The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Steam is the safer default for buying finished indie games; itch.io is the better hunting ground for free, experimental, jam-made and DRM-free work. Steam gives you a client library, review history, wishlists, regional pricing, broad platform features and a published two-week/under-two-hour refund rule. itch.io is an open web marketplace where creators can publish without a fee, set minimum prices or pay-what-you-want terms, upload unmodified files and offer browser-playable builds. The practical answer is not to choose one forever: use itch.io to discover unusual projects and demos, then use Steam when you want a polished commercial release, Steam Deck integration or stronger buyer protection. Many developers now release a prototype or jam build on itch.io and a full version on Steam, sometimes including a Steam key with the itch.io purchase.
| Name | Best for | Key spec | Free plan / price | Platforms | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam | Finished commercial indies, sales, reviews, co-op and Steam Deck | Two-week/under-two-hour standard game refund; client library; optional DRM wrapper | Mostly paid catalog; median paid price $6.99 (GameDev Radar, 2026) | Windows, macOS, Linux, Steam Deck, mobile companion | Oct 2026 |
| itch.io | Free and pay-what-you-want games, jams, prototypes, browser play and DRM-free files | No publishing fee; creator-set minimums; files downloaded exactly as uploaded | Many free/PWYW titles; median paid price $6.29 (GameDev Radar, 2026) | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux; optional open-source app | Oct 2026 |
What is the practical difference between Steam and itch.io?
Steam is a closed storefront and game client built around a persistent account library. itch.io is an open marketplace and website, with an optional desktop app, where creators control more of the page, price and file distribution. Steam is optimized for converting interest into sales of finished games; itch.io is optimized for publishing and discovering a much wider range of projects, including unfinished experiments and non-game digital work.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Scale helps explain the different feel. Steam’s About page showed 24,924,005 users online and 6,304,101 playing at one moment on 29 October 2026 — Valve, 2026. That is concurrent activity, not monthly active users, and it changes constantly. itch.io founder Leaf Corcoran said in an October 2026 update that its indexed pages had gone “well over 2 million”; those pages include games, tools, comics, books, assets and other projects, not just games.
Steam’s store offers a baseline New Releases queue, personalized tags, wishlists, reviews, seasonal sales and social features. itch.io’s strongest native discovery surfaces are staff picks, tags, browse pages, game jams, creator follows, collections, a randomizer and in-browser projects. Neither catalog is automatically “better”: they expose different parts of indie development.
Popular on Amazon
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Where should I buy indie games?
Buy on Steam when you want a conventional commercial purchase with a predictable refund window, review scores, cloud and social features, or native Steam Deck support. Buy on itch.io when the specific game is a jam entry, prototype, browser title, niche experiment, tool or DRM-free release, or when you want to pay a creator more than the minimum. If you follow indie games closely, keeping both accounts gives you the broadest coverage.
| Your priority | Better starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Refund safety for an unknown premium game | Steam | Valve normally accepts requests within two weeks and under two hours of play. |
| Free, jam and experimental projects | itch.io | Its catalog is predominantly free or pay-what-you-want and has a native jam system. |
| Browser play without installing | itch.io | HTML5 projects can run in the page when the creator enables them. |
| Steam Deck verification, cloud saves or Workshop | Steam | Those are Steam platform features; itch.io does not provide an equivalent platform layer. |
| DRM-free archival files | itch.io | itch.io does not modify uploaded files or impose DRM. |
| Regional prices and major seasonal discounts | Steam | Steamworks supports regional pricing across more than 35 currencies and Valve runs large official sales. |
How does indie-game discovery work on Steam?
Steam combines a large commercial catalog with several recommendation and launch systems. It is easier to filter a known quantity, but the volume means you still need tags, reviews and wishlists to avoid low-quality releases.
New releases and launch visibility
Every full release enters a New Releases queue. Valve says the queue prefers games with the fewest views since release and filters the presentation by a user’s tags and preferences. It is a baseline opportunity, not a guarantee of sales. Valve also describes “New and Trending,” Top Sellers, Specials, the Discovery Queue, curator recommendations, friends’ activity and update-visibility rounds as additional routes when a game performs well.
Wishlists, tags and reviews
A Coming Soon page collects wishlists before launch. Wishlisted customers can receive email or mobile notifications for a release, a demo, an Early Access-to-1.0 transition and discounts of 20% or more that last over eight hours on the lowest-priced package. Valve’s FAQ answers the common question about a minimum threshold with “No.” There is no published number of wishlists required before Steam can show a game.
