Head-to-head · Game Playtime Trackers
PlayCounter vs Steins;Tracker
PlayCounter leads on 0 checks, Steins;Tracker on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scorePlayCounter · 9.4/10
- Free planboth
PlayCounter scores higher on our rubric for game playtime trackers: 9.4 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #5.
On data export, PlayCounter gives you Multiple where Steins;Tracker offers Basic.
PlayCounter is the better fit for windows users tracking games across launchers. Steins;Tracker is the better fit for windows users wanting rich local statistics.
- PlayCounter fits best
Windows users tracking games across launchers
- Steins;Tracker fits best
Windows users wanting rich local statistics
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Side by side
| Feature | PlayCounter 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | Steins;Tracker 8.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.3 |
| Ranking | #1 in Game Playtime Trackers | #5 in Game Playtime Trackers |
| Best for | Windows users tracking games across launchers | Windows users wanting rich local statistics |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows |
| Support | Community | Email, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features PlayCounter 1/2 · Steins;Tracker 1/2 | ||
| Mobile app | — | — |
| Desktop app | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Tracking mode | Automatic | Automatic |
| Supported platforms | Windows; Steam; Xbox; PC Game Pass; Epic; GOG; EA; Ubisoft; Battle.net; itch.io; standalone installations; DOSBox; Dolphin | Windows PC |
| History retention | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Data export | Multiple | Basic |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | PlayCounter is a free, open-source Windows desktop application for people who want one playtime record across multiple PC game sources. It automatically records sessions by observing running processes, without requiring special launch… Read the review → |
Steins;Tracker is a Windows desktop application for automatically recording game time locally. It suits PC players who want more than a simple total, with daily and overall playtime statistics, session logs, goals, averages, yearly… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
PlayCounter — where it wins
- Tracks sessions automatically across major PC launchers and standalone games
- Imports Steam and Xbox playtime and supports manual corrections
- Includes searchable history, statistics, backups, overlays and launch actions
Where it doesn't
- Windows desktop only, with no mobile app
- Game matching uses online lookups while history is stored locally
- Launcher history coverage centers on Steam and Xbox imports
Steins;Tracker — where it wins
- Automatic detection with sessions, goals, averages, heatmaps, and charts
- CSV export plus per-game statistics and custom icons
- Hardware monitoring and local-network dashboard access from a phone
Where it doesn't
- Windows PC only, with no mobile app
- No verified integrations with other platforms or services
- Pro features and downloadable content are separate from the free mode
- PlayCounter9.4/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source Windows tracker with broad launcher coverage and local history.
Visit PlayCounterFull verdict → - Steins;Tracker8.3/10 · Free plan
A detailed free tracker for Windows users who want local playtime statistics.
Visit Steins;TrackerFull verdict →
More comparisons
- PlayCounter vs PlayTracker
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- PlayCounter vs GamingGaiden
- PlayCounter vs Thusfar
- PlayCounter vs Steam Wrapped
- PlayCounter vs Gameplay Time Tracker
- PlayTracker vs Steins;Tracker
- Pyroblast vs Steins;Tracker
All game playtime trackers comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update

