Steam Link vs GamePad Link
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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 descriptionHide 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
GamePad Link
Read full descriptionHide full description
GamePad Link' by 'Crazysoft Limited' Transform your smartphone or tablet into a virtual gamepad IMPORTANT: This is NOT a standalone app! GamePad Link is exclusively designed as a companion app for "Educational Family Games" game. You must have the main "Educational Family Games" game to use this controller app. HOW TO USE: 1. Make sure "Educational Family Games" game is running and waiting on the start screen 2. GamePad Link operates over the local network and must be connected to the same network via WiFi 3. Please ensure "Educational Family Games" and GamePad Link are both connected to the same home network 4. IMPORTANT: Cellular data will not work - WiFi connection is required! FEATURES: • Works on both phones and tablets • Adjustable gamepad size for comfort • Virtual gamepad controls • Haptic feedback • Sound effects • Support for up to 4 players • Zero ads • Completely free Having issues? https://www.crazysoft.gr/gamepad_link.php
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is device support: Steam Link at 6 against GamePad Link's 3. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Steam Link ships an update every 3 weeks, GamePad Link monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Steam Link | GamePad Link |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.3 (3K ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 42.8% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 3K — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Monthly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV, Vision Pro — better | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 43 MB | 69 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Valve | CrazySoft Limited |
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
GamePad Link
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Steam Link
No in-app purchases
GamePad Link
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Steam Link free?
Is GamePad Link free?
Do Steam Link or GamePad Link have ads?
Which is updated more often, Steam Link or GamePad Link?
Other comparisons
