Store guide · Updated November 2, 2026
Steam vs Epic vs GOG: Where to Buy PC Games Cheapest
Steam, the Epic Games Store and GOG all sell the same PC games, but not at the same price and not with the same rules. Here is a plain comparison so you can pick the right store for each purchase and stop paying more than you have to.
The short answer
No single store is cheapest all the time. A game can be lowest on Steam this week, on GOG next week and on Epic during a promotion. The only reliable method is to compare the same game across official stores on the day you buy. That is what the SteelGames price pages are for: each one shows the lowest price we track for a game and links to the store.
Steam vs Epic vs GOG at a glance
| Store | Refunds | DRM | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam | 14 days, under 2 hours played | Steam client for most games | Biggest library, big seasonal sales, wishlist alerts |
| Epic Games Store | 14 days, under 2 hours played | Epic launcher | Free games and store promotions |
| GOG | 30 days, even if played | DRM-free games | Classics, offline play, long-term ownership |
Check each store's refund page for exclusions. In-game purchases and some add-ons are usually not refundable.
Steam: the biggest catalog and the biggest sales
Steam has the widest selection and the most active sale calendar. If a game is on sale anywhere, it is often on Steam too. The trade-off is that you are buying into one client, and discounts on new releases tend to be small. See what is live on our best Steam deals today list, and plan around the big events in our guide to the Steam Winter Sale 2026.
Epic Games Store: free games and promotions
Epic is worth a launcher install mostly for its free game giveaways and its own promotions. Free beats any discount, so keep an eye on our free PC games right now list. For paid games, browse Epic Games Store deals and compare the price against Steam before you commit.
GOG: DRM-free and a longer refund window
GOG sells DRM-free games, so what you buy keeps working without a launcher running. Its 30-day refund window, even after you have played, is the most forgiving of the three. That makes GOG a low-risk place to try an older or niche title. Browse GOG game deals for what is cheap now.
How to find the lowest price on any game
- Search the game on SteelGames. Open its price page (browse games) and see the lowest price per store.
- Check the price history. If today's price equals the lowest on record, buy. If not, wishlist it and wait.
- Check the edition. Make sure you are comparing the same base game, not a bundle or deluxe edition.
- Use the cheap lists. PC games under $10 and biggest PC game discounts are good places to start.
- Be wary of fake discounts. Our Black Friday 2026 PC game deals guide explains how to spot them.
Key resellers: a separate decision
This section is about third-party key sellers, not official stores. Key resellers can list games for less, but you take on more risk around refunds and region locks. Read their terms and make sure the key works on the store you use. Our labelled list is on the key resellers page.
Bottom line
Use Steam for selection and sales, Epic for freebies, and GOG when you want DRM-free games and a generous refund window. Always compare first. SteelGames is veteran-owned and operated, and we keep it simple: the best PC game deals, with the lowest price per game.
Questions
Is Steam, Epic or GOG cheapest for PC games?
None of them is always cheapest. The same game can cost different amounts at each store on any given day, so compare before you buy. Our price pages show the lowest price we track for each game. Checked November 2, 2026.
Which store has the best refund policy?
GOG offers refunds within 30 days even if you have played the game. Steam and Epic both use a 14-day window with under two hours of playtime. Check each store's current refund page before you buy.
Does GOG really have no DRM?
GOG sells games DRM-free, which means you can install them without a launcher running. Some titles still have online features that need a connection.
Should I use more than one launcher?
Yes, if it saves money. Keys and libraries are tied to each store, so decide where you want each game to live. A single launcher is simpler; several can be cheaper.