Best Game Booster Software for PC: Free and Paid Options

Introduction

If you're serious about gaming on PC in 2025, you know that even powerful machines can sometimes struggle with performance dips, stuttering, or low frame rates. That's where game booster PC software comes in. These tools are designed to optimise your computer’s resources, helping increase FPS, reduce lag, and speed up your PC to provide a smoother gaming experience. Whether you are using a free utility or a premium software suite, game boosters can make a subtle but noticeable difference.

This post compares the best game booster software tailored for PC gamers, breaking down their features, pricing, and how effectively they tackle issues like background process bloat, GPU/CPU usage, and network latency. We'll cover some of the leading free and paid options, helping you decide which game booster fits your gaming setup and budget.

Context and Relevance

With gaming becoming more graphically intense and resource-demanding every year, hardware alone doesn’t always guarantee flawless gameplay. Optimisation tools that specifically target gaming performance are more relevant than ever. Game booster software addresses common headaches: lowering input lag, avoiding frame drops, and speeding up startup times.

In 2025, advancements in game engines and content delivery mean game booster tools must handle not only traditional system tweaks but also integration with streaming overlays, VR rigs, and AI-assisted background processes. This article is aimed at PC gamers who want simple yet powerful solutions to improve performance without upgrading hardware immediately.

If you’ve been wondering whether to try free game optimisers or invest in premium versions with extras like hardware monitoring, network optimisation, and real-time FPS enhancements — this guide will clear things up.

Best Game Booster Software for PC

Below is an in-depth comparison of popular free and premium game booster PC software in 2025, each vetted for effectiveness, ease of use, and value.

1. Razer Cortex: Game Booster (Free)

What it is: Razer Cortex is a widely used free gaming utility focused on optimizing Windows PCs for gaming by pausing unnecessary processes and clearing RAM.

Key features:

• One-click game boosting that suspends background apps
• System performance monitoring (CPU/GPU usage)
• Game launcher with discounts and deals
• FPS overlay and benchmarking tools

Performance: Razer Cortex improves FPS by optimising resource allocation and closing non-essential software during gameplay. Its RAM cleaning tool also helps reduce stutter in games prone to memory leaks.

Price: Free

Why it matters: It's ideal for casual gamers or those on a budget who want an easy method to speed up PC gaming sessions with zero cost.

Limitations: Some users report inconsistent boost effects and limited advanced control for power users.

2. Wise Game Booster (Free)

What it is: Wise Game Booster offers a straightforward free solution to enhance gaming by tweaking system settings and prioritising game processes.

Key features:

• Disables unnecessary startup and background services
• Adjusts Windows system configurations for better gaming performance
• Simple user interface, easy for beginners

Performance: Effective for mid-range PCs where minor system optimisations can yield noticeable FPS improvements.

Price: Free

Why it matters: Great for users who prefer a minimalistic, no-frills tool that gets the job done without complexity.

Limitations: Lacks some modern features like FPS monitoring or network optimisation.

3. MSI Afterburner (Free, but hardware-specific)

What it is: Though primarily a GPU overclocking tool, MSI Afterburner doubles as a powerful FPS software with real-time monitoring and on-screen overlay tailored for gaming.

Key features:

• GPU tuning and overclocking controls
• FPS, CPU, and GPU real-time stats overlay
• Customisable fan curves to reduce thermal throttling
• Compatible with many GPUs beyond MSI

Performance: Boosts performance indirectly by allowing hardware enthusiasts to tweak their GPUs for higher frame rates and stable temperatures.

Price: Free

Why it matters: Ideal for gamers comfortable with hardware tweaking who want granular control over GPU performance and detailed monitoring.

Limitations: Not a traditional game booster; requires user knowledge for safe overclocking. No automatic process suspensions.

4. WTFast (Premium)

What it is: WTFast is a premium gaming VPN and network optimiser that significantly reduces ping and latency in online games by routing traffic through faster, more direct servers.

Key features:

• GPN (Gamers Private Network) technology to optimise routing
• Up to 20% lower ping in popular MMOs and shooters
• Real-time connection stats and diagnostics
• Multi-platform support

Performance: Concentrates on reducing lag spikes and packet loss rather than FPS but essential for smooth online gameplay.

Price: Starts at $8.99/month or $69/year

Why it matters: For online-focused gamers, WTFast can be the difference between winning and losing during competitive play.

Limitations: Not a system-wide booster; doesn’t improve frame rates or graphics performance.

5. Game Fire 6 Pro (Premium)

What it is: Game Fire is a dedicated, comprehensive game booster and system optimiser combining process management with RAM defragmentation and real-time system tweaks.

Key features:

• One-click boosting and custom profiles per game
• Performance monitor widget
• Optimize hard drive speed and free RAM
• Suspend unnecessary tasks automatically during gameplay

Performance: Delivers visible FPS increases and reduces launch times on older or less powerful PCs.

Price: $29.95 for a lifetime license

Why it matters: Great for serious gamers who want a full suite of system tweaks and want to squeeze the most out of existing hardware.

Limitations: The UI can feel dated, and some features may require manual fine-tuning.

