DLCompare is a price comparison website that lets you find the lowest offers on the market for video games, DLCs, prepaid cards, software, hardware, consoles, and accessories. Active since 2011, it helps players discover the best online deals.
The way it works is simple:
The service is free and does not add any extra fees to the price of the game – DLCompare earns through commissions from partners, so there are no additional costs for the user.
In addition to price comparison, DLCompare offers useful features such as:

The delivery method depends on the type of product you buy and on the retailer, but in general:
DLCompare lets you choose easily: on each game page you can select the “Digital download” tab or the “Box” tab (if available). This way you’ll see only offers corresponding to the desired delivery type:
Some products, such as gift cards or subscriptions, are exclusively digital (you receive a code), while hardware and accessories will obviously be shipped as physical goods.
DLCompare shows only offers compatible with your geographic region. This means that if you see a price for a game on the site, that code will be activatable in your country. The system detects your area (for example through the local version of the site or your IP address) and automatically filters out any offers you could not use.
In this way, you can buy with confidence knowing that the key will work. DLCompare’s policy is to show only the prices of products that you can download and activate in your region; they would never show a game that you cannot activate in your geographic area. This is an important strength because it prevents players from running into unwanted region locks.
That said, it is still good practice to:
Some offers display labels such as “EU”, “GLOBAL”, “NA”, “RU”, etc. next to the product name, which indicate the code’s area of validity. If you realize that you have purchased a region-restricted key that is not compatible:

Such cases should be rare thanks to DLCompare’s filters.
Yes, DLCompare is completely free to use. You do not need to create an account to search and compare prices: you can visit the site and immediately see the offers without any registration.
Creating an account is optional, but it offers additional benefits. For example, only registered users can:
In any case, the basic use of DLCompare (searching for games and clicking on offers) does not require an account and is 100% free.
The
highlighted on some stores is a badge that DLCompare assigns to the most reliable and appreciated partners, who are granted access to a special agreement with us. In practice, DLCompare periodically evaluates its affiliated retailers – particularly those that have been collaborating for at least six months – in an anonymous and impartial way.
This evaluation takes into account factors such as:
Stores that excel in these categories receive the “Top Retailer” logo next to their name in price lists.
The goal is to help users instantly identify the stores with the best performance in terms of safety and quality of service. Naturally, this doesn’t mean that other partners aren’t valid, but “Top Retailer” marks that elite of online shops that offer the most reliable and complete experience according to DLCompare’s checks.
By choosing a Top Retailer, you can expect:
It is an additional level of trust that DLCompare provides based on its experience monitoring the market.
Yes, absolutely. Buying keys through DLCompare is 100% legal. DLCompare itself does not sell games but merely compares offers from third-party stores; the actual purchase takes place with these retailers.
As long as:
…the publisher receives the proper revenue from the activated key. CD keys are unique codes generated by publishers: once they are activated on official channels, they guarantee the validity of the copy and its registration in their systems.
DLCompare works with many stores authorized by publishers and clearly marks which ones are “official retailers” (i.e., recognized partners). If you have legal or ethical doubts, you can always choose one of the offers marked as official. In any case, by purchasing through DLCompare you are not buying counterfeit products: for example, some stores even offer the option of having the original boxed edition of the game (retail edition) shipped to your home if you prefer a physical format, which is further proof that the product is authentic.
To sum up: activating a key bought from these stores is equivalent to buying a game in digital format within the limits set by the platforms. Millions of players around the world use these keys in full legality. DLCompare, for its part, constantly monitors and checks the reliability of affiliated stores to ensure that the offers shown are trustworthy and legitimate.
When buying games online through DLCompare and its partners, we recommend following some good practices for a safe and smooth experience:
mean on DLCompare?An
(often also referred to as an official store) on DLCompare is a store that has a direct agreement with game publishers. In practice:
Choosing an official retailer gives you maximum peace of mind:
If you have doubts about the legitimacy of a very low offer, choose an official retailer: you will know for sure that you are buying through regular channels. Typical examples of official retailers include:
On DLCompare, all these offers are compared with those from unofficial retailers, so it’s up to you to choose. Buying from an official retailer through DLCompare is exactly like buying directly, with the added benefit of seeing whether better prices exist elsewhere.
