Top Alternatives to PlayOnLinux (PlayOnMac)

Looking for PlayOnLinux (PlayOnMac) alternatives? We've curated 6 top alternatives that offer similar functionality. Whether you need options, free plans, or open source solutions, explore our comprehensive list to find the perfect fit for your needs.

Open Source More about PlayOnLinux (PlayOnMac)

Categories:

Games

Platforms:

Wine

Open Source

Wine is an open-source compatibility layer that allows users to run Windows applications on various POSIX systems, such as Linux, macOS, and BSD. It translates Windows API calls into POSIX API calls in real-time, eliminating the need for a traditional virtual machine or emulator.

Key Features

Enables running numerous Windows applications on non-Windows OS.
Often offers near-native performance and lower resource usage than VMs.
Facilitates better integration with the host system.

vs PlayOnLinux (PlayOnMac)

Enables running numerous Windows applications on non-Windows OS. compared to PlayOnLinux (PlayOnMac)

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RetroArch

Open Source

RetroArch is a versatile, cross-platform frontend for emulators, game engines, and media players. It uses the libretro API to provide a unified interface, allowing users to play a wide range of classic and modern games on various devices with consistent features.

Key Features

Unified interface for many different systems.
Extensive features like save states, rewind, shaders, and netplay.
Highly customizable settings for video, audio, and input.

vs PlayOnLinux (PlayOnMac)

Unified interface for many different systems. compared to PlayOnLinux (PlayOnMac)

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CrossOver

Commercial

CrossOver is a compatibility layer allowing you to run thousands of Windows applications directly on your macOS or Linux operating system without the need for a Windows license or virtual machine. It provides a seamless experience for accessing your favorite Windows programs.

Key Features

No Windows license required saves cost.
Runs applications directly on your OS, no need for a full virtual machine.
Often provides better performance than virtualization for supported apps.

vs PlayOnLinux (PlayOnMac)

No Windows license required saves cost. compared to PlayOnLinux (PlayOnMac)

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Lutris

Open Source

Lutris is an open-source gaming client for Linux, designed to centralize and manage your entire game library from various sources. It supports native Linux games, Windows titles via compatibility layers like Wine and Proton, and games from multiple platforms through integrated emulators, providing a unified gaming experience.

Key Features

Centralizes games from multiple sources.
Simplifies running Windows games on Linux.
Integrates with many emulators.

vs PlayOnLinux (PlayOnMac)

Centralizes games from multiple sources. compared to PlayOnLinux (PlayOnMac)

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WineBottler

Open Source

WineBottler effortlessly packages Windows software into Mac applications, eliminating the need for complex emulators or separate operating system installations for running your favorite Windows programs directly on macOS.

Key Features

Easy to package Windows applications into macOS apps
No lengthy Windows installation required
Bottled applications feel integrated with macOS

vs PlayOnLinux (PlayOnMac)

Easy to package Windows applications into macOS apps compared to PlayOnLinux (PlayOnMac)

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Wineskin Winery

Open Source

Wineskin Winery is a macOS utility that leverages Wine to create 'wrappers' for running Windows applications and games. It simplifies the process of packaging Windows software into self-contained macOS bundles, allowing users to execute them directly on their Mac without needing a full Windows installation or virtual machine.