Head-to-head · PC Game Launchers
GOG Galaxy vs Xbox app for PC
GOG Galaxy leads on 0 checks, Xbox app for PC on 1, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreGOG Galaxy · 9.1/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresXbox app for PC · 5 of 5
GOG Galaxy scores higher on our rubric for pc game launchers: 9.1 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.
Xbox app for PC offers subscription catalog; GOG Galaxy doesn't.
GOG Galaxy is the better fit for DRM-conscious multi-library users. Xbox app for PC is the better fit for game Pass subscribers.
- GOG Galaxy fits best
DRM-conscious multi-library users
- Xbox app for PC fits best
Game Pass subscribers
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Side by side
| Feature | GOG Galaxy 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | Xbox app for PC 8.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 8.9 |
| Ranking | #2 in PC Game Launchers | #3 in PC Game Launchers |
| Best for | DRM-conscious multi-library users | Game Pass subscribers |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | $13.99/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS | Windows |
| Integrations | 5 integrations | 7 integrations |
| Features GOG Galaxy 4/5 · Xbox app for PC 5/5 | ||
| Cloud saves | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subscription catalog | — | ✓ (best) |
| Third-party game import | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mod integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported OS | Not checked yet | Windows |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | GOG Galaxy is a free, optional desktop application for installing, updating, and launching GOG games. It also brings games and friends from connected PC and console platforms into one interface, making it a fit for players who want a… Read the review → |
Xbox app for PC is Microsoft's Windows launcher for players who want to browse, install, and organize Xbox and PC games alongside supported third-party storefronts. It is particularly relevant to PC Game Pass subscribers: the app is free,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
GOG Galaxy — where it wins
- Combines GOG games with libraries from connected platforms
- Supports cloud saves, offline operation, and game rollback
- Includes community integrations and one-click GOG mod experiences
Where it doesn't
- Offline operation applies only to supported games
- Online features require an internet connection
- Does not provide its own subscription game catalog
Xbox app for PC — where it wins
- Organizes Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other supported PC storefronts.
- Supports cloud saves, offline permissions, and mods for eligible games.
- Adds cloud gaming, console remote play, and cross-device chat.
Where it doesn't
- Requires Windows 10 or 11 version 22H2 or higher.
- Cloud gaming requires a supported Game Pass subscription.
- Offline play and mod support depend on game eligibility and licensing.
- GOG Galaxy9.1/10 · Free plan
A free library hub with offline support and rollback for supported games.
Visit GOG GalaxyFull verdict → - Xbox app for PC8.9/10 · Free plan
A free Windows launcher with a paid PC Game Pass catalog and cross-store features.
Visit XboxFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Steam vs GOG Galaxy
- Steam vs Xbox app for PC
- GOG Galaxy vs Epic Games Store
- GOG Galaxy vs LaunchBox
- GOG Galaxy vs Lutris
- GOG Galaxy vs EA app
- GOG Galaxy vs Ubisoft Connect
- Xbox app for PC vs Epic Games Store
All PC game launchers comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update