Wishlists matter for launch and sale notifications and some featured lists, but Valve says they are mostly not an algorithmic ranking factor outside exceptions such as Popular Upcoming. Valve names tags, language support, actual purchases and playtime as visibility signals. Store-page traffic and conversion rate are explicitly not visibility factors. User reviews from players with playtime feed 30-day and lifetime scores; review sentiment above Mixed (40% or higher) is generally less decisive than lower scores.
How to search efficiently
- Start with two or three precise tags, such as “co-op,” “survival” and “horror,” rather than a broad search for “indie.”
- Open the store page and check the supported operating systems, controller information, Early Access status and the recent review summary.
- Add uncertain games to your wishlist instead of buying immediately. Steam can notify you about launch and qualifying discounts.
- Read recent written reviews for technical problems, controller support and whether the current build matches the screenshots.
- Use the Discovery Queue and curator recommendations after you have established the tags you actually enjoy.
How does indie-game discovery work on itch.io?
itch.io’s openness produces more variety and more noise. A public project page can be reached immediately from a creator profile or direct URL, but appearing in search and browse requires indexing. Public visibility, a cover image, actual downloadable files or in-browser play, and compliance with indexing rules are part of that process.
Recommended Free Tools
Featured pages, tags and jams
Staff picks are selected for a level of quality and originality. The randomizer can be filtered, while follows create a creator feed and logged-in recommendations. Collections let you organize projects personally or collaboratively. Game jams are a first-class publishing and browsing format: a theme and deadline produce concentrated streams of small games that may never be listed on a conventional commercial storefront.
Search is best for an exact title. For a subject such as “short horror” or “typing game,” use tagged browse pages instead. NSFW projects are hidden unless a viewer enables NSFW browsing; logged-out users start with that setting off.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Why a game may be hard to find
Indexing is separate from publication. A creator can publish a page that is reachable by URL while it remains absent from discovery pages, or mark it unlisted. New sellers’ first paid page may sit in a human review queue for a few business days. In October 2026, Corcoran said classifiers had been over-cautious, released about 215,000 blocked pages and banned more than 10,000 malware or spam accounts. He also said itch.io would not add a Steam-like publishing fee.
The result is an enormous, uneven catalog. itch.io itself warns creators that “recently released” is a poor launch surface because hundreds of projects can arrive each day. For buyers, staff picks, established creators, jams and curated collections are usually more useful than sorting only by newest.
Do I need an account to buy on either store?
Steam requires an account, and most games require the Steam client to install, launch and update. itch.io does not require an account: checkout uses PayPal or card processing through Stripe, and the purchase is tied to an email address and a unique download-key URL. Creating or linking an itch.io account is still recommended because it keeps My purchases, collections and the desktop app in one place.
Buying a game on Steam
- Create or sign in to a Steam account and install the Steam client.
- Open the game’s store page and check operating-system support, reviews, price, language and controller details.
- Select Add to Cart, choose Purchase for myself or Purchase as a gift, then complete payment.
- Find the title in Library and install it. Steam handles updates and, where supported, cloud saves, achievements, Workshop content and overlay features.
Valve says Steam supports more than 100 payment methods across over 35 currencies, and Steamworks provides regional pricing tools. The amount shown therefore depends on the buyer’s country rather than being a single global dollar price.
Buying a game on itch.io
- Open the project page and read the operating-system requirements, file list, version notes and whether a browser build is available.
- Choose the creator’s minimum price, enter a higher amount if you want to tip, or use a $0+ option when the page offers one. A $0 download skips payment and does not create paid ownership.
- At checkout, choose PayPal or Stripe, and select the gift option if you are buying for someone else.
- Save the emailed download-key URL. If the email is lost, contact itch.io support; linking the purchase to an account makes future access easier.
- Download the files directly, or install the optional itch.io app for Windows, macOS or Linux to manage downloads and updates.
Creators can add separately priced extras such as soundtracks or bonus levels in the same checkout dialog. Some pages also provide a button to claim an external Steam key when the developer has uploaded keys.
What are the refund rules for indie games?
Steam has the clearer general safety net. itch.io refunds are possible for genuine access, functionality or misrepresentation problems, but they are narrower and often involve the publisher.
Steam’s standard refund window
Valve’s refund page, last updated 23 April 2024, says: “You can request a refund for nearly any purchase on Steam—for any reason.” For games and software, the normal condition is a request within two weeks of purchase and less than two hours of play. For pre-purchases, the 14-day period starts at release. DLC generally follows similar rules if it has not been consumed.
