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Head-to-head · Game Compatibility Checkers

Steam Deck Verified vs ProtonDB

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Steam Deck Verified #1 in Game Compatibility Checkers 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 2 features Visit Steam Deck
ProtonDB #3 in Game Compatibility Checkers 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 2 features Visit ProtonDB

Steam Deck Verified leads on 0 checks, ProtonDB 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 scoreSteam Deck Verified · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth

Steam Deck Verified scores higher on our rubric for game compatibility checkers: 9.3 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

Steam Deck Verified is the better fit for steam Deck buyers needing official compatibility verdicts. ProtonDB is the better fit for linux and Steam Deck compatibility research.

  • Steam Deck Verified fits best

    Steam Deck buyers needing official compatibility verdicts

  • ProtonDB fits best

    Linux and Steam Deck compatibility research

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Side by side

Feature Steam Deck Verified 9.3/10 Visit ↗ ProtonDB 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.6
Ranking #1 in Game Compatibility Checkers #3 in Game Compatibility Checkers
Best for Steam Deck buyers needing official compatibility verdicts Linux and Steam Deck compatibility research
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Cloud
Platforms Linux Web
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Steam Deck Verified 1/2 · ProtonDB 1/2
Hardware scan — Not checked yet
Linux/Proton data ✓ ✓
Specs
Scan method Desktop Not checked yet
Requirements detail Full Not checked yet
Game catalog size Not checked yet 32163 games
Our review
Pros
  • Four clear ratings: Verified, Playable, Unsupported, and Unknown
  • Checks controllers, display, launchers, Proton, middleware, and anti-cheat
  • Ratings appear in Steam store and library with compatibility filtering
  • 32,163-game catalog with compatibility ratings and search
  • Reports include Proton versions, hardware, distros, and workarounds
  • Steam Deck, Chromebook, and anti-cheat status indicators
Cons
  • Not a standalone application or separately sold product
  • No hardware scan; reviews use a desktop-based process
  • Linux-focused coverage does not address other gaming platforms
  • Crowdsourced report detail and consistency vary by game
  • Web-only access offers no native desktop or mobile app
  • Focused on Proton-based Linux play rather than other platforms
Our verdict

Steam Deck Verified is Valve Corporation’s compatibility-review system for Steam games on Steam Deck. It assigns each title one of four categories—Verified, Playable, Unsupported, or Unknown—so buyers can understand expected behavior…

Read the review →

ProtonDB is a free web database for evaluating how Windows and native games run on Linux through Valve’s Proton compatibility layer. It is aimed at Linux players, Steam Deck owners, and anyone researching compatibility before purchasing or…

Read the review →
  1. Steam Deck VerifiedGame Compatibility Checkers 9.3Free plan
  2. ProtonDBGame Compatibility Checkers 8.6Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Steam Deck Verified — where it wins

    • Four clear ratings: Verified, Playable, Unsupported, and Unknown
    • Checks controllers, display, launchers, Proton, middleware, and anti-cheat
    • Ratings appear in Steam store and library with compatibility filtering

    Where it doesn't

    • Not a standalone application or separately sold product
    • No hardware scan; reviews use a desktop-based process
    • Linux-focused coverage does not address other gaming platforms

  • ProtonDB — where it wins

    • 32,163-game catalog with compatibility ratings and search
    • Reports include Proton versions, hardware, distros, and workarounds
    • Steam Deck, Chromebook, and anti-cheat status indicators

    Where it doesn't

    • Crowdsourced report detail and consistency vary by game
    • Web-only access offers no native desktop or mobile app
    • Focused on Proton-based Linux play rather than other platforms

More comparisons

All game compatibility checkers comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update