6. Razer Synapse 4 (Free, with Premium extras)

What it is: Not purely a game booster but a hardware and software ecosystem tool that optimises Razer peripherals and offers some PC performance enhancements.

Key features:

• Device customisation and lighting effects
• Razer Game Booster integration
• Macro and script automation for better in-game efficiency

Performance: Indirect system speedup with automated task scheduling and integrated device controls; more gaming utility than pure booster.

Price: Free base software; some premium device features require purchases.

Why it matters: Owners of Razer hardware can consolidate gaming optimisation and peripheral management in one app.

Limitations: Less effective for non-Razer hardware users and limited core system optimisations.

Expert Insight: What to Look for in a Game Booster PC Software

When selecting game booster software, consider:

• Your PC specs and needs: Older or lower-end PCs benefit more from system-level optimisers like Game Fire; high-end builds often benefit more from FPS monitoring and tweaking tools like MSI Afterburner.
• Type of games played: Online gamers gain from network-focused boosters like WTFast, while single-player users benefit from CPU/GPU optimisation tools.
• Control vs Ease of use: Free options like Razer Cortex provide good “one-click” solutions, while premium software offers advanced manual controls.
• What’s being boosted: Some software focuses on suspending background processes, others on overclocking or network routing. Pick the booster that targets your biggest bottleneck.
• Security and compatibility: Always download from official sites and verify compatibility with your OS version (Windows 11+ in 2025).

A common misstep is expecting game boosters to turn a low-end PC into a high-end rig overnight. They help optimise software environment but can’t replace underlying hardware limitations.

Alternatives and Comparisons

Besides game boosters, consider:

• Windows Game Mode: Built into Windows 10 and 11, Game Mode prioritises resources for games. Does not replace booster software but works well in tandem.
• Manual optimisation: Adjusting startup programs, updating drivers, and changing power settings manually can also speed up PC gaming.
• Hardware upgrades: Adding RAM, SSDs, or GPUs will have a more noticeable impact than software boosters for many users.

Among software, free options like Wise Game Booster suit budget-conscious users, whereas paid software like Game Fire Pro offers the most comprehensive tools. For network issues, WTFast remains unmatched.

Quick Summary: Top Picks for 2025

• Best free game booster: Razer Cortex (all-around utility, user-friendly)
• Best for hardware enthusiasts: MSI Afterburner (advanced GPU tuning and FPS overlay)
• Best premium system optimiser: Game Fire 6 Pro (full suite, lifetime license)
• Best network latency booster: WTFast (for online multiplayer gamers)

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does game booster PC software actually do?
A: It optimises your system by suspending unnecessary processes, freeing up RAM, and tweaking settings to improve gaming performance and FPS.

Q: Are game boosters safe to use?
A: Most reputable game boosters like Razer Cortex are safe. Avoid unknown or suspicious software to prevent malware or system instability.

Q: Can a game booster fix all lag problems?
A: No, while they improve system responsiveness, online lag often depends on your internet connection and server locations.

Q: Do I need a paid game booster to see benefits?
A: Not always. Many free options offer solid optimisation, but premium versions provide additional features and better customisation.

Q: Will game boosters improve FPS on high-end PCs?
A: The effect tends to be less noticeable on high-end PCs as they already have robust resources, but boosters can help with background task management.

Q: How often should I run a game booster?
A: Before every gaming session is ideal for best performance, though some programs can automate this.

Q: Do game boosters work on other applications?
A: Generally, they are designed for games, but many can optimise system resources that benefit other heavy software too.

Pricing and Availability

• Razer Cortex: Free, available from Razer’s official website
• Wise Game Booster: Free, downloadable from WiseCleaner website
• MSI Afterburner: Free, from MSI’s official page
• WTFast: Subscription-based, from $8.99/month on WTFast.com
• Game Fire 6 Pro: One-time payment around $29.95, available from Smart PC Utilities
• Razer Synapse 4: Free, from Razer.com, premium features vary by hardware

Look out for bundle offers or seasonal discounts, especially on premium tools.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

Choosing the best game booster PC software depends on your PC specs, gaming needs, and whether you prefer simple automation or deep customisation. Casual gamers on a budget should start with free options like Razer Cortex or Wise Game Booster to speed up their PCs and increase FPS. Hardware aficionados can combine MSI Afterburner with manual tweaks for extra performance gains. Online competitive players should seriously consider network optimisers like WTFast that reduce latency.

For those looking for a full optimisation suite, Game Fire 6 Pro offers a great balance of price and comprehensive tools and is worth the one-time investment. Remember, no booster replaces actual system upgrades, but good software can significantly improve your gaming experience in 2025 and beyond.

Explore related guides on PC hardware upgrades or software optimisation to get the most out of your gaming rig. And for ongoing tips on boosting your gaming performance, subscribe to updates tailored for PC enthusiasts.

For more detailed guides on PC optimisation and gaming utilities, check out: [Top PC Cleaning Software in 2025], [How to Improve FPS Without Upgrading Hardware], or [Best VPNs for Online Gaming].