Unused Steam Wallet funds can be refundable within 14 days. Valve does not refund third-party CD keys or wallet cards bought outside Steam. A VAC ban removes the refund right for the relevant game, and abusing refunds can result in the privilege being withdrawn. EU consumers may have additional faulty-goods rights; Valve says buyers can still ask outside the standard window.
Also popular on Amazon
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
itch.io’s support-based refunds
itch.io’s terms allow a refund when purchased content cannot run, cannot be accessed or does not accurately represent what was advertised. Technical problems are first directed to the publisher. A product that includes a Steam key may require the publisher to cancel that key before a refund is possible, and some older payment arrangements leave the transaction with the creator rather than itch.io. Deleting an account does not itself create a refund right.
Is itch.io really DRM-free?
Yes, in the platform-policy sense. itch.io’s creator FAQ states: “No. itch.io lets users download the games exactly as you uploaded them. No modifications are made to the files you upload.” A paid purchase gives you a perpetual license to the content you obtained even if the publisher later removes the page, subject to the terms of that license.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Steam is client-centered. Developers may use Valve’s optional Steam DRM wrapper, which checks that Steam is running before launch. Valve describes the wrapper as protection against extremely casual copying, not a complete anti-piracy solution, and developers can omit it or use Steamworks APIs without the wrapper. Even without that wrapper, a Steam license normally remains in the Steam account and the client is commonly involved in installation, updates and launch.
Buying on itch.io can therefore be attractive even when you intend to play through Steam: many commercial indies include a DRM-free build plus an extra Steam key. That depends on the creator’s page, so verify the exact offer before paying.
Are itch.io games cheaper than Steam games?
Not in the simple sense. itch.io has more free and pay-what-you-want material, but paid commercial games have similar median prices. GameDev Radar’s 26 October 2026 comparison found 90% of Steam games were paid versus 17% on itch.io, with median paid prices of $6.99 on Steam and $6.29 on itch.io — GameDev Radar, 2026. The itch.io figure sits inside a much larger free catalog, so it should not be read as a promise that every commercial game costs less there.
How itch.io pricing works
A creator sets a minimum price. Buyers can pay that amount or more, and pages may offer $0+ downloads, tips and paid extras. itch.io recommends a $2 minimum because the typical payment-processing charge is $0.30 plus 2.9% per transaction. At a $10 sale with the default 10% itch.io share, the documented example nets $8.41 before other adjustments.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
itch.io’s default platform share is 10%, configurable by the seller from 0% to 100%. Its pricing documentation reproduces a 2015 observation that 30% of money spent was “extra” above the minimum and that the average purchase was about $1.50 above it; that is a historical figure, not a 2026 measurement. In collected-by-itch payout mode, the minimum payout is $5, revenue becomes available seven days after purchase and staff review typically takes 10 to 14 days.
Steam pricing and sales
Steam uses fixed store prices with regional adjustments and frequent official sales. The exact developer revenue split is contractual; 2026 industry reporting commonly describes 30% at lower lifetime revenue tiers, reducing at higher thresholds, but Valve’s public finance pages retrieved for this comparison do not print those percentages. Do not treat the often-repeated split as a current public Valve FAQ.
Also popular on Amazon
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Widely Compatible: Transform any USB-C port into a USB-A port and USB-A port into a USB-C port, and connect up a wide range of USB-C(including MacBook, iPad Pro/Air/Mini, iPhone models with USB C ports, Samsung Galaxy series, and Google Pixel series. ) and USB A devices(including external hard drives, phones, mice, printers, and more)
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Which store has the better catalog for my genre?
Genre odds differ because the catalogs serve different purposes. GameDev Radar compared 88 shared genres and found a median of 2,131 games per genre on Steam versus 4,751 on itch.io — GameDev Radar, 2026. The larger itch.io count includes free jam uploads and other small projects, so quantity is not a quality score.
| Look here first | Genres and formats | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Steam | Platformers, survival, shooters, puzzle, action, horror, fighting, multiplayer, adventure, simulation, online co-op and arcade | More polished commercial releases, paid launches and established review histories |
| itch.io | Hidden object, solitaire, typing, trivia, pinball, match-3, gambling/casino, immersive sims, monster collecting, word games, precision platformers and twin-stick shooters | Niche experiments, jam entries, browser toys, prototypes and free or PWYW projects |
| itch.io beyond games | Tools, assets, comics, books, soundtracks and physical-game listings | A broader creator marketplace than a conventional PC game store |
What do the seller rules mean for buyers?
