Side by side
Bottles vs PlayOnLinux
Both stand on windows compatibility layers. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMac
Bottles offers prefix management, runners, installers, and graphics components for running Windows software on Linux. The project recommends Flatpak, while warning that exposing the system home directory to a runner defeats its sandbox.
Visit Bottles Free plan Open source LinuxMac
PlayOnLinux offers a free way to run many Windows applications on Linux and macOS through Wine. Compatibility and performance can vary, so check the project's listed support resources for guidance.
Visit PlayOnLinuxThe facts
| Bottles | PlayOnLinux | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac | Linux, Mac |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | usebottles.com | playonlinux.com |
| On windows compatibility layers | #5 of 26 | #1 of 26 |
Bottles: what it does well
- Gaming, Application, and Custom environments
- Supports Wine and Proton runners
- Community installers include compatibility grades
- Offers backups, versioning, and duplication
- Free software project
What to know first
- Connection-dependent features are blocked offline
- Exposing the home directory breaks Flatpak sandboxing
- First launch downloads components
PlayOnLinux: what it does well
- Runs many Windows games and applications on Linux and macOS.
- Does not require a Windows license.
- Free software with a listed price of $0.
- Includes prefix management and a compatibility database.
- Documentation, forums and email support are available.
What to know first
- Not all games and applications are supported.
- The project reports occasional performance decreases.
- Website lists version 4.3.4 as the latest release.
Alternatives to Bottles Alternatives to PlayOnLinux The whole list