Steam
Steam: A free game library and launcher with community tools, mods, cloud saves, and offline play. Ranked #1 of 21 in PC Game Launchers by our editors (9.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for PC gamers seeking a free, feature-rich game library.
At a glance
- Editor score9.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forPC gamers seeking a free, feature-rich game library
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Supported OSWindows
- Facts checked19 Sep 2026
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
Our verdict on Steam
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. It suits players who want a single place to manage games alongside community activity, rather than a launcher limited to opening installed titles.
The client is free to install and use, but individual games and other content may be paid. Its library can also include non-Steam game shortcuts, which helps players keep entries for games from elsewhere in one place. Automatic updates, remote downloads, and library management add day-to-day utility, while recommendations, reviews, wishlists, achievements, chat, groups, game hubs, and broadcasting extend the experience beyond purchasing and launching games.
Steam Workshop provides player-created mods and cosmetics, and controller support gives players another way to interact with supported games. Steam Cloud can synchronize saves and offline mode can launch supported installed games, but both depend on the individual game and its configuration. Choose Steam if a broad library, community features, and mod integration matter; it may be a weaker fit for someone seeking a client where every title has the same cloud-save or offline behavior. Mobile apps are companions, while the listed desktop client platforms include Windows, macOS, and Linux.
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Steam pricing
Steam fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported OS | Windows |
| Cloud saves | Yes |
| Offline mode | Yes |
| Subscription catalog | Not verified |
| Third-party game import | Yes |
| Mod integration | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | store.steampowered.com |
| Facts checked | 19 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Steam
- GOG GalaxyA free library hub with offline support and rollback for supported games.9.1
- Xbox app for PCA free Windows launcher with a paid PC Game Pass catalog and cross-store features.8.9
- Epic Games StoreA free launcher for claiming games and managing a library across PC, Mac, and mobile.8.7
Steam vs the competition
- Steam vs GOG Galaxy
- Steam vs Xbox app for PC
- Steam vs Epic Games Store
- Steam vs LaunchBox
- Steam vs Lutris
- Steam vs EA app
Compare Steam with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Steam is ranked in 7 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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