Artemis Qt vs Steam

Artemis Qt is a free client for streaming from NVIDIA GameStream, Apollo, and Sunshine servers on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It decodes video with hardware acceleration and supports H.264, HEVC, AV1, HDR streaming, 7.1 audio, multitouch, and gamepad play for up to 16 players, including local co-op. The client adds clipboard sync, custom server commands, one-time-password pairing, and UUID-based app launching, with a fallback to legacy app IDs when UUIDs are unavailable. Its in-stream menu includes fractional refresh-rate control, resolution scaling, and virtual display control. The project describes it as optimized for handhelds such as Steam Deck, with touch and gamepad navigation and power-efficient rendering. Downloads include Windows x64 and ARM64 builds, a universal macOS binary, and Linux x64 AppImage and Flatpak packages. AV1 requires Sunshine and a supported host GPU; YUV 4:4:4 is listed for Sunshine only. The project is licensed under GPL v3, and custom app ordering and input-only streaming are planned.

Steam is an online destination for playing, discussing, and creating games. Its catalog includes nearly 30,000 games, with game hubs, reviews, achievements, and custom recommendations for discovery. Users can meet others, join groups, form clans, and use text or voice chat. Steam Workshop supports making, finding, and downloading mods and cosmetics for nearly 1,000 supported games. Steam Broadcast streams gameplay live to friends or the community. The Steam Mobile app on iOS and Android supports shopping, account protection, game news, notifications, and community features; Steam Guard can approve sign-ins and confirm trades or Community Market listings. Steamworks provides tools and services for developers and publishers distributing games on Steam. Steam is free, but game and content prices vary and some subscriptions may be free. Content is licensed rather than sold; use may require an account, the client, and an internet connection. Users under 13 may not subscribe, and country-specific age limits may also apply.