CDKeys vs G2A: Which Game Key Site Is Better in 2026?

CDKeys and G2A are two of the most popular places to buy discounted game keys, but they operate in fundamentally different ways. One is a curated retailer. The other is an open marketplace. That distinction affects everything from pricing and safety to the likelihood of getting a working key.

This CDKeys vs G2A comparison breaks down both platforms across every metric that matters so you can pick the right one for your next purchase.

Business Model: Retailer vs Marketplace

This is the most important difference between these two platforms, and it shapes the entire buying experience.

CDKeys: The Curated Retailer

CDKeys operates as a direct retailer. The company sources game keys in bulk from distributors and authorized suppliers, then sells them directly to you. There are no third-party sellers involved.

This means:

• Every key comes from CDKeys' own inventory.
• CDKeys controls key quality and authenticity.
• Prices are set by CDKeys, not competing sellers.
• You deal with CDKeys directly if something goes wrong.

For a deeper look at their operations, read our full guide: is CDKeys legit.

G2A: The Open Marketplace

G2A operates like eBay for digital products. Thousands of independent sellers list their keys on the G2A platform, and you're buying from one of those sellers -- not from G2A itself.

This means:

• Key quality depends on the individual seller.
• Prices vary between sellers for the same product.
• G2A acts as an intermediary, not the actual seller.
• Dispute resolution goes through G2A's system, not directly with the key source.

For more on G2A's trustworthiness, check out our detailed analysis: is G2A legit.

Pricing: Who Offers Better Deals?

Pricing is where G2A's marketplace model creates an interesting dynamic.

G2A's Pricing Advantage

Because multiple sellers compete on G2A, prices for popular titles are often driven lower through competition. For mainstream AAA games, G2A frequently undercuts CDKeys by 5-20%. When sellers need to move inventory quickly, you'll see aggressive price drops.

However, G2A adds fees that can erode those savings:

• Payment processing fees -- Varies by payment method (1-5%).
• G2A Plus subscription -- Optional, but without it you pay higher fees.
• Currency conversion fees -- If the listing currency differs from yours.

CDKeys' Pricing Advantage

CDKeys has transparent pricing with no hidden fees. The price you see is the price you pay. While individual listings may be slightly higher than G2A's cheapest seller, the total cost after G2A's fees often narrows the gap considerably.

CDKeys also tends to offer better prices on:

• Console game keys (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo).
• Gift cards and wallet top-ups.
• Subscription codes for services like Game Pass and PS Plus.

Price Comparison Example

For a typical $60 AAA game:

• CDKeys price: ~$35-42 (no additional fees)
• G2A lowest seller: ~$30-38 (plus 2-5% in fees = $31-40 actual cost)

The difference is often just a few dollars. For software products like Windows 11 Pro or Microsoft Office, both platforms offer substantial savings over retail, but CDKeys tends to have more consistent pricing.

Safety and Buyer Protection

This is where the retailer vs marketplace distinction matters most.

CDKeys Safety

Risk level: Low

Because CDKeys sources all keys themselves, the risk of receiving a fraudulent or revoked key is minimal. The company has operated since 2013 with a strong reputation and over 200,000 TrustPilot reviews.

CDKeys offers:

• Direct accountability -- they sourced the key, so they're responsible for it.
• 7-day refund window for unused keys.
• 24/7 customer support.
• No third-party seller risk.

G2A Safety

Risk level: Low to Moderate

G2A's marketplace model introduces seller variability. Most sellers are legitimate, but the platform has faced criticism for occasional fraudulent keys -- keys purchased with stolen credit cards that later get revoked by publishers.

G2A offers:

• G2A Shield (paid subscription) -- Provides faster refunds and priority support for invalid keys.
• Seller ratings -- Check ratings before buying; stick to sellers with 95%+ positive feedback and thousands of transactions.
• Money-back guarantee -- Available, but the claims process can be slower without G2A Shield.

Without G2A Shield, resolving issues with bad keys can take days or weeks. With CDKeys, the process is typically faster because you're dealing with the retailer directly.

Game Selection and Availability

G2A Wins on Breadth

G2A's marketplace model gives it a massive inventory advantage. With thousands of sellers listing products, you'll find:

• Virtually every PC game, current and older titles.
• Region-specific keys for almost every country.
• DLC, season passes, and in-game currency codes.
• Software keys, gift cards, and subscription codes.
• Pre-order keys (sometimes available before official channels).

