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Gaming · head to head

Epic Games Store vs Steam

Epic Games Store logo

Epic Games Store

Gaming

PC game storefront with a lower revenue cut for developers

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Steam logo

Steam

Gaming

The ultimate destination for playing, discussing, and creating games

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Epic Games Store has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Epic Games Store far fewer community features than Steam: no workshop, limited forums and a weaker review system; Steam not a subscription-based platform; operates as a digital game store with per-title pricing
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Epic Games Store and Steam actually diverge.

Attributes where Epic Games Store and Steam differ
AttributeEpic Games StoreSteam
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelFree to use; individual games purchased separatelysubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, macOS, WebWeb

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Gaming).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Epic Games Store

  • 12% revenue share
  • Unreal Engine royalty waiver
  • Weekly free games
  • Cross-platform services

Only in Steam

Nothing recorded that Epic Games Store does not also cover.

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Epic Games Store

  • Buying PC games, often at lower prices than competing storesnot Steam
  • Claiming the weekly free gamenot Steam
  • Developers wanting a better revenue share than the 30% standardnot Steam

Steam

  • PC game distribution and purchasenot Epic Games Store
  • Digital game library managementnot Epic Games Store
  • Multiplayer gaming platformnot Epic Games Store

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Epic Games Store

  • Far fewer community features than Steam: no workshop, limited forums and a weaker review system
  • A smaller catalogue, and its exclusivity deals have been unpopular with players
  • The client has a longstanding reputation for being slower and less capable than competitors
  • A smaller audience means developers trade reach for the better revenue split

Steam

  • Not a subscription-based platform; operates as a digital game store with per-title pricing
  • No service tiers or platform access fees; users access the platform free

Pricing, plan by plan

Epic Games Store

Free
  • Epic Games StoreFree
    • Free account
    • Weekly free games
    • Game purchases billed individually

Steam

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Steam review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Epic Games Store if

  • You need 12% revenue share.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Web.
  • You also want unreal engine royalty waiver.
Epic Games Store review

Choose Steam if

Nothing in the data separates Steam from Epic Games Store on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

Steam review

Questions people ask

Is Epic Games Store or Steam better?
Neither clearly leads. Epic Games Store starts at Free and Steam at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Epic Games Store or Steam?
Epic Games Store has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Epic Games Store and On request for Steam.
Does Epic Games Store or Steam run on more platforms?
Epic Games Store runs on Windows, macOS, Web. Steam runs on Web.
Can I use Epic Games Store for free?
Yes. Epic Games Store has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Steam starts at On request.
What is Epic Games Store best used for?
Epic Games Store is most often used for buying pc games, often at lower prices than competing stores, claiming the weekly free game, developers wanting a better revenue share than the 30% standard. Of those, buying pc games, often at lower prices than competing stores and claiming the weekly free game are not what Steam is typically brought in for.
What can Epic Games Store do that Steam cannot?
Epic Games Store covers 12% revenue share, Unreal Engine royalty waiver, Weekly free games, Cross-platform services.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Epic Games Store: Is the Epic Games Store free?

Yes, the store and account are free. Games are purchased individually, and one is given away free each week.

Steam: Is there a cost to create a Steam account and download games?

No, creating a Steam account and accessing the platform is completely free. Individual games are sold at varying prices, and many titles are free-to-play. There is no platform subscription or membership fee required to use Steam.

Source
Epic Games Store: Why do developers use it?

A 12% revenue share against the 30% platform standard, plus waived Unreal Engine royalties on sales through the store.

Steam: Are free-to-play games truly available on Steam at no cost?

Yes, Steam hosts numerous free-to-play titles including Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, Apex Legends, and PUBG: Battlegrounds. Players can download and play these games without any payment, though in-game cosmetics and passes may be available for purchase.

Source
Epic Games Store: How does it compare with Steam?

Steam has a much larger catalogue and far richer community features. Epic competes on price, developer revenue share and free games.

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