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Which Handheld is the Best?
It’s a question we hear constantly — and it makes sense. For newcomers to the world of handheld PCs, this space is confusing. Between biased sponsored reviews and people defending whatever they’ve already bought, it’s tough to figure out which handhelds are genuinely worth your time (and money). That’s why this guide exists: to cut through the noise and point you toward the best handheld for you.
SteamOS vs Windows: The First Big Decision
The most important decision you'll make is whether you want a SteamOS or Windows handheld.
SteamOS is built for gaming first. Its UI feels familiar to anyone who's used a console like the PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch. It has sleep/quick resume support, great controller integration, and a no-fuss interface designed for play. But it’s not perfect. Some multiplayer games (like Fortnite or Call of Duty) are currently incompatible due to anti-cheat limitations — a problem caused by the developers, not SteamOS itself.
Windows, on the other hand, is… Windows. It’s a full PC under the hood, which gives you flexibility — but also friction. You can install any software you like, but you'll also deal with updates, compatibility quirks, and a UI that really isn't made for touchscreens or controllers. Many handhelds don’t even have a keyboard or trackpad, making basic navigation awkward.
TL;DR:
SteamOS = a smooth, console-like gaming experience.
Windows = full PC flexibility with a higher learning curve.
If you're the kind of person who just wants to turn on a device and game, SteamOS is for you. If you want to tinker, mod, or run niche apps and launchers, Windows might be the better fit.
Best Handhelds Right Now (2025 Edition)
So you’ve picked an OS — great. Now let’s talk about the actual devices.
Every handheld has strengths and weaknesses. Some have amazing screens but poor speakers. Others are tiny and pocketable, but run hot. Some have crazy performance and premium builds but suffer from awful ergonomics.
We’ve tested and reviewed dozens of these handhelds firsthand, and we’ve scored them across multiple key areas. Here’s how they stack up:
Handheld Comparison Chart
Top Pick: Steam Deck OLED
If we had to pick one handheld to recommend to most people, it's the Steam Deck OLED.
Why? Because it excels across the board.
The 7.4” OLED display is gorgeous — vivid, contrast-rich, and HDR-ready.
It’s dead silent. Seriously. You’ll barely hear the fan.
The ergonomics are unrivalled. This is the most comfortable handheld — and maybe even the most comfortable controller — we've ever used.
SteamOS makes it incredibly easy to pick up and play.
It’s not the most powerful handheld on the market, but for most people, that won’t matter. Unless you’re chasing max FPS in modern AAA games, the Steam Deck OLED is as close to perfect as this category has seen.
If You Need Windows: Our Favourite Windows Picks
If You Need Windows: Our Favourite Windows Picks
Windows handhelds are a mixed bag — but they offer specific advantages if you know what you’re looking for.
GPD Win 4 (HX 370): Tiny but mighty. It’s got a physical keyboard, a trackpad, and excellent portability. One of the quietest Windows options, too.
Zotac Zone 8840U: One of the best displays in the Windows space and powerful internals. A solid balance of performance and portability.
MSI Claw Ultra 7: Surprisingly great speakers, decent ergonomics, and a familiar Windows laptop-like experience.
OneXFly F1 Pro: Insanely powerful in a small chassis — but expect heat and fan noise to match.
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you buy something—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we’ve personally tested and actually use ourselves. Prices listed are just a snapshot of what they were at the time of writing and may change.
We purchased this bundle ourselves at full retail price. We have no affiliation with Skull & Co. or Savage Raven — we've never even spoken to them.
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