If you’re shopping for video games, there’s no need to trek to your local game shop. Online connections are faster than ever, making it incredibly easy and convenient to buy or rent games from an online video game marketplace. And with <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/news/sony-to-kill-sales-of-physical-playstation-disc-games-in-january” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>physical media in peril, knowing how to buy games digitally is more crucial than ever. Just as Whole Foods and 7-Eleven cater to different food needs, the game stores we’ve reviewed satisfy a range of gaming interests, including our Editors’ Choice winner, Steam. Below, you’ll find everything that you need to know to shop for the bestPC games.
Overview
Best OverallSteam
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Best for Retro GamersGOG.com
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Best for Value and Supporting CharityHumble
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Best for Adventurous Indie Gamersitch.io
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Best for Rentals by MailGameFly
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Best for Microsoft GamersJump To Details
Best for Fortnite FansEpic Games Store
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Best for Recycled KeysGreen Man Gaming
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You Can Trust Our Reviews
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Credit: Valve
Best OverallSteam
4.5 Outstanding
Pros & Cons
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- Huge game library
- Useful Big Picture mode
- Numerous game recommendation tools
- Remote play and remote downloads
- Video streaming
- Select music and software content
- Integrated screenshot and video capture tool
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- No way to speak directly with a customer service rep
- Busy interface
Why We Picked It
Steam is by far the biggest and most important PC gaming marketplace—the store is virtually synonymous with PC gaming. Its massive library and innovative features make gaming on your computer more approachable and appealing than ever.
Who It’s For
All PC gamers: Steam features the hottest AAA releases, creative indie games, and classic titles. Its interface scales for use on both your desktop and TV. And thanks to the Steam Deck and Steam Machine, Steam is also an excellent marketplace for high-powered handheld gaming or convenient living room gaming, respectively.
Specs & Configurations
Built-in Tools Console Apps None Free Games Mobile Streaming Mobile Viewing Non-Gaming Entertainment Platform Linux Platform Mac Platform Windows Refund Method Self-Service Get It Now
Learn MoreSteam Review-
Credit: GOG
Best for Retro GamersGOG.com
4.0 Excellent
Pros & Cons
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- Lots of classic PC games configured to run on modern PCs
- No DRM
- Some games are bundled with terrific extras
- 30-day refund window
- GOG Galaxy connects with other game stores
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- Not many new games
- Few online multiplayer titles
- Must download the separate GOG Galaxy desktop client for chat features
Why We Picked It
PC gaming is one of the few (legal) ways to preserve old games that get left behind as new consoles emerge. GOG.com (short for Good Old Games) does vital work by offering classic titles reconfigured to run on current PCs. With GOG, you can turn PC gaming’s history into the ultimate backlog. And without DRM, the games give you more control over that history than any other platform.
Who It’s For
Retro gamers: Its modern game library isn’t quite as robust as the competition’s, but that’s not the point. As the company’s title states, GOG is for people who want good old games. GOG also connects with other game stores, so it can supplement, say, your Steam library rather than replace it.
Specs & Configurations
DRM-Free Options Games Genre Online Games Platform PC Non-Gaming Entertainment Platform Linux Platform Mac Platform Windows Refund Method Self-Service Learn MoreGOG.com Review
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Best for Value and Supporting CharityHumble
4.0 Excellent
Pros & Cons
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- Some proceeds go to charity
- Publishes original games
- Bundle deals for games and other entertainment
- Sells console game codes
- Gaming subscription service
- One purchase works across multiple platforms
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- Lacks community features
- Most purchases require a separate launcher
Why We Picked It
Humble Bundle helps you purchase great PC games from other marketplaces on this list, as well as the digital versions of console games. It even sells other kinds of entertainment, such as comic books and novels. The twist is that when you buy from Humble Bundle, you also support worthwhile charities.
Who It’s For
Charitable gamers: Humble Bundle is for people who want to help their fellow humans while buying a good game. You can stick with the featured titles or check out the charity-driven bundles for deep discounts. These packages are a superb value, bundling together awesome games at a shockingly low price.
(Editors’ Note: Humble Bundle is owned by Ziff Davis, PCMag’s parent company..)
Specs & Configurations
DRM-Free Options Non-Gaming Entertainment Platform Linux Platform Mac Platform Nintendo Switch Platform Windows Refund Method By Request Subscription Plan Get It Now
Learn MoreHumble Review-
unknown
Best for Adventurous Indie Gamersitch.io
4.0 Excellent
Pros & Cons
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- Exciting library of obscure, artistic indie games
- Lots of browsing options
- Tools for game creators
- Welcoming community
- Useful desktop app
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- Library caters to a narrow audience
- Some purchases require a separate launcher
Why We Picked It
Itch.io is the indie PC gaming marketplace. It’s the place you go to find experimental games completely divorced from boring mainstream releases. Additionally, excellent search options and a welcoming community guide you through these uncharted waters.
