Best Game Compatibility Layers in 2026
Updated
In short: Bannerlator is ranked #1 of 27 as of 4 October 2026, ahead of cnc-ddraw and GameHub. The best-ranked option with a free plan is cnc-ddraw. The lowest first paid tier on this page is CrossOver at $6.17/mo.
If you’re choosing a way to run games across different systems, compare the host platforms and runtime model with support for DirectX and Vulkan. Anti-cheat status and Steam integration may also matter for the games you play, while free-plan availability and paid-from pricing help you weigh access and cost. The ranking starts with Bannerlator and GameHub, followed by OpenNative, Box64, Winlator, and Proton-CachyOS. You can also compare cnc-ddraw and PlayOnLinux among the first entries. Consider which graphics support and platform details are relevant to your setup, and check the listed criteria against the games and services you rely on.
27 game compatibility layers ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
Recognised 40% · Phone app 26% · Documented 20% · Free plan 14% of the score
- 1 Bannerlator Android only RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.9Free Host platforms: AndroidRuntime model: translation + runtimeDirectX support: directx 9/10/11 + 12
- 2 cnc-ddraw Android only RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.8Free Host platforms: Windows, Linux, macOS, AndroidRuntime model: translation + runtimeDirectX support: not stated
- 3 GameHub iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.8Free Host platforms: Android, iOS, macOSDirectX support: not stated
- 4 Winlator Android only RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.8Free Host platforms: AndroidRuntime model: translation + runtimeDirectX support: directx 9/10/11 + 12
- 5 Box64 Android only RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.3 Host platforms: Linux, AndroidRuntime model: translation + runtimeDirectX support: not stated
- 6 OpenNative Android only RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.9 Host platforms: AndroidRuntime model: translation + runtimeDirectX support: directx 9/10/11 + 12
- 7 FAudio iPhone only RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.8 Host platforms: Windows, GNU/Linux, macOS, iOS/tvOSRuntime model: translation + runtimeDirectX support: not stated
- 8 DXVK No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.3Free Host platforms: Linux, WindowsRuntime model: translationDirectX support: directx 9/10/11
- 9 PlayOnLinux No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.3Free
- 10 vkd3d-proton No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.3Free Host platforms: Windows, LinuxRuntime model: translationDirectX support: directx 12
- 11 Porting Kit No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.2Free
- 12 Bottles No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.8
- 13 Proton-CachyOS No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.8 Host platforms: LinuxRuntime model: translation + runtimeDirectX support: directx 9/10/11 + 12
- 14 Hangover No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.7
- 15 CrossOver No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.5$6.17/mo
- 16 TDF No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.4 Host platforms: LinuxRuntime model: translation + runtimeDirectX support: directx 9/10/11 + 12
- 17 Box86 No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Host platforms: LinuxRuntime model: translation + runtimeDirectX support: not stated
- 18 D7VK No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Host platforms: Linux, WindowsRuntime model: translationDirectX support: not stated
- 19 Darling No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Host platforms: Linux; Windows via WSL2Runtime model: translation + runtimeDirectX support: not stated
- 20 FEX-Emu No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Host platforms: LinuxRuntime model: translation + runtimeDirectX support: directx 9/10/11 + 12
- 21 Sober No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Host platforms: LinuxRuntime model: translation + runtimeDirectX support: not stated
- 22 umu-launcher No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Host platforms: LinuxRuntime model: translation + runtimeDirectX support: not stated
- 23 VKD3D No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Runtime model: translation + runtimeDirectX support: directx 12
- 24 WineVDM No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Host platforms: WindowsRuntime model: translation + runtimeDirectX support: not stated
- 25 Wine No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.1
Is your app on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which game compatibility layer is ranked first on Samsung Mobile US Press?
Bannerlator is ranked #1 of 27 with a score of 7.9. cnc-ddraw is second and GameHub third.
How many of these have a free plan?
8 of the 25 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
Which is the cheapest paid option?
On this page, CrossOver has the lowest first paid tier we found: $6.17/mo.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked mobile-first: a phone app alongside the web or desktop product, a free tier and the depth of its documentation. Paid placements never change a rank.