Head-to-head · Game Databases
RAWG vs 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 |
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| Cons |
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| 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 → |
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 →
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All game databases comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update





