The age of many video game clients continues to persist. From Steam to Epic to the EA app, it doesn't take long for a gaming PC to become completely bloated with various gaming clients. These are basically apps that allow gamers to conveniently browse, buy, purchase and launch video games from one place where they can build their own digital video game library.
That said, not all PC gaming clients are created equal. There are a few clients that mostly feature games from a specific studio, while others have a wide variety of titles. Considering that less is more and that nobody wants to have a dozen different clients, which of them brings in the most money when it comes to PC gaming? The list will consider game variety, user-friendliness and performance, sales, rewards and prizes, as well as social features.
The Itch.io app
The best place for indie and browser games
Anyone who calls themselves an indie game lover should have the Itch.io gaming client installed on their PC. The platform is absolutely full of great and quirky games, many of which are incredibly cheap and some of which are completely free. It's the perfect place for gamers who are on a budget but still want to enjoy gaming and aren't afraid to discover brand new games. There won't be a triple-A title, but the amount of indie potential makes up for it.
One of the nicest features of the Itch.io game client is the synchronization of browser games to the client itself. This allows players to conveniently access them even when they are offline. Bonus points for not discriminating against Linux users.
Apps for Xbox
Easy access to Game Pass titles on PC
The Xbox app for PC is a must-have for those with an Xbox Game Pass subscription. Despite the recent price hike to the Ultimate Game Pass tier, the Essential and Premium tiers still contain a decent variety of games. Another benefit of these plans is that players can seamlessly switch between playing on their PCs and Xbox X/S consoles.
Even without a console, the benefits of Xbox and Game Pass apps are available thanks to PC-only Game Pass, which also gets the benefit of a day one release. Bottom line, anyone looking to access a ton of games for a monthly price will get the most bang for their buck here.
Epic Games Launcher
A must have for your freebies
Epic Games Launcher is another great option for gamers who are on a budget. Its main advantage is the weekly free game drop. Every Thursday, Epic offers users a free game on both PC and mobile platforms. This giveaway doesn't just cover small indie titles, but double-A and even triple-A titles that would otherwise cost a fortune.
The list of free games released only on Epic Games in the past is impressive enough to warrant creating an account for this client, and between 2024 and 2025 players were able to get great titles like Control, Vampire Survivors, Ghostrunner 2, Dredgeand Dead Island 2. Even though players end up spending on Epic Games, each purchase collects Epic rewards that can be used on future purchases. While Epic's overall library doesn't quite match Steam's massive variety, it's hard to argue against the power of free games and a rewards program for anyone looking to build a library on a budget.
GOG Galaxy
Best for older and DRM-free games
CD Projekt is the company behind the GOG Galaxy name Charmer and Cyberpunk 2077 fans will be well acquainted. Their PC gaming client is a really solid alternative to competitors like Epic Games and even Steam. What sets it apart from the rest is its impressive selection of legacy games that can put other PC game clients to shame. For example, Silent Hill Fans of the franchise will be pleased to know that the fourth installment in the series is available on GOG Galaxy (but not on Steam).
The fact that GOG Galaxy is DRM-free by default is also a bonus, although some DRM-free games exist on other PC game clients. Having access to games offline is valuable, and knowing that GOG Galaxy is only seen as a tool instead of a requirement to own and enjoy a game is a refreshing attitude in the modern, digitized age.
Steam
The most complete PC gaming client
Steam has been at the forefront of PC gaming clients for many years, thanks to its user-friendly approach and lack of pursuit of profit. There's a reason Steam's customer service has been the subject of many positive memes over the years; they are known to be prompt when it comes to solving problems, refunds and hacked accounts.
Steam's second trump card is its diversity: it has everything from triple-A titles to indie releases to free-to-play titles. With seasonal sales and midweek events, gamers have plenty of opportunities to get their favorite titles for cheap. The client hasn't changed much in appearance over the years, which shows how functional it is. It just works, and often browsing games is much faster than on other PC gaming clients.
And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Steam's social and community features are top-notch, from workshops to game guides to built-in voice chat. Being able to access Steam games on Linux thanks to Proton is also just a massive win for Valve, and this accessibility alone deserves to crown it the king of PC gaming clients.
