its ability to seamlessly integrate with the host operating system, though it can sometimes be challenging to set up specific applications, and not all Windows programs run perfectly. Updates and community support contribute to improving compatibility and user experience over time, making it a viable option for many users.

Why this product is good

  • Wine (Wine Is Not an Emulator) is a free and open-source software that allows users to run Windows applications on Unix-like operating systems, such as Linux, macOS, and BSD. It is valuable because it provides a compatibility layer for running a wide range of Windows programs without needing a Windows operating system. This capability is particularly beneficial to those who have transitioned from Windows to Linux or macOS and want to retain access to certain proprietary or legacy Windows software. Wine also offers flexibility and helps reduce the need for dual-booting or virtualization, which can save on resources and improve system performance.

Recommended for

    Wine is recommended for users who need to run Windows applications on Linux, macOS, or BSD systems. It is particularly useful for software developers, gamers who want to play Windows games on non-Windows platforms, and anyone reliant on specific Windows-only software in a predominantly Unix-like environment. Technical users comfortable with troubleshooting and configuring software settings will likely find it most beneficial.

Analysis of Proton

Overall verdict

  • Proton is generally considered a good choice for individuals and organizations that prioritize privacy and security. Its strong encryption, transparency, and adherence to open-source principles make it a reliable option for those seeking secure communication tools.

Why this product is good

  • Proton (github.com) is favored for its emphasis on privacy and security. It offers services like encrypted email and calendar, ensuring that user data is protected. The platform is built by a team with strong credentials in security, and it utilizes end-to-end encryption to safeguard information. Additionally, Proton's commitment to transparency and open-source development allows the community to audit and verify its security claims.

Recommended for

  • Privacy-conscious individuals
  • Organizations needing secure communication
  • Users who prefer open-source software
  • Those interested in services with strong encryption

Wine videos

The Best Red Wines For Beginners (Series): #3 Merlot

More videos:

  • Review - One of America's Best Sommeliers Grades Boxed Wine | Tasting Notes
  • Review - MY FAVORITE WINES OF ALL TIME || All under $20
  • Demo - How to use windows applications on a mac (wine/winebottler)
  • Demo - Using windows applications on a mac

Proton videos

Proton Iriz 2017 Review Indonesia | OtoDriver

More videos:

  • Review - FIRST DRIVE: 2019 Proton Saga facelift review - from RM32,800
  • Review - FIRST DRIVE: 2020 Proton X70 CKD review - now with Volvo 7DCT, RM95k to RM123k

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Wine and Proton)
Group Chat & Notifications
Gaming
60 60%
40% 40
Cloud Computing
63 63%
37% 37
Tool
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 Wine and Proton

Wine Reviews

15 Lutris Alternatives
Wine is an open-source compatibility layer that tries to make Windows programs, like video games, work on other computers. Also, Wine has a software library called Winelib that programmers can use to build Windows programs before porting them to computers that work like Unix. The best thing about this software is that it works with older versions of Windows (bud-for-bug). It...

Proton Reviews

15 Lutris Alternatives
Because of a compatibility layer called Proton, Linux users can now play games made for Windows in the first place. The program comes with patches and libraries that can create a wide range of Windows games that run better and work better with them. This app can be used to play most games, and you can even use it on Linux hardware. The software has many features and...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Wine seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 56 times 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.

Wine mentions (56)

  • Ask HN: What are good resources to learn more about WINE?
    I have tried to find resources (videos or websites) to understand the details of WINE (http://winehq.org) and how to get new applications to run with it, but have had no luck. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Linux issues
    002c:fixme:winediag:LdrInitializeThunk Please mention your exact version when filing bug reports on winehq.org. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Need help debugging game launch issue in Lutris.
    002c:fixme:winediag:LdrInitializeThunk Please don't report bugs about it on winehq.org and use https://github.com/lutris/wine/issues instead. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Can I use VitualBox to run 32-bit Steam games on an M1 MacBook?
    "WINE is not an emulator" winehq.org originally developed for Linux (I believe). Source: almost 2 years ago
  • I have been called so many slurs with this avatar (PS: Roblox stop blocking wine)
    No, it allows people to use Windows apps on Linux winehq.org you used to be able to play on Linux but roblox goes out of there way to block it and then says they will most likely not make a native Linux client https://devforum.roblox.com/t/proper-support-for-the-linux-platform/56544/112. Source: about 2 years ago
View more

Proton mentions (0)

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

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Wine and Proton, you can also consider the following products

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.

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

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

Darling - Run macOS applications on Linux

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.