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Head-to-head · Game Overlay Software

MangoHud vs Overwolf

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score MangoHud #4 in Game Overlay Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit MangoHud
Overwolf #5 in Game Overlay Software 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit Overwolf

MangoHud leads on 0 checks, Overwolf on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreMangoHud · 8.8/10
  • Free planboth

MangoHud scores higher on our rubric for game overlay software: 8.8 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #5.

On supported platforms, MangoHud gives you Linux where Overwolf offers Windows.

MangoHud is the better fit for linux gamers needing detailed system overlays. Overwolf is the better fit for gamers wanting an overlay app ecosystem.

  • MangoHud fits best

    Linux gamers needing detailed system overlays

  • Overwolf fits best

    Gamers wanting an overlay app ecosystem

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 MangoHud 8.8/10 Visit ↗ Overwolf 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.6
Ranking #4 in Game Overlay Software #5 in Game Overlay Software
Best for Linux gamers needing detailed system overlays Gamers wanting an overlay app ecosystem
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Self-hosted, Desktop Desktop, Browser extension
Platforms Linux Web, Windows
Support Community, Docs Email, Tickets, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features MangoHud 2/4 · Overwolf 2/4
In-game chat Not checked yet Not checked yet
Performance statistics ✓ ✓
Recording controls Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Hardware monitoring ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms Linux Windows
Supported games Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Detailed FPS, frametime, hardware, temperature, and power metrics
  • Global and per-application settings with presets and hotkeys
  • Free, open-source Linux software with Steam, Lutris, and gamescope support
  • Free platform with overlays, hotkeys, FPS display, and recording apps
  • App store supports browsing and installing gaming companion apps
  • SDKs and APIs enable overlay and game-event app development
Cons
  • Supports Linux rather than multiple desktop gaming platforms
  • Monitoring and benchmarking are the focus, not broader game utilities
  • No AI features
  • Overlay features depend on whether a game is supported
  • Windows is the primary supported platform for the desktop experience
  • Third-party apps may introduce their own subscription costs
Our verdict

MangoHud is an open-source overlay for Vulkan and OpenGL games on Linux. It is designed for gamers who want detailed visibility into performance and hardware behavior while playing. The overlay can show FPS, frametime, CPU and GPU load,…

Read the review →

Overwolf is a free Windows desktop platform and app store for PC gaming overlays and companion apps. It is aimed at gamers who want game-specific tools, creators who need capture applications, and developers or studios building overlay and…

Read the review →
  1. MangoHudGame Overlay Software 8.8Free plan
  2. OverwolfGame Overlay Software 8.6Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • MangoHud — where it wins

    • Detailed FPS, frametime, hardware, temperature, and power metrics
    • Global and per-application settings with presets and hotkeys
    • Free, open-source Linux software with Steam, Lutris, and gamescope support

    Where it doesn't

    • Supports Linux rather than multiple desktop gaming platforms
    • Monitoring and benchmarking are the focus, not broader game utilities
    • No AI features

  • Overwolf — where it wins

    • Free platform with overlays, hotkeys, FPS display, and recording apps
    • App store supports browsing and installing gaming companion apps
    • SDKs and APIs enable overlay and game-event app development

    Where it doesn't

    • Overlay features depend on whether a game is supported
    • Windows is the primary supported platform for the desktop experience
    • Third-party apps may introduce their own subscription costs

More comparisons

All game overlay software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update