CheapShark

CheapShark is a free service for comparing digital PC game prices across stores. It is best for shoppers who want to check a game’s deal history and set an email alert before buying. Its focused price tools are useful, but its coverage stops at PC downloads.

Overview

CheapShark brings together offers from stores including Steam, GreenManGaming, GOG, and GamersGate. You can search for a title, filter deals, or browse listings by store. Its retailer selection has a defined boundary: stores must have a direct relationship with the publishers and developers whose games they sell.

CheapShark’s price history shows the lowest price at which a game has appeared on the service. That gives a sale context, but it is not a complete view of prices elsewhere. Deal ratings factor in a game’s age, discount size, Metacritic rating, and deal freshness. These signals help sort offers, though shoppers should still decide whether a particular discount is worthwhile for them.

Store prices are generally refreshed once per hour, and CheapShark does not guarantee listed prices or availability. Some stores pay CheapShark a percentage when a purchase is made through its links. That referral arrangement is worth keeping in mind when following a deal to a retailer.

Key features

• Search and deal filters: Find a specific game or narrow the offers by store. This is useful when comparing supported retailers, but the selection is limited to digital PC downloads.
• Price history: Check the lowest price recorded on CheapShark for a game. It helps put a current offer in perspective without establishing the lowest price across every retailer.
• Email price alerts: Set an alert for a game and get notified about its price. This suits buyers willing to wait for a better offer; it does not ensure the price or stock will still be available when they act.
• Deal ratings: Ratings combine game age, discount size, Metacritic rating, and deal freshness. They make offers easier to scan, but are a guide rather than a personal recommendation.
• Giveaways: CheapShark says it hosts frequent game giveaways, adding a chance to find games without a purchase.
• API-connected apps: CheapShark lists third-party apps using its API, including Android and iOS apps. These extend access beyond the website, though they are third-party products.

Pricing

CheapShark is free. Its Free plan costs nothing and includes comparing digital game download prices, browsing deals, and email price alerts. There is no paid CheapShark plan to weigh against those core tools, making it an uncomplicated option for occasional deal hunters as well as regular shoppers.

The trade-off is scope rather than a stated usage quota: CheapShark tracks PC game downloads, not physical-store prices. Its price updates are generally hourly, and neither prices nor availability are guaranteed. Buyers should confirm the offer at the retailer before purchasing.

Platforms

CheapShark’s platform coverage is listed as web, Android, iOS, and API, while its game-price coverage is PC. The service also points to third-party Android and iOS apps that use its API. Physical store tracking is not included, so it is not a fit for shoppers comparing boxed games.

Who it's for

CheapShark suits PC players who compare digital storefronts, want historical context for a sale, or prefer to wait for an email price alert. Its store relationship standard may appeal to shoppers who want offers from retailers with direct publisher or developer ties. It is less suitable for console buyers, physical-game shoppers, or anyone who needs guaranteed live pricing.

Pros and cons

• Pro — Useful context for sale prices: A game’s lowest recorded CheapShark price and the deal-rating factors help shoppers assess offers beyond the headline discount.
• Pro — Free alerts and browsing: Search, deal browsing, and email price alerts are included at no charge.
• Pro — Clear retailer boundary: Stores must have a direct relationship with publishers and developers whose games they sell.
• Con — PC downloads only: It does not track physical stores, so it cannot serve shoppers comparing boxed games.
• Con — Prices can change: Hourly updates and the lack of a price or availability guarantee mean a deal may differ by the time of checkout.
• Con — Referral revenue: Some stores pay CheapShark a percentage on purchases through its links, which is relevant when evaluating its deal listings.

Alternatives

For a wider comparison of services, see Game Price Trackers.

• PlatPrices is a better fit for users who want a freemium tracker with Android, iOS, web, extension, and API coverage, plus a free tier capped at 1,000 requests per month, two regions, and 25 games per list request for non-commercial use.
• PSPrices suits shoppers seeking price tracking, instant price-drop notifications, and no-sign-up access, with a paid Pro Monthly plan at $5 a month for discount alerts and an ad-free experience.
• Cardslot is an option for Android or iOS users who want a full deal list and search across all sorts, with one tracked game on its free plan and a 3.99 USD one-time Full version.
• Deku Deals is worth considering for Android, iOS, or web users who want game price tracking, deal browsing, wishlist sale alerts, and collection tracking at no cost.
• GamePrice offers a free plan with one active price alert on Android, web, or Windows.
• PriceCharting fits collectors looking for a free collection tracker, wishlist, monthly collection report, marketplace access, and price search across Android, iOS, web, or API.
• PS Deals is an iOS and web alternative for basic price tracking and email notifications on its free tier, with premium features excluded.
• XB Deals is an iOS and web alternative whose free plan includes price-drop notifications, watchlists, wishlists, purchased games, and personalized content.

Verdict

Choose CheapShark if you buy digital PC games and want free deal comparisons, price history, and email alerts in one place. Its strongest advantage is the context it adds to a discount without charging for those tools. Look elsewhere if you need physical-game tracking, coverage beyond PC downloads, or prices guaranteed at checkout.