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Xbox app vs Steam: catalog facts
Xbox app	Steam
Freemium The app is free; PC Game Pass is a paid subscription.	Freemium The client is free; games and other content are bought individually.
Windows	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Official launcher for PC Game Pass Installs and updates Microsoft Store games in one place	Native client for Windows, macOS and Linux Large store with free and paid games
Windows only Requires a Microsoft account	Requires a Steam account Closed source
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
Account needed	Account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.