Side by side
PlayOnMac vs Proton Trainer Launcher
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 Mac
PlayOnMac provides a free route to using some Windows-designed programs on a Mac without a Windows license. Compatibility varies by program, so support for the specific software is an important consideration.
Visit PlayOnMac Free plan Linux
Proton Trainer Launcher offers a free way to pair Windows trainers with Proton games on Linux. Its limits include unsupported native games and uncertain compatibility for several listed trainers.
Visit Proton Trainer LauncherThe facts
| PlayOnMac | Proton Trainer Launcher | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac | Linux |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Not published |
| Plans published | 1 | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | playonmac.com | github.com |
| On windows compatibility layers | #12 of 26 | #16 of 26 |
PlayOnMac: what it does well
- Free software
- Does not require a Windows license
- Offers versions for older and newer macOS releases
- Includes a compatibility database
What to know first
- Compatibility is partial
- Ease of use and performance depend on program support
- No Linux support
- Requires a supported Windows program
Proton Trainer Launcher: what it does well
- Can detect running Steam games or use an App ID.
- Matches the Proton version used by the game.
- Offers interactive and manual launch modes.
- Free and identified as MIT licensed.
What to know first
- Native Linux games are unsupported.
- Some anti-cheat protected games may not work.
- Most named trainers are untested or expected to work.
- Requires manual path and script setup.
Alternatives to PlayOnMac Alternatives to Proton Trainer Launcher The whole list