Yes, Steam Link is completely free to download and use.

What do users think of Steam Link?

Steam Link users feel mixed, based on 54.4K reviews with a 3.3/5 average rating. Users praise: Remote Gaming Capability, Cost-Effectiveness. Common complaints: Connectivity and Lag, Technical Bugs and Stability.

What are Steam Link's main features?

Steam Link's key features include Desktop-to-Mobile Streaming, Controller Support, Cross-Platform Compatibility, Network Optimization. Standout differentiators: Desktop-to-Mobile Streaming.

Is Steam Link available on iOS and Android?

Yes, Steam Link is available on iOS (App Store) and Google Play (Android).

Steam Link

Valve

Steam Link

Name: Steam Link
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.3198888 (5 reviews)
Author: Valve

v1.3.25

Valve

54.4K ratings

App Store →Play Store →

Report updated Apr 2, 2026

Steam Link

v1.3.25

Valve

54.4K ratings

Existing Steam users who want the flexibility to play their PC game library on mobile devices, tablets, or TVs within their home network.

App Store →Play Store →

Games

What Is Steam Link?

Launched May 17, 2018
Updated Mar 2026

Steam Link is a free utility by Valve that allows users to stream their PC game library to mobile devices. It serves as a strategic extension of the Steam ecosystem, prioritizing accessibility and convenience for existing users. Despite its strong value proposition, the app suffers from mixed sentiment due to technical instability and network-dependent performance. It faces stiff competition from high-performance alternatives like Moonlight and Parsec, which often outperform it in low-latency scenarios.

What users think iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.

Mixed

Remote Gaming Capability

Connectivity and Lag... Show more

What does it look like?

What are the key features?

Desktop-to-Mobile StreamingDifferentiator

Streams existing Steam games from a PC to mobile devices or tablets over a local network

Controller SupportStandard

Supports MFI, Steam, and Bluetooth controllers for console-like gaming experiences

Cross-Platform CompatibilityStandard

Works with Windows, Mac, and Linux host computers

Network OptimizationStandard

Provides specific guidance for 5GHz WiFi and Ethernet configurations to ensure low-latency performance

What do users think? iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.

Mixed

“Recent user voice shows a mixed sentiment. Users appreciate remote gaming capability and cost-effectiveness, but report connectivity and lag and technical bugs and stability.”

What Users Love

Remote Gaming Capability

I can play my Steam games on my tower from the comfort of my bed

Works like magic for my use case, as I'm able to play Slay the Spire 2 from my Android A54

Cost-Effectiveness

Steam has it free... if this was on Xbox they would charge 20 a month

At least it’s free

Pain Points

Connectivity and Lag

Feels like connectivity always lags way too much. it is borderline unusable

No matter what wifi speed is the stream is too blury making it unplayable

Technical Bugs and Stability

Permanently froze and refuses to reconnect

My sound wont work after using it

Poor Control/UI Implementation

Removed the trackpad that allows me to use my touchscreen controls efficiently

Controls suck

High confidence · 99 reviews available

What are the pros and cons?

Pros

Deep integration with the Steam ecosystem
Completely free with no monetization barriers
Strong brand trust

Cons

Inconsistent streaming performance
Technical bugs and connectivity issues
Regression in UI/UX features

What is the market outlook?

Growth Opportunities

Better in-app network diagnostic tools
Restoration of user-requested UI features
Expansion to new hardware platforms

Market Threats

High-performance open-source alternatives
Rise of native cloud gaming services

Who competes with Steam Link?

The Nemesis

AMD Link

★2.4 (51)

AMD (Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.)

Provides a direct streaming solution for users with AMD hardware to play their PC library on mobile devices.

Same Space

Windows App Mobile

★4.0 (30K)

Microsoft Corporation

Frustrated

A general-purpose remote desktop tool often used by power users to access PC gaming environments, though lacking game-specific optimizations.

New Kids on the Block

Sunshine Island: Farming Game

★4.6 (158K)

Goodgame Studio

Excited

A rapidly growing open-source host software that pairs with Moonlight to provide a modern, highly customizable streaming experience.

What are the key takeaways?

Steam Link is a divisive games app that is completely free. With a 3.3/5 rating from 54.4K reviews, it receives mixed feedback from users. Users particularly appreciate remote gaming capability, though connectivity and lag remains a common concern.

Best for: Existing Steam users who want the flexibility to play their PC game library on mobile devices, tablets, or TVs within their home network.

How much does it cost?

Model: free

Tiers:

Completely free to use with no subscription or in-app purchase requirements

Valve uses this as a utility to increase the value of the Steam ecosystem, driving engagement with their primary PC storefront rather than monetizing the app itself.

iOS Version

1.3.25

Android Version

1.3.26

Release Date

May 17, 2018

iOS Price

Free

Android Price

Free

Developer

Valve