Who It’s For
Gamers who want to play non-mainstream releases: Itch.io is for people seeking under-the-radar releases, not just what big publishers pump out. The games are typically cheap or free, so feel free to roll the dice on something new.
Specs & Configurations
DRM-Free Options Non-Gaming Entertainment Platform Android Platform HTML5 Platform iOS Platform Linux Platform Mac Platform Windows Refund Method By Request Learn Moreitch.io Review
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Best for Rentals by MailGameFly
3.5 Good
Pros & Cons
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- Lets you rent video games through the mail.
Wide library of recent and classic console games.
Stream PC games.
Nifty mobile app.
30-day free trial.
- Lets you rent video games through the mail.
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- Limited availability.
Streaming limited to select devices.
- Limited availability.
Why We Picked It
With rental stores like Blockbuster all but gone, GameFly is the main method to rent physical video games. Instead of paying full price to own a disc, you subscribe and receive games in the mail. Once you’re finished, mail it back and get the next game from your queue.
Who It’s For
Gamers who miss renting: GameFly is for people who’d rather rent games than purchase them; after all, some new, next-gen titles cost $70 or $80. No other service provides what GameFly does, so if you want physical rentals, this is your only option. However, GameFly’s service has become less and less impressive over the years, with increasingly long wait times for new releases.
Specs & Configurations
Non-Gaming Entertainment Platform Nintendo Switch Platform PlayStation 4 Platform Xbox Refund Method By Request Subscription Plan Learn MoreGameFly Review
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unknown
Best for Microsoft Gamers3.5 Good
Pros & Cons
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- Lets you purchase select Xbox games on PC
- Xbox Game Pass integration
- Attractive, easy-to-navigate interface
- Game Bar supports voice chat and messaging
- Game DVR lets you capture video footage
- No charge for multiplayer gaming
- Cloud saves
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- Missing games that are in the console-based Xbox Store
- No Xbox 360 games
- Confusing overlap with other Microsoft gaming apps
Why We Picked It
Although Xbox is the name of Microsoft’s home console, it’s also the brand Microsoft uses for its PC gaming store. The app comes preinstalled on Windows 11 and includes useful features such as voice chat and video recording.
Who It’s For
Xbox fans who don’t want to stay locked to a console: The library on Xbox on PC isn’t quite as broad as what you’ll see on an Xbox Series X/S. However, it has many recognizable titles, such as Halo and MLB The Show. It even integrates with Xbox Game Pass.
Specs & Configurations
Platform Windows Refund Method By Request Subscription Plan Get It Now
Learn MoreXbox Review-
Best for Fortnite FansEpic Games Store
3.0 Average
Pros & Cons
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- Exclusive games
- Free game giveaways
- No DRM
- Resources for Unreal Engine developers
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- Missing major titles
- Basic feature set
- Little sense of community
Why We Picked It
Epic Games used its Fortnite cash to create its own PC gaming marketplace. The Epic Games Store strives to rival Steam and become the first place you go when you want to game on PC. It’s not quite there yet, but the platform’s selection of timed exclusives has made it a major part of the conversation.
Who It’s For
Gamers who want a Steam alternative: The Epic Games Store lacks basic screenshot functionality, but it offers worthwhile features that may entice players away from Valve’s juggernaut. The store offers exclusive games without annoying digital rights management (DRM), and it frequently gives away free games. Aspiring video game designers should also check out its Unreal Engine re
Specs & Configurations
DRM-Free Options Platform Mac Platform Windows Refund Method Self-Service Get It Now
Learn MoreEpic Games Store Review-
Best for Recycled KeysGreen Man Gaming
3.0 Average
Pros & Cons
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- Sells the newest releases.
Frequent, flexible discounts.
Playfire community features.
- Sells the newest releases.
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- Sparse browsing tools.
Library doesn’t stand out compared with competitors.
Controversy over source of redemption keys.
- Sparse browsing tools.
Why We Picked It
PC gamers love a good bargain, especially when the cost of building a new gaming PC is so steep. For frequent deals on new releases, don’t overlook Green Man Gaming.
Who It’s For
Frugal PC players: Green Man Gaming is for folks who want to buy games on the cheap. That said, there has been controversy in the past over how the store offers such low prices and how keys are obtained. Green Man Gaming lacks browsing tools, and it shut down its community features, making it a bare-bones shopping experience.
