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Head-to-head · PC Game Launchers

Steam vs Xbox app for PC

  • 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
Xbox app for PC #3 in PC Game Launchers 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Xbox

Steam leads on 0 checks, Xbox app for PC 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 featuresXbox app for PC · 5 of 5

Steam scores higher on our rubric for pc game launchers: 9.4 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

Steam is the better fit for PC gamers seeking a free, feature-rich game library. Xbox app for PC is the better fit for game Pass subscribers.

  • Steam fits best

    PC gamers seeking a free, feature-rich game library

  • Xbox app for PC fits best

    Game Pass subscribers

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Side by side

Feature Steam 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Xbox app for PC 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.9
Ranking #1 in PC Game Launchers #3 in PC Game Launchers
Best for PC gamers seeking a free, feature-rich game library Game Pass subscribers
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan $13.99/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Windows
Features Steam 4/5 · Xbox app for PC 5/5
Cloud saves ✓ ✓
Offline mode ✓ ✓
Subscription catalog Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Third-party game import ✓ ✓
Mod integration ✓ ✓
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
  • Organizes Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other supported PC storefronts.
  • Supports cloud saves, offline permissions, and mods for eligible games.
  • Adds cloud gaming, console remote play, and cross-device chat.
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
  • Requires Windows 10 or 11 version 22H2 or higher.
  • Cloud gaming requires a supported Game Pass subscription.
  • Offline play and mod support depend on game eligibility and licensing.
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 →

Xbox app for PC is Microsoft's Windows launcher for players who want to browse, install, and organize Xbox and PC games alongside supported third-party storefronts. It is particularly relevant to PC Game Pass subscribers: the app is free,…

Read the review →
  1. SteamPC Game Launchers 9.4Free plan
  2. Xbox app for PCPC Game Launchers 8.9Free 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

  • Xbox app for PC — where it wins

    • Organizes Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other supported PC storefronts.
    • Supports cloud saves, offline permissions, and mods for eligible games.
    • Adds cloud gaming, console remote play, and cross-device chat.

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires Windows 10 or 11 version 22H2 or higher.
    • Cloud gaming requires a supported Game Pass subscription.
    • Offline play and mod support depend on game eligibility and licensing.
  • Steam9.4/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit SteamFull verdict →
  • Xbox app for PC8.9/10 · Free plan

    A free Windows launcher with a paid PC Game Pass catalog and cross-store features.

    Visit XboxFull 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