Side by side
RomM vs Steam
Both stand on game launchers. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+5
RomM combines collection management, metadata enrichment, and several ways to play or connect a library. Its self-hosted approach and broad platform coverage are useful to emulator players, while the iOS app is community-made.
Visit RomM
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+4
Steam brings game discovery, social features, and mod sharing together at no charge for the service itself. Remember that content is licensed, game prices vary, and access may depend on an account, client, and internet connection.
Visit SteamThe facts
| RomM | Steam | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Runs on | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Hostinger hosted deployment: $6.49 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 3 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Steam |
| Website | romm.app | store.steampowered.com |
| On game launchers | #1 of 68 | #5 of 68 |
RomM: what it does well
- Supports more than 400 platforms.
- Browser play works through EmulatorJS and Ruffle.
- Syncs saves and states with conflict resolution.
- Includes a built-in patcher for hacks and translations.
- Lists no tracking or paid features.
What to know first
- The native iOS app is a community project.
- The team does not regularly review community project source code.
- Setup help and discussion are directed to Discord.
Steam: what it does well
- Catalog includes nearly 30,000 games.
- Text and voice chat support friends and groups.
- Workshop offers mods and cosmetics for nearly 1,000 games.
- Mobile app includes shopping and account protection.
What to know first
- Game and content prices vary.
- Use may require an account, client, and internet connection.
- Users under 13 may not subscribe.