Specs & Configurations
Platform Mac Platform PlayStation 4 (DLC) Platform Windows Refund Method By Request Get It Now
Learn MoreGreen Man Gaming Review-
The Best Places to Buy and Rent PC Games Online in 2026
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Your Selections
GOG.com
GOG.com
itch.io
GameFly
| Our Pick | Steam | GOG.com | Humble Bundle | itch.io |  GameFly |
Xbox (for PC) | Epic Games Store |  Green Man Gaming |
Steam | GOG.com | Humble Bundle |
| Rating | 4.5Outstanding | 4.0Excellent | 4.0Excellent | 4.0Excellent | 3.5Good | 3.5Good | 3.0Average | 3.0Average | 4.5Outstanding | 4.0Excellent | 4.0Excellent |
| Best For | Best Overall | Best for Retro Gamers | Best for Value and Supporting Charity | Best for Adventurous Indie Gamers | Best for Rentals by Mail | Best for Microsoft Gamers | Best for Fortnite Fans | Best for Recycled Keys | Best Overall | Best for Retro Gamers | Best for Value and Supporting Charity |
| Platform | Windows, Mac, Linux | Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows, Nintendo Switch | Linux, Mac, Windows, HTML5, Android, iOS | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox | Windows | Windows, Mac | Windows, Mac, PlayStation 4 (DLC) | Windows, Mac, Linux | Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows, Nintendo Switch |
| Refund Method | Self-Service | Self-Service | By Request | By Request | By Request | By Request | Self-Service | By Request | Self-Service | Self-Service | By Request |
| DRM-Free Options | |||||||||||
| Non-Gaming Entertainment | |||||||||||
| Subscription Plan |
Buying Guide: The Best Places to Buy and Rent PC Games Online in 2026
Where Can You Buy PC Games Online?
The stores listed above primarily offer computer games (Linux, macOS, and Windows) to digitally download. Occasionally, you’ll find e-books, movies, software, and other kinds of entertainment, but those are not the focus. That’s not to say you can’t also download console or mobile games; after all, Xbox’s PC app sells Microsoft Flight Simulator, while Humble Bundle has Nintendo Switch2 codes in its catalog.
Unfortunately, some third-party publishers force you to download games from their own online stores, such as Blizzard’s Battle.net, EA’s Origin, Rockstar’s Games Launcher, and Ubisoft’s Uplay. However, many of those same publishers have recently relaxed those restrictions and spread their titles across multiple storefronts.Between Apple Arcade and Xbox Game Pass, video game subscription services are the new way that platform operators sell titles on their devices. Even places you wouldn’t expect, such as Discord or Twitch, sell video games or include free games as part of a subscription.
Which PC Game Store Has the Best Library and Features?
The biggest thing you should pay attention to when choosing an online game store is the library. Don’t waste your time browsing a store that doesn’t have the games you want. The stores we’ve covered have surprisingly diverse libraries.
Editors’ Choice winner Steam offers nearly every PC game under the sun, new or old, indie or AAA, with a wealth of post-release content and early access titles. Steam is also the easiest way to buy and play games for your Steam Deck or Steam Machine, with the Verified program letting you know which games run best on the platforms. That said, enterprising users can run other stores on the devices with some tweaking.
While they all have limitations, the Epic Games Store, Humble Bundle, and Xbox also aim for mass appeal similar to Steam. Other stores target more niche markets. GOG.com specializes in older, classic PC games, while itch.io highlights more independent, artistic work.
Other factors may also influence your shopping experiences, such as digital rights management (DRM), customer service, refund policies, and development tools for aspiring game creators. Humble Bundle may not feature a library as robust as its competitors, but the store offers many enticing discounts for great charity causes.
Different sites also offer different search options. If you don’t know exactly what you want, that’s OK. But on, say, itch.io, you can set up the storefront to only display “colorblind friendly Windows games under $10 that last a few hours and include virtual reality support.” Many stores even include social features, so you can interact with fellow gamers and creators, read user reviews, and participate in community events. All of these social and recommendation features make it easier to find your next purchase. Follow PCMag’s Steam Curator page for recommendations.
Where to Get the Best PC Game Deals
These stores would love it if you exclusively bought games on their services, but don’t forget you have choices as a consumer. Nothing is stopping you from buying the Resident Evil 4 remake from Steam and Silent Hill ffrom the Epic Games Store. Some stores even lean into this fact. The GOG Galaxy client syncs your accounts from rival platforms to create a unified gaming hub. Likewise, you can access itch.io from within the Epic Games store. Even Valve’s own Steam Deck and Steam Machine work with non-Steam marketplaces. So, do what’s best for you. Compare prices on CheapShark. Claim free games where you can find them. Be a smart shopper and brush up on the best online video game marketplaces before making your next purchase.
- 5.0 – Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 – Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 – Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 – Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 – Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 – Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 – Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 – Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 – Dismal: Don’t even think about buying this product
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