Browse cheap PC games and you'll see listings for Steam keys, Steam gifts and sometimes Steam accounts. They're not the same thing. Here's the difference.
Steam keys
A Steam key (or "CD key") is a code you type into Steam to add a game to your library permanently. Publishers create keys and give them to official stores, bundles and distributors, which is why key sites can sell them.
- Redeem in Steam under Games > Activate a Product on Steam.
- The game is yours on your account, just like buying it on Steam.
- Keys can have a region (for example UK, Europe, Global), so check it matches your account.
Steam gifts
A Steam gift isn't a code. The seller buys the game on Steam and sends it to your account through Steam's gift system, which usually means adding the seller as a friend. Steam gifts often have regional restrictions set by Steam itself, and the process is slower and more fiddly than a key.
Steam accounts
An account listing sells you the login to a Steam account that has the game on it. It's usually the cheapest option, but you don't own the game on your account, and sharing accounts generally goes against Steam's rules.
Which should you buy?
For most people, a Steam key for the UK, Global or Europe region is the best choice: it's quick, permanent and on your own account.
How Zemly lists them
On Zemly, PC offers say what you're getting, for example "Steam key · Global" or "Account · Global". We leave out Steam gift listings, and accounts are clearly labelled, with a warning before you leave for one. If you only want keys, switch on Keys only.
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