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Head-to-head · Game Databases

RAWG vs IGDB

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score RAWG #2 in Game Databases 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 5 features Visit RAWG
IGDB #3 in Game Databases 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 5 features Visit IGDB

RAWG leads on 0 checks, IGDB 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 scoreRAWG · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresIGDB · 2 of 5

RAWG scores higher on our rubric for game databases: 9.2 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

RAWG is the better fit for rich game metadata and recommendations. IGDB is the better fit for free structured game data via API.

  • RAWG fits best

    Rich game metadata and recommendations

  • IGDB fits best

    Free structured game data via API

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Side by side

Feature RAWG 9.2/10 Visit ↗ IGDB 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 9.1
Ranking #2 in Game Databases #3 in Game Databases
Best for Rich game metadata and recommendations Free structured game data via API
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price $149/mo Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud Cloud
Platforms Web Web
Support Email, Community, Docs Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features RAWG 1/5 · IGDB 2/5
API access ✓ ✓
Quest data Not checked yet Not checked yet
Character data Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Item data Not checked yet Not checked yet
Ability data Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms PC, Xbox One, iOS, Nintendo DS, Linux, PlayStation 3, PS Vita, Wii, Game Boy Advance, SNES, Apple II, Atari 5200, Atari 8-bit, Atari XEGS, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, Android, Nintendo DSi PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, iOS, Android, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Web browser, Arcade
Export formats Not checked yet CSV, Protocol Buffers
Our review
Pros
  • Detailed metadata, ratings, media, DLC and franchise relationships
  • Recommendations plus player activity and Steam average playtime
  • Free API access for personal, hobby and non-commercial projects
  • Free API access for non-commercial use
  • Game, platform, character, image, and media metadata
  • CSV dumps and Protocol Buffers response support
Cons
  • Commercial use requires the $149-per-month Business plan
  • Free projects require backlinks to RAWG
  • Enterprise features are needed for downloadable file API access
  • Commercial usage requires a partnership process
  • Community contributions follow content policies
  • API access requires Twitch application credentials
Our verdict

RAWG is a web-based video game database and discovery service for developers, publishers and product teams building game catalogs, discovery tools or recommendation experiences. Its searchable records cover descriptions, genres, release…

Read the review →

IGDB is a web-based video game database operated by Twitch, built for people who need to discover, browse, track, or query game information. Its public catalog covers games, genres, companies, characters, platforms, systems, and related…

Read the review →
  1. RAWGGame Databases 9.2Free plan
  2. IGDBGame Databases 9.1Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • RAWG — where it wins

    • Detailed metadata, ratings, media, DLC and franchise relationships
    • Recommendations plus player activity and Steam average playtime
    • Free API access for personal, hobby and non-commercial projects

    Where it doesn't

    • Commercial use requires the $149-per-month Business plan
    • Free projects require backlinks to RAWG
    • Enterprise features are needed for downloadable file API access
  • IGDB — where it wins

    • Free API access for non-commercial use
    • Game, platform, character, image, and media metadata
    • CSV dumps and Protocol Buffers response support

    Where it doesn't

    • Commercial usage requires a partnership process
    • Community contributions follow content policies
    • API access requires Twitch application credentials
  • RAWG9.2/10 · Free plan

    A broad game-data API with strong free access and a $149 monthly Business tier.

    Visit RAWGFull verdict →
  • IGDB9.1/10 · Free plan

    Free structured game data for browsing, research, and API-powered applications.

    Visit IGDBFull verdict →

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update