Best 10 Steam Alternatives in 2026: Top PC Game Stores Compared

Introduction

Epic Games Store is the best overall Steam alternative for most PC players, thanks to its broad storefront, weekly free games and wide catalog. This list of steam alternatives covers 10 options: open storefronts, publisher launchers and cloud gaming services. GOG and itch.io are the runners-up.

Why people look for alternatives to Steam

Steam is the default PC store, but it doesn't fit everyone.

• Ownership: some players want DRM-free installs, or a subscription instead of buying each game.
• Price: free-game programs and other stores give you reasons to shop around.
• Exclusives: some games are sold only through the publisher's own launcher.
• Hardware: players with weak PCs may prefer to stream games instead of installing them.

Many people use Steam alongside these tools rather than replacing it.

Quick comparison table

This is a feature comparison only. We have not assigned scores or ratings.

1. Epic Games Store

Best for: players who want a broad storefront closest to Steam's role.

Epic Games Store is a PC storefront and launcher from Epic Games. Developers get a lower revenue share than the usual store cut. The trade-off is that its community and modding features are weaker than Steam's.

Standout feature: the weekly free games program.

2. GOG

Best for: people who want to own their games with no DRM.

GOG focuses on classic and DRM-free titles. Unlike Steam, you can install them without an always-on client, and the GOG Galaxy launcher is optional.

Standout feature: DRM-free installers.

3. itch.io

Best for: fans of indie and experimental games.

itch.io is an open marketplace where creators set their own prices, including pay-what-you-want. Game jam entries sit next to regular releases. Expect far fewer AAA games than on Steam.

Standout feature: a huge catalog of experimental indie titles.

4. Humble Store

Best for: buyers who want to support charity while buying PC games.

Humble Store mostly sells Steam keys, so it complements Steam rather than replacing it. You don't need a launcher, and part of each sale goes to charity.

Standout feature: charity-supporting bundles.

5. Xbox App for PC

Best for: players who prefer a subscription over buying each game.

Xbox App for PC is Microsoft's app for buying and playing games. It also gives access to Game Pass titles. That subscription-first approach is the opposite of Steam's ownership model.

Standout feature: Game Pass access.

6. EA app

Best for: players who mainly want EA games.

The EA app is Electronic Arts' PC launcher and the home of the EA Play subscription. Unlike Steam, it covers only EA's own catalog and partners.

Standout feature: EA Play subscription access.

7. Ubisoft Connect

Best for: players of Ubisoft franchises.

Ubisoft Connect is Ubisoft's platform for its own games, with rewards, friends and cloud saves. It is publisher-specific, not an open storefront like Steam.

Standout feature: cloud saves across devices.

8. Amazon Luna

Best for: players who want to skip downloads and play on many devices.

Amazon Luna is a cloud gaming service. You subscribe and stream games, whereas Steam expects you to buy and install them.

Standout feature: playing without downloads on web, desktop, iOS and Android.

9. GeForce NOW

Best for: owners of large Steam, Epic or Ubisoft libraries with underpowered PCs.

GeForce NOW streams games you already own on remote high-end hardware. It doesn't sell games, so think of it as an add-on to a store, not a replacement.

Standout feature: streaming your existing library.

10. Battle.net

Best for: fans of World of Warcraft, Diablo and Overwatch.

Battle.net is Blizzard's launcher and store. It centers on Blizzard and Activision games, not a broad catalog like Steam's.

Standout feature: a single home for Blizzard's flagship series.

How we picked these tools

Each tool offers a different way to buy or play PC games, serves a clear use case and has an official source.

The list mixes open stores, publisher launchers, subscriptions and cloud streaming. Descriptions come from each product's published positioning, not hands-on testing.

No tool here is sponsored. The order reflects our judgment of fit for most Steam users.

Frequently asked questions

What is the closest alternative to Steam?

Epic Games Store is the closest, since it is a broad PC storefront and launcher. GOG and itch.io are also open stores, but each has a narrower focus.

Which alternative lets me own DRM-free games?

GOG. Its games are DRM-free and install without an always-on client. itch.io also sells many indie titles directly from creators.

Can I stream my existing Steam library without a powerful PC?

Yes. GeForce NOW streams games you already own from stores like Steam, Epic and Ubisoft on remote high-end hardware.

Are there free or pay-what-you-want options?

Epic Games Store runs a weekly free games program. On itch.io, creators set their own prices, including pay-what-you-want.

Do I have to give up Steam entirely?

No. Humble Store mostly sells Steam keys, and GeForce NOW streams your Steam games. Many people use these tools alongside Steam.

The verdict

Epic Games Store is the strongest overall pick for its storefront breadth and free games. GOG is the runner-up for ownership and DRM-free installs, and itch.io is another for indie games and flexible pricing.

Choose a cloud service or publisher launcher when you want to stream, subscribe or play a specific publisher's games.