itch app vs Steam
itch app
itch.io
Steam
store.steampowered.comSide by side
| Figure | itch app | Steam |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · App Store | 8.3 (#2) | 8.2 (#3) |
| Spec score · Game launchers | 8.7 (#13) | 9.1 (#5) |
| Spec score · PC Game Launchers | 8.4 (#6) | 8.4 (#7) |
| Spec score · Game Launcher Software | 8.4 (#8) | 8.3 (#9) |
| Spec score · Game Distribution Platforms | 8.3 (#5) | 8.3 (#6) |
| Languages | The app is available in over 20 languages. | The Steam client supports 28 languages or more. |
| Purpose | The app downloads and runs games and software from itch.io, keeps downloads in one place, and automatically updates them. | Steam is an online destination for playing, discussing, and creating games. |
| Security | The app FAQ identifies Windows tool elevate as powering the itch.io sandbox on Windows. | Steam Guard in the mobile app can approve sign-ins and confirm trades and Community Market listings. |
| Support | Users can report app bugs through the Send feedback menu item, which pre-fills an issue with their platform and app version on GitHub. | Steam Support offers personalized help for purchases and account status after sign-in. |
Plans
In their own words
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.
Steam
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.