AltStore PAL vs itch app
AltStore PAL
altstore.io
itch app
itch.ioSide by side
| Figure | AltStore PAL | itch app |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · App Store | 6.0 (#8) | 8.3 (#2) |
| Purpose | AltStore is an app store designed for sideloading iOS apps that may not be available in Apple's store. | The app downloads and runs games and software from itch.io, keeps downloads in one place, and automatically updates them. |
| Support | Users with PAL problems can contact the support email listed in the documentation. | Users can report app bugs through the Send feedback menu item, which pre-fills an issue with their platform and app version on GitHub. |
Plans
In their own words
AltStore PAL
AltStore PAL has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
itch app
The itch app is a desktop client for downloading and running games and software from itch.io. Its built-in browser lets users browse creator pages and install titles, while the library keeps downloads together and updates installed games automatically. Users can access collections, bundles, purchases and installed games in the app. Browser-based games can be synced for offline play, and games using itch.io command-line tools can receive delta patches that download only changed data. The client is available for Windows, macOS and Linux, with Windows 7 or newer required, and it is open source and offered in over 20 languages. Creators can provide an app manifest to define launch targets and integrate with the app API. The app registers itch:// and itchio:// links and can create Steam library shortcuts for installed games. Its sandbox limits file access, isolates home directories for Linux games and runs Windows games as less-privileged users. Compatibility problems can still occur, especially on Linux when games do not follow best practices. The listed plan is free.