Side by side
NVIDIA ShadowPlay vs TargetFPS
Both stand on graphics optimisers. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Windows
ShadowPlay brings recording, gameplay metrics and graphics controls into a Windows overlay. Its hardware and driver requirements rule it out for systems outside the listed specifications.
Visit NVIDIA ShadowPlay
Free plan Web
TargetFPS gives players per-game recommendations with explanations and data-quality distinctions. Its figures are estimates, so actual results can differ; the static guides are an option when the interactive optimizer is unavailable.
Visit TargetFPSThe facts
| NVIDIA ShadowPlay | TargetFPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Windows | Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | NVIDIA ShadowPlay | Not published |
| Website | nvidia.com | targetfps.com |
| On graphics optimisers | #6 of 35 | #10 of 35 |
NVIDIA ShadowPlay: what it does well
- Free app with optional login.
- Manual recording supports up to 8K HDR at 30 fps.
- Automatic Highlights captures key moments.
- Overlay displays performance and system latency metrics.
What to know first
- Requires Windows 10 or 11.
- Requires a GeForce RTX 20, 30, 40 or 50 Series GPU.
- Requires driver 551.52 or later.
TargetFPS: what it does well
- Recommendations use GPU, CPU, RAM, resolution, and target FPS.
- Directory covers 60 games.
- Guides include results across five hardware tiers.
- Static settings guides work without JavaScript.
- Free service; contributions do not unlock features.
What to know first
- Interactive optimizer requires JavaScript.
- Some titles use estimates with a wider confidence band.
- Actual performance may vary from estimates.
- Cloud profile sync is not available.
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