# Steam Link vs PPSSPP

The clearest difference is rating: PPSSPP at 4.5 against Steam Link's 3.3. PPSSPP also leads on review sentiment (72% vs 43%). Steam Link's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and device support (6 vs 3). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PPSSPP sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Steam Link asks for nothing beyond the download.

PPSSPP holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3K and 2.7K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 43% of Steam Link's written reviews are positive against 72% of PPSSPP's.

Steam Link ships an update monthly, PPSSPP every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Steam Link | PPSSPP |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.3 (3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steam-link/id1246969117/reviews) | **[4.5 (2.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ppsspp-psp-emulator/id6496972903/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3K** | 2.7K |
| Positive reviews | 42.8% of reviews | **72.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 56 MB | 44 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV, Vision Pro** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Valve](https://appshunter.io/developer/495369751) | [Henrik Rydgård](https://appshunter.io/developer/1741218068) |

## What reviewers say

### Steam Link

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steam-link/id1246969117)

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

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


### PPSSPP

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ppsspp-psp-emulator/id6496972903)

Experience your favorite PSP titles on your iOS device with high-definition graphics and enhanced features. This emulator allows you to play a vast library of PSP games with excellent performance. Access your own game files or explore free homebrew titles.

**Highlights:** Play PSP games on iOS, High-definition graphics, Extra features, High performance, Supports ISO/CSO files, Built-in Homebrew Store

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PPSSPP Gold | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth performance
- 👍 Easy to use
- 💡 Supports controllers
- 🎮 Able to play classic PSP games
- 🔥 Amazing emulation experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes
- 🔋 Battery drain issues
- 🤔 Compatibility problems with certain games
- 🔇 Sound issues with some games

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when trying to load save files
- Controller mapping not working properly
- Certain games not launching or freezing

**Requested features**

- Add support for PS2 and PS3 emulation
- Improve save state functionality
- Implement haptic feedback for on-screen controls
- Allow customization of button mapping
- Add portrait mode support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Steam Link free?

Steam Link is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is PPSSPP free?

PPSSPP is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Steam Link or PPSSPP?

PPSSPP is rated higher. Steam Link averages 3.3 out of 5 from 3K ratings, while PPSSPP averages 4.5 from 2.7K ratings.

### Do Steam Link or PPSSPP have ads?

Neither Steam Link nor PPSSPP shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Steam Link or PPSSPP?

Steam Link ships an update monthly, and PPSSPP every 4 weeks. Most recently, Steam Link was updated on September 24, 2026 and PPSSPP on September 23, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*