Publishing economics shape what reaches each storefront. Steam charges $100 per app, recoupable after at least $1,000 in adjusted gross revenue. Onboarding includes a 21-day wait after paying the fee, a public Coming Soon page for at least two weeks and a store/build review Valve says takes one to five days. That cost and process discourage some tiny free releases while giving buyers a basic barrier against instant spam.
itch.io costs nothing to publish, places no advertising on creator pages and lets sellers choose a platform share. That openness is why the catalog can contain a same-day web build, a one-person prototype and a polished commercial release side by side. It also explains the need to inspect files, screenshots, version notes and comments rather than assuming every page has the same level of review.
Can I play itch.io games in a browser or on Steam Deck?
Many itch.io HTML5 projects run directly in a browser, which is the fastest way to try a game without installing it. Downloadable projects target Windows, macOS or Linux, and the optional open-source itch.io app installs and updates them. The app has been adding Proton and Steam-shortcut work in 2026, but Steam remains the native store and integration layer on Steam Deck.
Steam supports Windows, macOS and Linux clients, Steam Deck and a mobile companion. Its platform advantages include controller support, cloud saves, achievements, friends, broadcasts and Workshop mods on supported games. An itch.io purchase may still work on a Deck through a desktop-mode install or compatibility tools, but support is game-by-game rather than a store-wide guarantee.
How are adult and controversial games handled?
Neither store is an unregulated adult marketplace. Both apply age labels and payment-processor restrictions, and rules can change. itch.io bars themes including non-consensual or underage content, incest or pseudo-incest, trafficking implications, revenge porn, voyeurism and extreme bodily-waste or harm fetishes. Real sexualized images or videos of people and AI imagery designed to look like photographs of real people are also prohibited. Fictional illustrated adult work may be hosted only when it remains legal and complies with payment rules.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Steamworks separately restricts hate speech, real-person sexual images, unlabeled adult content, child exploitation, malware, advertising-based apps and NFT or crypto apps, in addition to processor restrictions. itch.io’s policy warns that serious violations can lead to permanent action with no appeal and no payout. Buyers should enable NSFW browsing only when they understand the page’s age and content labels.
Should I use both Steam and itch.io?
For most indie-game fans, yes. Use itch.io as the scouting layer: follow creators, browse jams, try HTML5 builds, collect DRM-free downloads and support projects at a self-chosen price. Use Steam as the commercial library: wishlist finished games, compare recent reviews, take advantage of regional sales and use the refund window when a purchase does not work for you.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
The two-store release path is now common. GameDev Radar describes a pattern in which a demo or jam version appears on itch.io, interest and feedback accumulate, and the full commercial release arrives on Steam. MarketYourIndie summarized the distinction this way: “For most premium PC indie games, Steam is where the commercial volume is. itch.io is excellent for demos, jams and direct sales, but it is a different scale.” A page listing is not a guarantee of sales on either platform.
How we picked the comparison criteria
The comparison weighs the buyer decisions that materially change a purchase: discovery tools, refund and support rules, ownership and DRM, price structure, catalog mix, platform features, hardware access and the friction of creating an account or installing a client. It does not assign a fake overall score, because the stores optimize for different jobs and the right choice depends on the game and the buyer’s priorities.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallFrequently Asked Questions
Can I buy an itch.io game without giving the site my card number?
Yes. itch.io checkout uses PayPal or Stripe, and itch.io says it does not store card numbers. The purchase is associated with your email and a unique download-key URL, so keep that message or link an account for easier recovery.
What happens if an itch.io creator removes a game I paid for?
The terms provide a perpetual license to content you obtained, even if the publisher later removes the page. Keep local backups of the downloaded files because a license does not guarantee that a future build, server or external key will remain available.
Does a free itch.io download count as owning the game?
No. A $0 download that skips payment does not grant paid ownership. If the creator later changes the page to paid, access to the earlier free download can depend on the page and account record.
Why do some Steam games have an itch.io page too?
Developers often use itch.io for demos, jam versions, feedback and DRM-free distribution, then sell the finished commercial build on Steam. When the creator has uploaded keys, an itch.io purchase may include a Steam key as well as the direct download.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsAre Steam reviews a guarantee that an indie game will run on my computer?
No. Reviews describe other players’ experiences and feed Steam’s 30-day and lifetime scores, but hardware, drivers, operating-system versions and patches vary. Check the store page’s requirements and recent written reviews before relying on a score.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
