Head-to-head · Game Launcher Software
itch app vs Xbox app for PC
itch app leads on 0 checks, Xbox app for PC on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Free planboth
- Most featuresXbox app for PC · 1 of 5
itch app and Xbox app for PC score identically on our rubric (7.9 out of 10) for game launcher software; itch app sits at #5 and Xbox app for PC at #6 in our editorial ranking, so the choice comes down to fit.
itch app is the better fit for itch.io players on any desktop platform. Xbox app for PC is the better fit for PC Game Pass subscribers.
- itch app fits best
itch.io players on any desktop platform
- Xbox app for PC fits best
PC Game Pass subscribers
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | itch app 7.9/10 Visit ↗ | Xbox app for PC 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.9 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #5 in Game Launcher Software | #6 in Game Launcher Software |
| Best for | itch.io players on any desktop platform | PC 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, Linux | Windows |
| Features itch app 0/5 · Xbox app for PC 1/5 | ||
| Multi-store library | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Automatic updates | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Cloud saves | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Controller support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Remote play | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Desktop platforms | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Mod support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | itch app is a free, open-source desktop launcher for games and software distributed through itch.io. It serves players on Windows, macOS, and Linux who want to browse itch.io, access purchases, collections, and bundles, then download,… Read the review → |
Xbox app for PC is a Windows game launcher from Microsoft for players who want one place to browse, install, organize, and launch PC games. It supports Xbox and PC Game Pass titles, purchases for PC games and add-ons, and libraries from… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
itch app — where it wins
- Free and open source across Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Installs, updates, launches, and scans itch.io games
- Supports offline launches and multiple installation locations
Where it doesn't
- Focused on games and software distributed through itch.io
- Offline launching requires prior authentication
- Complements the itch.io website rather than replacing it
Xbox app for PC — where it wins
- Combines Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, Steam, and other supported libraries
- Adds cloud saves, offline permissions, remote play, and eligible-game mods
- Includes chat, notifications, achievements, and purchases in one Windows app
Where it doesn't
- Available only on Windows 10 or 11 version 22H2 or higher
- Cloud gaming and remote play depend on supported subscriptions or consoles
- Mod support and offline play vary by game and licensing permissions
- itch app7.9/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source itch.io launcher for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Visit itch.ioFull verdict → - Xbox app for PC7.9/10 · Free plan
A broad Windows game hub, especially suited to PC Game Pass subscribers.
Visit XboxFull verdict →
More comparisons
- GDLauncher vs itch app
- GDLauncher vs Xbox app for PC
- Gameforge Client vs itch app
- Gameforge Client vs Xbox app for PC
- itch app vs Jagex Launcher
- itch app vs Nexon Launcher
- Xbox app for PC vs Jagex Launcher
- Xbox app for PC vs Nexon Launcher
All game launcher software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update