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Head-to-head · PC Game Launchers

Steam vs Ubisoft Connect

  • 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
Ubisoft Connect #8 in PC Game Launchers 8.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 5 features Visit Ubisoft

Steam leads on 0 checks, Ubisoft Connect on 0, and 6 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 8.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #8.

Steam is the better fit for PC gamers seeking a free, feature-rich game library. Ubisoft Connect is the better fit for ubisoft game subscribers.

  • Steam fits best

    PC gamers seeking a free, feature-rich game library

  • Ubisoft Connect fits best

    Ubisoft game subscribers

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Side by side

Feature Steam 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Ubisoft Connect 8.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.0
Ranking #1 in PC Game Launchers #8 in PC Game Launchers
Best for PC gamers seeking a free, feature-rich game library Ubisoft game subscribers
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan $7.99/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Windows
Features Steam 4/5 · Ubisoft Connect 2/5
Cloud saves ✓ ✓
Offline mode ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Subscription catalog Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Third-party game import ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Mod integration ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Supported OS Windows Windows
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
  • Free Windows launcher organizes and customizes a Ubisoft game library.
  • Cross-progression for supported games plus cross-platform chat and friends.
  • Ubisoft+ access, free games, trials, betas, and in-game rewards.
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
  • Limited to Windows as a PC launcher.
  • Cross-progression and cloud saves depend on the game.
  • Ubisoft+ availability and benefits vary by country, plan, platform, and purchase channel.
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 →

Ubisoft Connect is Ubisoft’s free Windows launcher and gaming service for accessing, managing, and organizing Ubisoft games. It suits players who want one place for their Ubisoft library, social features, rewards, and access to Ubisoft+…

Read the review →
  1. SteamPC Game Launchers 9.4Free plan
  2. Ubisoft ConnectPC Game Launchers 8.0Free 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

  • Ubisoft Connect — where it wins

    • Free Windows launcher organizes and customizes a Ubisoft game library.
    • Cross-progression for supported games plus cross-platform chat and friends.
    • Ubisoft+ access, free games, trials, betas, and in-game rewards.

    Where it doesn't

    • Limited to Windows as a PC launcher.
    • Cross-progression and cloud saves depend on the game.
    • Ubisoft+ availability and benefits vary by country, plan, platform, and purchase channel.
  • Steam9.4/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit SteamFull verdict →
  • Ubisoft Connect8.0/10 · Free plan

    A useful Ubisoft hub with a free launcher and optional game subscriptions.

    Visit UbisoftFull verdict →

More comparisons

All PC game launchers comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update