Epic Games Launcher vs GameVault
Epic Games Launcher
store.epicgames.com
GameVault
gamevau.ltSide by side
| Figure | Epic Games Launcher | GameVault |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | €4.16/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Spec score · Game Launcher Software | 8.4 (#6) | 8.8 (#1) |
| Spec score · Game launchers | 8.2 (#19) | 8.3 (#18) |
| Cloud saves | Many Epic Games Store games support Cloud Saves, which automatically store save files online for use across devices. | Cloud save synchronization is listed as a GameVault+ feature and can be disabled by a server administrator. |
| Headquarters | Cary, North Carolina, USA | Germany |
| Purpose | The Epic Games Launcher provides access to install and launch games from the Epic Games Store Library. | GameVault is a self-hostable platform for browsing and playing DRM-free games stored on your file server. |
| Support | Epic provides a Player Support portal with self-service account recovery, password help, and two-factor-authentication tools. | For subscription support, the maker directs users to contact the developers through Discord or email at [email protected]. |
Plans
GameVault
- Flex Plan€4.99 a month
- Family & Friends Plan€8.99 a month
- Smart Saver Plan€49.90 a year
In their own words
Epic Games Launcher
Epic Games Launcher gives users access to install and launch games in an Epic Games Store library. The launcher is free to install, and Epic offers a new free game every Thursday on mobile and PC. The store is available globally on PC and Mac and worldwide on Android; iPhone and iPad access is limited to specified supported regions. Desktop requirements include Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11, macOS 13.5 or later, an Intel Core i3 or AMD FX processor, 4GB memory, compatible DirectX 9 graphics and 3GB storage. Many games support cloud saves, and signed-in players can continue progress across devices in supported games. Offline Mode works for eligible installed single-player games, though multiplayer, cloud saves, achievements and other online services may not be available. The launcher supports controllers and automatic updates. Epic accounts support authenticator-app, SMS or email two-factor authentication, parental controls and up to 1,000 friends. Mod support is listed as none. Optional in-app purchases are available.
GameVault
GameVault is a self-hostable platform for browsing and playing DRM-free games stored on a file server. Its server indexes game files and adds metadata, while clients let users organize, download, install and launch games. The client records playtime and game progress, including offline. Server features include multi-user authentication, role-based access, parental controls, backups and OAuth2 authentication. Users can choose a browser-based Web UI, a legacy Windows app or an early-access desktop client for Windows, Linux and macOS. The browser-only session cannot install or launch games on the user's computer; the full download manager is available in desktop clients. GameVault+ includes Playnite, Steam and Discord integrations, alongside a documented REST API for clients, integrations and library automation. Cloud saves and controller support are listed, while remote play and mod support are not. The maker says it uses encryption and follows GDPR rules. Plans include €4.99/month or €49.90/year for personal subscriptions and €8.99/month for a plan shareable with up to five others. GameVault+ is currently available in the legacy Windows app; cross-platform support is described as coming soon.