GOG review

GOG ranks third because it is the best store for owning what you buy. Its games are DRM-free, so you can download the installer and play without a launcher, and the GOG GALAXY client is optional, adding cloud saves, update roll-backs and achievements if you want them. GOG's voluntary refund policy is the most generous we found: you can refund a product up to 30 days after purchase even if it was downloaded, launched and played, and pre-orders can be refunded until release and for 30 days after. Refunds come back as GOG Wallet funds or cash to your original payment method. GOG also tests and patches older games so they run on current systems, which makes it a natural home for classics. The catalog is curated, so many new releases from large publishers are not sold there, and GOG says it may refuse refunds when it sees the policy being abused. Prices showed in local currency to us, so the price field is pending.

Who it is for

Players who want to own DRM-free installers and keep classic games running.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• DRM-free games you can download and keep
• Optional GOG GALAXY client with cloud saves, update roll-backs and achievements
• Voluntary refund policy up to 30 days after purchase, even if the game was played
• Classic games tested and patched to run on current systems
• Refunds as GOG Wallet funds or cash to the original payment method

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The most generous refund window on this list
• Strength: No client or DRM required to play
• Strength: Strong selection of older classics kept working
• Weakness: Smaller, curated catalog, so many new releases are missing
• Weakness: GOG says it may refuse refunds in individual cases of abuse
• Weakness: Fewer community features than Steam

Key facts

• DRM: DRM-free games
• Refund rule: Up to 30 days after purchase, even if played
• Pre-orders: Refundable until release and for 30 days after
• Client: GOG GALAXY, optional
• Refund method: GOG Wallet or original payment method

Where it ranks

GOG is No. 3 in our Best Places to Buy Video Games verdict.