Which is Better—A Google Play or a Steam Gift Card?

Two things strengthen the bond between me and my friends. The first is excessive arguments about things that can improve the quality of our lives. The second is agreeing that we all need gift cards to survive. Hear me out!

Our last argument was about which is better between Google Play or Steam gift cards. We debated for hours before finally agreeing that owning a Steam gift card is perfect for gamers, while a Google Play gift card is better for a mix of games, apps, books, and other digital content.

Now, based on the points gathered during our argument and some extra research, I have decided to put this article together. 

Here, I’ll explain what each gift card offers and their key differences. So, if you are trying to pick between a Google Play and a Steam gift card, this guide will help you decide. 

What is a Google Play Gift Card?

A Google Play gift card is a prepaid card for your Google Play account. This gift card allows you to add money to your Google Play balance. When your balance has been updated, you can then proceed to buy digital products from Google Play Store.

The Google Play gift card comes in physical and digital formats. Both work the same way, so you can decide which is most convenient for you. You can get the digital card online from trusted sites like Cardtonic and the physical card from any authorised store.

What is a Steam Gift Card?

On the other hand, the Steam gift card is a digital voucher that allows you to add money to your Steam wallet. I like to describe the Steam wallet as a mini bank on the Steam platform. As with every bank, you must have cash in your wallet before you can make a transaction on Steam.

To fund your wallet, you would need a credit card or, better yet, a Steam gift card. With a Steam gift card and a well-funded wallet, you can buy thousands of games and in-game items from the comfort of your home.

4 Key Differences Between Google Play and Steam Gift Cards

Google Play and Steam gift cards might seem similar at first, but they’re designed for two different types of users. To make the comparison clearer, here’s a table that breaks down their major differences.

What You Can Do With Google Play and Steam Gift Cards

Google Play and Steam gift cards can both be used to purchase digital content, but they work on different platforms that offer different types of products.

A Google Play gift card is used to add money to your Google Play Store balance. With this balance, you can buy several digital products from the Google Play Store.

Think of the Google Play Store as a big shopping mall for your Android device. Instead of groceries, you can get several premium mobile games, books, music, and tons of apps from the store.

The Google Play gift card is a great choice if you want access to a variety of digital content, especially if you are sharing your phone with someone.

While a Google Play card gives you access to multiple types of digital content, I would say a Steam gift card is like a VIP ticket to PC gaming.

Personally, I use my Steam gift cards to fund my Steam wallet. This gives me access to thousands of PC games on Steam.

Steam offers digital gaming products such as blockbuster AAA titles, downloadable content (DLC), in-game items, game modes, and even extra software that makes gaming more interesting.

Device Compatibility of Google Play and Steam Gift Cards

In terms of device compatibility, the basic idea should be that those who love their phones should get a Google Play gift card, while those who prefer their PC should get a Steam card.

But a deeper explanation is that a Steam card works for the Steam platform, and this platform is mostly on Windows, macOS, and Linux devices.

Google Play card, on the other hand, works best with Android devices. But, if your laptop has a Chromebook and can access the Google Play Store, then feel free to use a Google Play card.

Which Gift Card Is Easier to Redeem: Google Play or Steam?

Redeeming both gift cards is easy.

The only slight complication with redeeming a Google Play card is that it can ONLY be done on an Android device. To redeem it, open the Google Play Store on your phone, tap the three horizontal lines to open the menu, select “Payments & subscriptions,” then tap “Redeem code.” Enter your gift card code and tap “Redeem.” In a few seconds, your Google Play gift card will be redeemed, and your Google Play balance will be updated.

Meanwhile, you can easily redeem your Steam gift card on any device. Just sign in to your Steam account, navigate the first page, and carefully input your gift card details. Your card will be verified in a few minutes, and your Steam wallet will be updated.

Which of the Gift Cards has Better Value for Gamers?

From my observation, I have realised that most gamers prefer to use their laptops and monitors. Hence, in terms of better video quality, better audio, and access to a whole game platform, Steam gift cards offer a better value.

But if you love to play games but cannot access Windows or Linux devices, feel free to get a Google Play gift card. With this card, you can access the best mobile games that can also give you similar excitement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Google Play and Steam Gift Cards

1. Can Google Play Cards be Used on Steam or Vice Versa?

No, you can’t use Google Play Cards on Steam, and Steam gift cards won’t work on the Google Play Store either. Each platform only accepts debit cards and their own gift cards. 

2. How Can I Check the Balance of My Google Play Gift Card?

There is no way to check the balance of your Google gift card. You can only check your Google account balance after you redeem your gift card.

3. How Can I Check the Balance of my Steam Gift Card?

Similarly, you can’t check your Steam gift card balance. However, you can log in to your Steam account on any device, redeem your gift card, and check your total Steam wallet balance.

4. Can I Buy Hardware or Physical Products from Google Play or Steam Gift Cards?

You can use your Steam gift card to buy hardware products from Steam. However, you cannot use the Google Play card to purchase physical products because the Play Store only sells digital products.

5. Can I Use a VPN to Redeem a Google Play or Steam Gift Card from Another Country?

No, you cannot use VPN to redeem a Google Play card from another country. It is region-restricted. 

A VPN may allow you to illegally redeem your Steam gift card from another country. Big emphasis on “illegally,” because while it may work, your Steam wallet and account are at risk of restrictions.

6. Where Can I Buy Google Play or Steam Gift Cards Online?

Google Play and Steam Gift cards are available online on authorised apps like Cardtonic. All you need to do is download the Cardtonic on any of your devices, log in or create an account and proceed to buy any gift card of your choice. 

Conclusion 

At the end of the day, it all comes down to what you really want.

If you’re into variety—apps, books, music, mobile games—the Google Play card is your best bet. But if you live and breathe gaming, and your PC is your favourite device to use, the Steam card is the obvious choice.

So think about what fits your vibe, and go for the one that gives you the most value.