If you're looking for an obscure title or a specific regional variant, G2A almost certainly has it.

CDKeys Wins on Curation

CDKeys carries a smaller but carefully curated selection. They focus on:

• Popular and trending games.
• Major platform gift cards (PSN, Xbox, Steam, Nintendo).
• Software licenses (Windows, Office, antivirus).
• Subscription codes (Game Pass, PS Plus, EA Play).

You won't find every indie game on CDKeys, but everything they do carry is sourced and verified by their team. Browse Steam gift cards and other popular products to see their curated approach.

User Experience and Interface

CDKeys

CDKeys has a clean, straightforward website. You find a product, click buy, and check out. There's no comparing between sellers, no fee calculations, and no seller ratings to research.

Key delivery is automated and nearly instant -- you receive your code via email within minutes of payment.

G2A

G2A's interface is more complex because of the marketplace structure. You need to:

• Compare prices between multiple sellers.
• Check seller ratings and transaction history.
• Factor in fees based on your payment method.
• Decide whether to add G2A Shield protection.

For experienced buyers who enjoy deal-hunting, this is fine. For casual shoppers who just want a game key quickly, the extra steps can be annoying.

Customer Support Comparison

CDKeys Support

CDKeys offers 24/7 support through their ticket system and live chat. Because they're the direct retailer, support agents can verify key status immediately and issue replacements or refunds without involving a third party.

Average resolution time: 1-24 hours based on user reports.

G2A Support

G2A's support acts as a mediator between you and the seller. This means:

• Initial response times are reasonable (24-48 hours).
• Resolution can take longer because G2A needs to contact the seller.
• G2A Shield subscribers get priority support and faster resolutions.
• Without Shield, complex disputes may take 7-14 days.

Reputation and Controversy

CDKeys

CDKeys has maintained a relatively clean reputation. The main criticism is that as a grey-market retailer, their keys may not always maximize revenue to game developers compared to buying directly from Steam or console stores. But the keys themselves are legitimate.

G2A

G2A has faced more significant controversies:

• Stolen key allegations -- Some developers claimed keys sold on G2A were purchased with stolen credit cards. G2A eventually created a program to compensate affected developers.
• G2A Shield auto-enrollment -- The platform faced backlash for automatically enrolling users in paid protection subscriptions.
• Seller accountability -- Because anyone can sell on G2A, maintaining consistent quality control is inherently harder.

G2A has made improvements since these controversies, including better seller verification and a more transparent fee structure, but the reputation damage lingers for some buyers.

For comparisons with other marketplaces, see our G2A vs Kinguin vs Eneba guide.

Payment Methods

Both platforms accept a wide range of payment methods:

G2A offers slightly more payment options, including cryptocurrency. However, some payment methods on G2A carry higher processing fees.

Verdict: CDKeys vs G2A

Choose CDKeys If:

• You value simplicity and transparent pricing.
• You want minimal risk of receiving invalid keys.
• You prefer dealing with a single retailer rather than anonymous marketplace sellers.
• You're buying gift cards, subscriptions, or software licenses.
• You don't want to pay for buyer protection.

Choose G2A If:

• You're hunting for the absolute lowest price and don't mind comparing sellers.
• You need a specific regional key or an obscure title.
• You're comfortable evaluating seller ratings and using marketplace protections.
• You want the broadest possible selection.
• You're an experienced key buyer who knows how to navigate marketplace risks.

Overall Winner: CDKeys for Most Buyers

For the average gamer looking to save money on game keys safely, CDKeys is the better choice. The transparent pricing, direct accountability, and lower risk profile make it the more reliable option. The price difference is usually minimal once G2A's fees are factored in.

G2A remains a viable option for experienced buyers who understand marketplace dynamics and are willing to research sellers carefully. Just make sure to use seller ratings, stick to highly-rated sellers, and consider G2A Shield for purchases over $20.

Whichever platform you choose, both offer legitimate savings of 30-70% compared to buying directly from official stores. Compare current deals on both sites for the specific game or product you're looking for -- the best choice often comes down to which platform has the better price on that particular day.