One of the most common questions we get is: “Why does Borderless Gaming cost $6.99 on Steam when it says it’s open source?”
And following that: “Am I missing out on anything if I use the free version?”
The answer has changed recently. For years, the Steam version and the free version were identical. You paid to support the developer. But with the recent release of Borderless Gaming v1.1 (The 2025 Update) on Steam, the two versions have officially split paths.
In this guide, we will break down the differences between the Classic Free Version (v9.6.0) and the new Modern Steam Version (v1.1+) so you can decide where to put your money (or your bandwidth).
Table of Contents
The Comparison Table
| Feature | Classic (Free) | Steam (Paid) |
|---|---|---|
| Version | v9.6.0 (Final) | v1.1.0+ (Active) |
| Price | $0.00 | $6.99 |
| Technology | Native .NET Framework | .NET 8 (Requires Runtime) |
| Interface | Simple List | Modern Dashboard |
| Auto-Start | Reliable | Buggy (Current) |
| New Features | Core Functionality | App Containers, Upscaling |
The Case for the Free Version (v9.6.0)
For 90% of gamers, the Classic Version is not just the “cheaper” option—it is actually the better option.
“It Just Works”
The Classic version has been polished for nearly a decade. It is lightweight, opens instantly, and sits quietly in your system tray. It doesn’t require you to install the heavy .NET 8 runtime, and it has zero impact on your system resources.
The UI Preference
The new Steam update introduced a radical UI redesign that many long-time users find confusing (or “convoluted” as recent Steam reviews suggest). The Classic version uses a straightforward “Left Box (Windowed) -> Right Box (Borderless)” interface that is foolproof.
Reliability
Recent reports indicate the new Steam version struggles with the “Run on Startup” feature. The Classic version handles Windows startup perfectly, ensuring your games are fixed the moment you boot up.
Verdict: Download the Classic Version if you just want to fix crashes and remove borders without any hassle.
The Case for the Steam Version (v1.1+)
So, why would anyone pay $6.99? The developer, Andrew Sampson, has pivoted the Steam version to be a testing ground for cutting-edge features.
App Containers (The Killer Feature)
This is the main reason to upgrade. “App Containers” allow you to render a cosmetic background behind your game window.
- Why is this useful? If you play a retro game (like a 4:3 emulator) on a 16:9 monitor, you usually get ugly black bars.
- With Steam v1.1, you can fill those black bars with a custom wallpaper, a gradient, or a blurred version of the gameplay (Ambient Mode). It makes the experience look much more premium.
Future Upscaling Tech (BGFG/BGUS)
The developer has teased upcoming features like Universal Frame Generation (similar to FSR 3) and Spatial Upscaling. While these are still experimental, buying the Steam version grants you access to these performance-boosting tools as they are released.
Supporting the Developer
Borderless Gaming is an open-source project that has saved millions of gamers from frustration. Buying the Steam version is the best way to say “Thank You” to the creator for years of hard work.
Conclusion: Which One is Right for You?
The decision ultimately comes down to your specific needs:
- Choose Classic (Free) if: You play standard modern games (Fallout 4, Elden Ring) and just want to stop them from crashing or showing borders. You prefer a lightweight tool that you can set and forget.
- Choose Steam ($6.99) if: You play a lot of retro games or emulators and hate black bars (App Containers are amazing for this). Or, if you want to support the developer and test bleeding-edge upscaling tech.
Our Recommendation:
Start with the Classic Version. It covers the essentials perfectly and costs nothing. If you find yourself needing cosmetic backgrounds for old games later, you can always upgrade on Steam.