CrossOver AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Compatibility Layer Tools

The best Compatibility Layer alternative to CrossOver is Wine, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 25 alternatives to CrossOver and many of them are Compatibility Layer Tools so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Compatibility Layer Tool alternatives to CrossOver are WinBoat, Lutris, Proton and PlayOnLinux - PlayOnMac.

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CrossOver alternatives are mainly Compatibility Layer Tools, but if you're looking for Virtualization Tools or Game Library Managers you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Free and Mac. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to CrossOver.
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Alternatives list

  1. Wine icon
     766 likes

    An advanced, free open-source tool enabling Windows applications to run on Linux and other systems without emulation. It offers configuration options, supports diverse operating systems, and benefits from continuous updates and robust community support to enhance Windows app compatibility.

    49 Wine alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • Flathub
     
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    1
  2. WinBoat icon
     72 likes

    Runs Windows applications, individual apps, or full desktops inside Linux with native OS-level integration, sleek interface, advanced filesystem sharing, smartcard passthrough, and resource monitoring while supporting simple installation and ongoing feature updates.

    53 WinBoat alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Docker
     
  3. Lutris icon
     240 likes

    Lutris is an open source gaming platform for GNU/Linux. It allows you to gather and manage (install, configure and launch) all your games acquired from any source, in a single interface.

    62 Lutris alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Online
    • Flathub
     
  4. Proton icon
     127 likes

    Proton is a tool for use with the Steam client which allows games which are exclusive to Windows to run on Linux kernel operating system. It uses Wine to facilitate this.

    44 Proton alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Steam
     
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    1
  5. PlayOnLinux is a graphical frontend for the Wine software compatibility layer which allows Linux and Mac users to install Windows-based video games, Microsoft Office (2000 to 2010), Microsoft Internet Explorer, as well as many other applications.

    45 PlayOnLinux - PlayOnMac alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Wine
    • FreeBSD
     
  6. Virtualization software for running Windows, Linux, and other OSes on Mac. Supports Windows 11 on Apple Silicon, resource adjustments, and seamless app access and file sharing between OS environments.

    58 Parallels Desktop alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
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    2
  7. The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a new Windows 10 feature that enables you to run native Linux command-line tools directly on Windows.

    37 Windows Subsystem for Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
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    2
  8. Winlator icon
     19 likes

    Windows x86/x64 apps and PC games run on Android devices with support for DirectX, OpenGL, Vulkan, and various hardware builds using Wine and Box86/Box64. Features setup guides, secure performance, APK downloads, and options for beginners or advanced users.

    11 Winlator alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
     
  9. Mythic icon
     11 likes

    An open-source Epic Games Launcher alternative and normal game launcher for macOS written in Swift. We started this project to create a GUI frontend for Legendary and to play Windows games using game porting toolkit by Apple.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
  10. Whisky icon
     21 likes

    Whisky provides a clean and easy to use graphical wrapper for Wine built in native SwiftUI. You can make and manage bottles, install and run Windows apps and games, and unlock the full potential of your Mac with no technical knowledge required.

    33 Whisky alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Wine
    • Homebrew
     
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