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Head-to-head · Game Library Managers

Lutris vs Heroic Games Launcher

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score Lutris #3 in Game Library Managers 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 5 features Visit Lutris
Heroic Games Launcher #7 in Game Library Managers 8.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit Heroic

Lutris leads on 1 check, Heroic Games Launcher on 0, 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 scoreLutris · 8.8/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresHeroic Games Launcher · 4 of 5

Lutris scores higher on our rubric for game library managers: 8.8 against 8.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.

On store coverage, Lutris gives you Multi-store-plus-emulators where Heroic Games Launcher offers Multi-store. Lutris offers emulator support; Heroic Games Launcher doesn't. On platform support, Heroic Games Launcher gives you Multi-platform where Lutris offers Linux.

Lutris is the better fit for linux storefront and emulator management. Heroic Games Launcher is the better fit for free multi-store PC libraries.

  • Lutris fits best

    Linux storefront and emulator management

  • Heroic Games Launcher fits best

    Free multi-store PC libraries

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 Lutris 8.8/10 Visit ↗ Heroic Games Launcher 8.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.1
Ranking #3 in Game Library Managers #7 in Game Library Managers
Best for Linux storefront and emulator management Free multi-store PC libraries
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Community, Docs Community, Docs
Integrations 7 integrations 6 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Lutris 3/5 · Heroic Games Launcher 4/5
Emulator support ✓ (best) —
Controller support ✓ ✓
Offline mode Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Metadata editing Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Cloud sync ✓ ✓
Specs
Store coverage Multi-store-plus-emulators Multi-store
Platform support Linux Multi-platform
Our review
Pros
  • Centralizes libraries from major storefronts and gaming services
  • Includes emulator runners, Wine-based compatibility layers, and scripts
  • Free, open source, and supports Steam synchronization and controllers
  • Supports Epic, GOG and Amazon Prime Gaming in one launcher
  • Manages Wine, Proton and CrossOver compatibility tools
  • Offers cloud saves, offline launching and controller navigation
Cons
  • The desktop client is documented for Linux only
  • Game support depends on available runners, layers, emulators, and scripts
  • Managing multiple services may require separate integrations and accounts
  • Offline play depends on each game's offline capability
  • Does not include emulator support
  • No paid tier adds features beyond the free plan
Our verdict

Lutris is an open-source Linux game library manager and launcher for people who want one desktop interface for games across storefronts, services, hardware platforms, and gaming systems. It is aimed at Linux desktop users managing native,…

Read the review →

Heroic Games Launcher is a free, open-source desktop launcher for players managing libraries across Windows, macOS and Linux. It connects Epic Games Store, GOG and Amazon Prime Gaming in one interface, with tools to install, update,…

Read the review →
  1. LutrisGame Library Managers 8.8Free plan
  2. Heroic Games LauncherGame Library Managers 8.1Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Lutris — where it wins

    • Centralizes libraries from major storefronts and gaming services
    • Includes emulator runners, Wine-based compatibility layers, and scripts
    • Free, open source, and supports Steam synchronization and controllers

    Where it doesn't

    • The desktop client is documented for Linux only
    • Game support depends on available runners, layers, emulators, and scripts
    • Managing multiple services may require separate integrations and accounts

  • Heroic Games Launcher — where it wins

    • Supports Epic, GOG and Amazon Prime Gaming in one launcher
    • Manages Wine, Proton and CrossOver compatibility tools
    • Offers cloud saves, offline launching and controller navigation

    Where it doesn't

    • Offline play depends on each game's offline capability
    • Does not include emulator support
    • No paid tier adds features beyond the free plan
  • Lutris8.8/10 · Free plan

    A free Linux hub for storefront games, emulators, runners, and Steam libraries.

    Visit LutrisFull verdict →
  • Heroic Games Launcher8.1/10 · Free plan

    A flexible multi-store launcher for PC libraries across Windows, macOS and Linux.

    Visit HeroicFull verdict →

More comparisons

All game library managers comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update