No - we are a price comparison tool. You will complete the purchase on the website of the retailer you choose.
Here are the recommended steps:


Choose the appropriate tab depending on whether you want an instant digital code or a physical copy of the game.

button allowing you to share your findings via social networks or email
button that shows the difference in fees if paying by card or PayPal
" button for reporting pricing discrepancies or product issues.
Remember to keep the receipts or order confirmation emails from the store until you’ve activated the game and verified that it works.
All transactions take place on the retailers’ websites, not on DLCompare. In practice:
Partner stores support the most common payment methods, for example:
Generally, retailers’ sites use secure connections (HTTPS) and reliable systems for online payments, similar to any e-commerce site. We still recommend following standard security practices:
Furthermore, paying by credit card tends to be quicker, while PayPal sometimes may trigger identity checks by the seller. In any case, DLCompare does not apply any commission to the price shown: what you pay on the store’s website is exactly the price indicated (net of any applicable discount codes).
All stores listed on DLCompare sell original, legitimate activation keys for official platforms (Steam, Origin/EA App, Xbox Live, PSN, etc.). The difference lies in the supply channel:
In both cases, when you activate the game on an official platform (Steam, Uplay, etc.), the publisher recognizes the sale and gets its share. So, even when buying from unofficial retailers, you’re still using valid keys within the official distribution system. DLCompare always indicates the activation platform and filters offers based on your region to avoid showing you keys that are incompatible with your account.
Keep in mind that some grey stores operate as marketplaces (e.g., G2A, Kinguin) where third-party sellers list their keys – in such cases, the keys’ origin may vary further, but marketplaces offer protection tools such as seller ratings and refunds if issues arise.
Next to prices, DLCompare shows small icons that indicate which download platform or launcher the game key will work on. This is important because, for example, a “Steam key” must be activated on Steam, while a code for “Epic Games” must be redeemed on the Epic Games Launcher, and so on.
Here are the most common icons and what they mean:
This legend is useful to understand where you’ll need to activate the product you’ve purchased. Before buying, make sure you:
Most PC platforms (Steam, Epic, etc.) are global or at least aligned with your DLCompare account’s region, so the site will offer you only compatible offers.
The DLCompare team tries to include as many reliable stores as possible, but it cannot reference every CD key retailer on the web. If you found a lower price on a site that is not listed on DLCompare, there may be several reasons for its absence:
Questionable reliability
DLCompare prioritizes the quality and reliability of its partners. Many sites are excluded because they do not meet the security, customer service, or transparency standards required. It’s better not to list a store than send users to a potentially negative experience (invalid keys, lack of support, etc.).
Huge number of stores
There are dozens and dozens of sites and marketplaces selling keys; keeping track of all of them is practically impossible. DLCompare selects a set that covers the best offers and ensures reliability.
Competitors or sites that don’t match DLCompare’s philosophy
Some price comparison sites include any retailer without filtering. DLCompare is run by gamers and enthusiasts and therefore tends to exclude:
If you notice an unlisted store that you think deserves to be included, you can:
Likewise, if a site offers a very low price but is not on DLCompare, ask yourself why: there may be unclear conditions behind that price.
Be careful with extremely attractive offers and, if in doubt, you can always contact DLCompare (through their support or Discord) for advice about a specific store. Their priority is to guarantee you a safe and reliable purchasing experience, even at the cost of not showing that one rare lower price on a questionable website.
First of all, don’t panic. There are several reasons why the delivery of a key might be a bit delayed, and in most cases the situation resolves itself shortly. Here are some steps to follow:
In short, a delay of a few hours (or even a day) in receiving the key, although annoying, falls within the range of possible situations. In the meantime:
If in the end something has gone wrong, DLCompare will support you in trying to obtain the product or a refund.
If, after receiving the key, you find that the code is not valid or appears to have already been redeemed, you must act promptly. Such cases are rare, but they can happen due to errors or technical issues. Here’s what to do:
Serious stores usually run checks and, if they confirm a problem, provide a new working key or a refund. Many marketplaces have “buyer protection” guarantees that cover already-used keys.
