Steam alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Steam: most games are tied to the Steam client by DRM, and the client is heavy and keeps background services running. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Steam, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. GOG Galaxy currently ranks first.
No alternatives match these filters.
Show all 5 alternativesThe best Steam alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Steam alternative for most people
GOG GalaxySells DRM-free games you can download and keep, and its optional client can show your Steam library too.
Best Steam alternative for a free option
Heroic Games LauncherOpen-source launcher for your Epic, GOG and Amazon games, popular on Linux and the Steam Deck.
Best Steam alternative for open source
LutrisLinux game manager that pulls Steam, Epic, GOG and Humble libraries in alongside emulators.
Best Steam alternative for Mac
itch.ioDRM-free store packed with indie games, pay-what-you-want pricing and an open-source desktop app.
Best Steam alternative for Windows
PlayniteKeeps your Steam games in one library alongside Epic, GOG and emulated games, free and open source on Windows.
Best Steam alternative for Linux
Heroic Games LauncherOpen-source launcher for your Epic, GOG and Amazon games, popular on Linux and the Steam Deck.
Best Steam alternative for working in the browser
itch.ioDRM-free store packed with indie games, pay-what-you-want pricing and an open-source desktop app.
Steam alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Steam?
GOG Galaxy ranks first right now. Sells DRM-free games you can download and keep, and its optional client can show your Steam library too. Heroic Games Launcher and Lutris follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Steam?
Yes. GOG Galaxy (free), Heroic Games Launcher (open source), Lutris (open source) and itch.io (free) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Steam?
Yes: Heroic Games Launcher, Lutris and Playnite.
Which Steam alternatives work on Linux?
Heroic Games Launcher, Lutris and itch.io run on Linux.
Why do people switch from Steam?
The complaints we hear most: most games are tied to the Steam client by DRM; the client is heavy and keeps background services running; you buy licences, not DRM-free copies like on GOG.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Steam, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.