PlayCounter review
A free, open-source Windows tracker with broad launcher coverage and local history.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
PlayCounter is a free, open-source Windows desktop application for people who want one playtime record across multiple PC game sources. It automatically records sessions by observing running processes, without requiring special launch setup for supported games. Coverage includes Steam, Xbox, PC Game Pass, Epic, GOG, EA, Ubisoft, Battle.net, itch.io, standalone installations, DOSBox and Dolphin. A searchable library, provider tabs, live session timing, history and statistics make it suitable for players consolidating activity across launchers.
The free plan includes automatic playtime tracking, Steam and Xbox playtime imports, local history and backups, and no PlayCounter account. Existing playtime can be added through the supported Steam and Xbox imports, while manual session entry and total adjustments provide a way to correct or supplement recorded activity. Local backup export and import also help preserve the library and history outside the application. The published feature set is focused on tracking and record management rather than account-based synchronization.
PlayCounter’s breadth is its main strength: it combines automatic process-based detection with provider views, emulator support, desktop overlays, shortcuts and game-launch actions. That makes it a practical choice for Windows users who play across several launchers or keep standalone and emulated games in the same library. It is less suitable for anyone seeking mobile access or a multi-platform tracker, since the product is Windows-only and has no mobile app. Choose it for local, cross-launcher desktop tracking; choose an alternative if mobile access or broader platform coverage is central to your workflow.
PlayCounter pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Tracks sessions automatically across major PC launchers and standalone games
- Imports Steam and Xbox playtime and supports manual corrections
- Includes searchable history, statistics, backups, overlays and launch actions
- Where it doesn't
- Windows desktop only, with no mobile app
- Game matching uses online lookups while history is stored locally
- Launcher history coverage centers on Steam and Xbox imports
PlayCounter fact sheet, pricing and score →
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