In general, DLCompare’s affiliated retailers have a strong interest in maintaining a good reputation, so cases of non-working keys are resolved positively in most situations (with a replacement key or credit).
Keep in mind:
Finally, a tip: always activate your keys right after purchase (as mentioned in best practices) precisely to verify their validity while you are still within the time frame for reporting any issue.
The DLCompare Rewards Program is an initiative designed to reward the most active members of the community. Essentially, it is a “game” integrated into the website that lets you win free CD keys and prepaid cards (e.g., gift cards for stores or digital wallets) by performing simple activities on the site.
Here’s how it works in brief:
Earn DLCoins with activities
Every registered user can accumulate points (called DLCoins, DLCompare’s virtual “currency”) by completing certain actions. For example:
Take part in draws and events
The coins you accumulate help you climb the leaderboard and gain chances to win. DLCompare periodically organizes prize draws:
Have fun and stay active
The program is designed to encourage active and fun use of the site. You can:
No purchase is required to take part: it’s a way to thank the community. Obviously, any fraudulent activity (such as spamming nonsense comments just to get points) is forbidden; the game must remain fair and enjoyable for everyone.
For more details, you can visit the page dedicated to the Rewards Program, where you’ll find the full rules and an up-to-date list of prizes. In short, if you are a regular DLCompare user, it’s worth taking part: with a bit of luck you could get free games or credit simply by using the site and contributing to the community!
?Yes, DLCompare offers a very useful price tracking feature. If there is a game (or another product) whose price you want to monitor, you can use the “Track price” option on that product’s page.
Here’s how it works:
button or link. Click it to add that product to your list of tracked items.This alert function is very convenient for saving money, especially if you’re not in a hurry to buy a title. For example, you can:
In general, DLCompare wants to make sure you can buy at the most convenient time. Take advantage of it so you don’t miss any deals!
While browsing offers on DLCompare, you may notice special notes alongside the price of certain stores. For example, phrases like “discount code -10%: ABCDEF” or “pay back -3%: DLCOMPARE”. These notes are provided to help you save even more, highlighting extra promotions offered by partner retailers.
They usually mean:
Keep in mind:
These offers are a great way to save a few extra euros/dollars. Many stores (HRK, K4G, GamesDeal, etc.) periodically publish “-10%” or “-12%” codes for comparator users. With the same base price, a discount code can tip the scales in favour of one store over another.
It's normal to see significant price differences for the same game depending on the seller. There are several reasons for this:
Promotions and special offers
Many stores offer temporary discounts, flash sales, or regional promotions. DLCompare continuously updates prices and often displays these promotions, which can cause the cost of a game to vary considerably at any given time.
Currencies and exchange rates
Prices can be listed in different currencies (euro, dollar, etc.). Fluctuations in exchange rates or price adjustments based on local purchasing power mean that the same game can have different costs from one market to another. For example, $40 is not exactly equivalent to €40, and some stores may not update their prices in real-time based on the exchange rate.
Business strategies and the "gray" market
Competition and store policies
The key market is very competitive. Some stores:
In short, DLCompare reflects this landscape by displaying offers from both official retailers and reliable marketplaces, always highlighting the lowest final price. If you see a large price difference, the cheapest offer may come from a marketplace (keys from other regions, flash sales, VAT, etc.). Always consider the seller's reputation as well as the price, and remember that very low prices may involve higher risks (keys out of stock, longer delivery times, etc.), so choose wisely.
We’re glad you want to join the DLCompare platform! To add your store to the price comparison, you need to provide some information and technical resources. In particular, DLCompare will need:
The easiest way to apply your store is to fill in the dedicated form on the DLCompare contact page (in the “partnership” section). Here’s how to proceed:
Please note:
Once they verify that everything works (updated feed, competitive prices, no major issues with deliveries or customer support), they can include your offers in the comparator.
Joining DLCompare will give you access to a large audience of gamers looking for deals, so it is in both parties’ interest to build a solid collaboration. Fill in the form and highlight what makes your store unique – DLCompare is always open to new partnerships with serious and competitive stores!