Steam vs EA app

Steam9.4Visit EEA app8.2Visit

Higher score Steam #1 in PC Game Launchers 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit Steam

vs

E EA app #7 in PC Game Launchers 8.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit EA app

• Steam fits best

  PC gamers seeking a free, feature-rich game library

• EA app fits best

  EA and connected-platform players

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	Steam 9.4/10 Visit ↗	EEA app 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.4	8.2
Ranking	#1 in PC Game Launchers	#7 in PC Game Launchers
Best for	PC gamers seeking a free, feature-rich game library	EA and connected-platform players
Pricing model	Free	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Free plan	$39.99/yr
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	Windows, macOS
Features Steam 4/5 · EA app 4/5
Cloud saves	✓	✓
Offline mode	✓	✓
Subscription catalog	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Third-party game import	✓	✓
Mod integration	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Specs
Supported OS	Windows	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Free client with Windows, macOS, and Linux support Workshop mods, community features, and non-Steam shortcuts Cloud saves and offline play for supported games	Installs, updates, and launches EA games from a central library. Supports offline play for supported installed games. Adds EA games bought outside the app, including physical copies.
Cons	Games and other content may cost extra Cloud saves and offline play depend on the game and its configuration Mobile apps are companions, not listed as desktop game platforms	Offline mode applies only to supported installed games. EA Play title selection and availability vary by platform and country. Ubisoft linking applies to supported Ubisoft games bought through the EA app.
Our verdict	Steam brings a digital game storefront and library together with tools for downloading, updating, and launching games. Its PC client supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and SteamOS, while iOS and Android apps provide mobile companion access.… Read the review →	For players who browse, buy, install, and launch Electronic Arts games on Windows or macOS, the EA app provides a central library and game discovery through Game Hubs. It also connects friends lists and platform accounts, supports… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Steam — where it wins

  • Free client with Windows, macOS, and Linux support
  • Workshop mods, community features, and non-Steam shortcuts
  • Cloud saves and offline play for supported games

  Where it doesn't

  • Games and other content may cost extra
  • Cloud saves and offline play depend on the game and its configuration
  • Mobile apps are companions, not listed as desktop game platforms

• EA app — where it wins

  • Installs, updates, and launches EA games from a central library.
  • Supports offline play for supported installed games.
  • Adds EA games bought outside the app, including physical copies.

  Where it doesn't

  • Offline mode applies only to supported installed games.
  • EA Play title selection and availability vary by platform and country.
  • Ubisoft linking applies to supported Ubisoft games bought through the EA app.

• Steam9.4/10 · Free plan

  A free game library and launcher with community tools, mods, cloud saves, and offline play.

  Visit SteamFull verdict →
• EEA app8.2/10 · Free plan

  A free EA launcher with library tools, offline mode, and optional EA Play access.

  Visit EA appFull verdict →