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Head-to-head · PC Game Launchers

Steam vs Epic Games Store

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score Steam #1 in PC Game Launchers 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit Steam
Epic Games Store #4 in PC Game Launchers 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 5 features Try Epic Games Store

Steam leads on 2 checks, Epic Games Store on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreSteam · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresSteam · 4 of 5

Steam scores higher on our rubric for pc game launchers: 9.4 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.

Steam offers third-party game import; Epic Games Store doesn't. Steam offers mod integration; Epic Games Store doesn't.

Steam is the better fit for PC gamers seeking a free, feature-rich game library. Epic Games Store is the better fit for players seeking free games.

  • Steam fits best

    PC gamers seeking a free, feature-rich game library

  • Epic Games Store fits best

    Players seeking free games

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 ↗ Epic Games Store 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.7
Ranking #1 in PC Game Launchers #4 in PC Game Launchers
Best for PC gamers seeking a free, feature-rich game library Players seeking free games
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Features Steam 4/5 · Epic Games Store 3/5
Cloud saves ✓ ✓
Offline mode ✓ ✓
Subscription catalog Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Third-party game import ✓ (best) —
Mod integration ✓ (best) —
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
  • Weekly free game giveaways add titles to your library.
  • Organize games with filters, favorites, and collections.
  • Cloud saves and offline play are available for supported games.
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
  • Individual games, add-ons, and some subscriptions cost extra.
  • Cloud saves, offline play, and achievements depend on the game.
  • No third-party game imports or mod integration.
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 →

Epic Games Store combines a digital storefront with a launcher for browsing, purchasing, and managing games and downloadable content. It suits players who want to claim weekly free titles and keep owned games in one library, as well as…

Read the review →
  1. SteamPC Game Launchers 9.4Free plan
  2. Epic Games StorePC Game Launchers 8.7Free plan

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
  • Epic Games Store — where it wins

    • Weekly free game giveaways add titles to your library.
    • Organize games with filters, favorites, and collections.
    • Cloud saves and offline play are available for supported games.

    Where it doesn't

    • Individual games, add-ons, and some subscriptions cost extra.
    • Cloud saves, offline play, and achievements depend on the game.
    • No third-party game imports or mod integration.

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update