The Best Wine AlternativesTop Compatibility Layer Tools and other similar apps like Wine

Wine is described as 'A free, open-source compatibility layer allowing Windows applications to run on Linux and other systems, offering configuration and community support' and is a leading compatibility layer tool in the os & utilities category. There are more than 50 alternatives to Wine for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Mac, Wine, Flathub and Windows apps. The best Wine alternative is Proton, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Wine are WinBoat, PlayOnLinux - PlayOnMac, CrossOver and Bottles.

filter to find the best alternatives

Wine alternatives are mainly Compatibility Layer Tools, but if you're looking for Virtualization Tools or Game Emulators you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Linux, Mac, Android and Linux + Compatibility Layer. 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 Wine.
Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard
Alternatives
Get a badge for your siteWine alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. Proton icon
     136 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.

    45 Proton alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Steam
    Good alternative?
     
    |
    5
  2. WinBoat icon
     85 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)

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Docker
    Good alternative?
     
  3. 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
    Good alternative?
     
    |
    1
  4. CrossOver icon
     78 likes

    Cross-platform utility enables seamless installation and execution of Windows applications on macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS. No Windows license required—facilitates easy app management with a few clicks, eliminates the need for virtual machines and reboots, delivering efficient compatibility layer operation.

    47 CrossOver alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Chrome OS
    Good alternative?
     
    |
    1
  5. 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.

    57 Parallels Desktop alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    Good alternative?
     
    |
    2
  6. 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.

    17 Winlator alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • OpenAPK
    Good alternative?
     
  7. Vermouth icon
     7 likes

    A game and app launcher for Linux - native, Windows, and retro. KDE-first, lightweight, no frills.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
  8. VMware Fusion icon
     119 likes

    Seamlessly run your favorite Windows applications and devices, on any Intel-based Mac. Built from the ground up for the Mac, VMware Fusion is the easiest way to switch to Mac—letting you bring all of your Windows applications with you, making the most of your Windows software...

    44 VMware Fusion alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    Good alternative?
     
    |
    1
  9. 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.

    32 Whisky alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Wine
    • Homebrew
    Good alternative?
     
  10. Darling icon
     23 likes

    Darling is a macOS translation layer for Linux. It is designed to run macOS software directly without the need for a hardware emulator, making it fast and efficient.

    28 Darling alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
  11. ProtonPlus icon
     7 likes

    A simple Wine and Proton-based compatibility tools manager.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    • Flathub
    • Fedora
    • Nix Package Manager
    • Wine
    • Flatpak
    • Vala
    • Proton
    Good alternative?
     
12 of 50 Wine alternatives