Steam vs GOG Galaxy

Steam9.4Visit GOG Galaxy9.1Visit

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

vs

GOG Galaxy #2 in PC Game Launchers 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit GOG Galaxy

• Steam fits best

  PC gamers seeking a free, feature-rich game library

• GOG Galaxy fits best

  DRM-conscious multi-library users

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Side by side

Feature	Steam 9.4/10 Visit ↗	GOG Galaxy 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.4	9.1
Ranking	#1 in PC Game Launchers	#2 in PC Game Launchers
Best for	PC gamers seeking a free, feature-rich game library	DRM-conscious multi-library users
Pricing model	Free	Free
Starting price	Free plan	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	Windows, macOS
Features Steam 4/5 · GOG Galaxy 4/5
Cloud saves	✓	✓
Offline mode	✓	✓
Subscription catalog	Not checked yet	—
Third-party game import	✓	✓
Mod integration	✓	✓
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	Combines GOG games with libraries from connected platforms Supports cloud saves, offline operation, and game rollback Includes community integrations and one-click GOG mod experiences
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 operation applies only to supported games Online features require an internet connection Does not provide its own subscription game catalog
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 →	GOG Galaxy is a free, optional desktop application for installing, updating, and launching GOG games. It also brings games and friends from connected PC and console platforms into one interface, making it a fit for players who want a… 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

• GOG Galaxy — where it wins

  • Combines GOG games with libraries from connected platforms
  • Supports cloud saves, offline operation, and game rollback
  • Includes community integrations and one-click GOG mod experiences

  Where it doesn't

  • Offline operation applies only to supported games
  • Online features require an internet connection
  • Does not provide its own subscription game catalog

• Steam9.4/10 · Free plan

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

  Visit SteamFull verdict →
• GOG Galaxy9.1/10 · Free plan

  A free library hub with offline support and rollback for supported games.

  Visit GOG GalaxyFull verdict →