Comparison

Steam Link vs OneCast

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Steam Link

Play your PC Steam games on your iPhone or iPad. Connect a controller and stream your library wirelessly from your computer to your mobile device. Enjoy your favorite titles on the go with this app.

Highlights
  • Stream Steam library to mobile
  • Use MFI or Steam controllers
  • Play on iPhone or iPad
  • Requires iOS 11.0+
  • Connect to PC on same network
Read full description

The Steam Link app brings desktop gaming to your iPhone or iPad. Just pair an MFI or Steam controller to your device, connect to a computer running Steam on the same local network, and start playing your existing Steam games. Requirements: * iPhone or iPad using iOS 11.0 or higher * Computer running Steam - Windows, Mac, or Linux * iOS device must be on the same local network as the computer running Steam For best performance: * Connect your computer using Ethernet to your 5Ghz WiFi router * Connect your iOS device to the 5GHz band of your WiFi network * Keep your iOS device within a reasonable range of your router

About

OneCast

Transform your iPhone or iPad into an Xbox companion. Stream games from your console or the cloud, anywhere. Enjoy high-fidelity visuals and full controller support for an immersive gaming experience on the go.

Highlights
  • Stream Xbox games from console or cloud
  • Near-zero latency streaming
  • Up to 1440p resolution
  • Full Xbox controller support
  • Keyboard and mouse support
  • Xbox Party Chat
  • Picture-in-Picture mode
Features
Read full description

Transform your iPhone or iPad into the ultimate Xbox companion with OneCast. Whether the TV is unavailable, you're craving the comfort of another room, or you're away from home – OneCast puts your gaming session at your fingertips. Note: OneCast is an independent app designed for use with Xbox systems, but it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Microsoft Corporation or the Xbox brand. Any queries or requests for support or technical assistance should be directed solely to the OneCast development team, as Microsoft is not involved in or responsible for this application. YOUR GAMES, EVERYWHERE • Stream directly from your personal Xbox console with near-zero latency in up to 1440p • Play Xbox games from the cloud, no console required • Access your Xbox library from anywhere – at home or on the go STUNNING VISUAL FIDELITY • Special High Quality video mode delivers exceptionally crisp and detailed visuals • Adjustable resolution settings to optimize performance for any network condition • Full-screen display option eliminates black bars for maximum immersion ULTIMATE CONTROL • Full support for Xbox controllers via Bluetooth or USB-C, with optimized experience for form-fitting controllers like Backbone and GameSir • Advanced keyboard and mouse support with Native Passthrough for games with built-in K&M support and Virtual Controller mode for precision aiming in any game (including proper mouse pointer lock on iPad) • Fully customizable on-screen controller with adjustable layout, opacity, and size FULL-FEATURED GAMEPLAY • Xbox Party Chat with sophisticated echo cancellation technology • Play Xbox 360 classics on your iOS devices • Enjoy local co-op gaming with multiple controllers on a single device • External display support for big-screen gaming anywhere using standard adapters (e.g. USB-C to HDMI or Lightning to HDMI) SEAMLESS MULTITASKING • Picture-in-Picture mode keeps your game visible while you use other apps • Quickly switch between your game and guides, messages, or social media Compatible with Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles. Note: For optimal performance, connect your Xbox via ethernet cable and use a 5GHz WiFi connection for your iOS device. Free 7-day trial, then unlock unlimited access with a one-time purchase.

Screenshots

Steam Link4 screens
OneCast4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: OneCast at 4.5 against Steam Link's 3.3. OneCast also leads on review sentiment (61% vs 43%) and ratings volume (9.6K vs 3K). Steam Link's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and device support (6 vs 3). On price, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. OneCast sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Steam Link asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

OneCast holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3K and 9.6K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 43% of Steam Link's written reviews are positive against 61% of OneCast's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Steam Link versus OneCast: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSteam LinkOneCast
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.3 (3K ratings)4.5 (9.6K ratings) — better
Positive reviews42.8% of reviews61.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings3K9.6K — better
Update frequencyMonthlyMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV, Vision Pro — betteriPhone, iPad, Apple TV
Requires iOS11.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size56 MB15 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperValveBitwise Solutions Limited

Customer experience

Steam Link

All ratings2,973 ratings
Positive52.7%
Neutral10.3%
Negative37.0%
Written reviews1,607 reviews
Positive42.8%
Neutral10.2%
Negative47.0%

OneCast

All ratings9,210 ratings
Positive86.7%
Neutral4.2%
Negative9.2%
Written reviews827 reviews
Positive61.4%
Neutral9.4%
Negative29.1%

User reviews

Steam Link

From 3K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Excellent streaming quality
  • 👍 Works well with controllers
  • 🔥 Allows playing PC games on the go
  • 💡 Versatile and convenient

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
  • 🔌 Requires PC to be on and connected
  • 🔍 Limited touch controls
  • 🔧 Compatibility issues with some devices

OneCast

From 9.6K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Flawless streaming
  • 👍 Easy to set up
  • 💡 Ability to use Xbox controller
  • 🚀 Smooth gameplay
  • 👍 Convenient for gaming on the go

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional crashes or disconnects
  • 🔋 High battery consumption
  • 🔒 Requires Xbox to be hardwired for best performance
  • 🐛 Compatibility issues with Xbox Series X/S
  • 🐛 On-screen controls not ideal for some games

Bugs and requests

Steam Link

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Crashes on startup
  • Audio issues and sound problems
  • Controller mapping and input problems
  • Streaming quality and performance inconsistencies

Requested features

4 requests
  • Allow playing games with PC off
  • Add remote access and PC control features
  • Improve touch screen controls and customization
  • Expand device compatibility

OneCast

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Fails to connect to Xbox in some cases
  • Audio/video desync issues
  • Compatibility problems with certain games

Requested features

5 requests
  • Support for Xbox Series X/S
  • Ability to stream over cellular data
  • Option to customize on-screen controls
  • Integration with Xbox Cloud Gaming
  • Support for multiple Xbox consoles on one account

In-app purchases

None

Steam Link

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

OneCast

One-time2
  • Additional Support$9.99
  • Full Unlock$14.99

Questions

Is Steam Link free?
Steam Link is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is OneCast free?
OneCast is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Steam Link or OneCast?
OneCast is rated higher. Steam Link averages 3.3 out of 5 from 3K ratings, while OneCast averages 4.5 from 9.6K ratings.
Do Steam Link or OneCast have ads?
Neither Steam Link nor OneCast shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Steam Link or OneCast?
Steam Link ships an update monthly, and OneCast monthly. Most recently, Steam Link was updated on September 24, 2026 and OneCast on September 25, 2026.

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