Suggestions appear as you type. Use the up and down arrows to choose one and Enter to open it.

This page's audience our own tag's counts — open to see them
–Visits
–Page views
–Clicks to vendors
–Time on page
–Reading now
Clicks to vendors, by tool
  • –
Top countries
  • –
Devices
  • –

– · visits, page views and clicks counted by our own tag, which counts more than our checked analytics; every figure rounded down · how we count

Head-to-head · Game Remote Play Software

Moonlight Game Streaming vs Apollo

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Moonlight Game Streaming #1 in Game Remote Play Software 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Moonlight
Apollo #8 in Game Remote Play Software 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Apollo

Moonlight Game Streaming leads on 0 checks, Apollo on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreMoonlight Game Streaming · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresMoonlight Game Streaming · 2 of 3

Moonlight Game Streaming scores higher on our rubric for game remote play software: 9.4 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #8.

Moonlight Game Streaming is the better fit for free, high-quality PC streaming across devices. Apollo is the better fit for self-hosted streaming with client controls.

  • Moonlight Game Streaming fits best

    Free, high-quality PC streaming across devices

  • Apollo fits best

    Self-hosted streaming with client controls

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Moonlight Game Streaming 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Apollo 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.5
Ranking #1 in Game Remote Play Software #8 in Game Remote Play Software
Best for Free, high-quality PC streaming across devices Self-hosted streaming with client controls
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile, Self-hosted Self-hosted, Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Community, Docs Community, Docs
Integrations 5 integrations 2 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Moonlight Game Streaming 2/3 · Apollo 0/3
Console support ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Multi-monitor support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Local co-op support ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Host platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Client platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, ChromeOS, Steam Link, Raspberry Pi Android
Maximum resolution 4k 4k
Maximum frame rate Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Free, open-source clients with no subscriptions or paid tiers
  • Supports up to 4K HDR and up to 120 FPS on PC clients
  • Broad Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android coverage
  • Hardware encoding for AMD, Intel, and Nvidia GPUs
  • Virtual display with client resolution and frame-rate matching
  • Per-client permissions, clipboard sync, and connection commands
Cons
  • Requires a compatible gaming PC and host software
  • Internet streaming may require port forwarding, IPv6, or a VPN
  • Console clients are community ports rather than official clients
  • Integrated Artemis client support is currently Android-only
  • Virtual-display support is currently Windows-only
  • Self-hosted setup places configuration and pairing on the user
Our verdict

Moonlight Game Streaming is an open-source client for streaming PC games, applications, and full desktops from a compatible gaming PC to supported devices. It suits people who want to play or access their PC across Windows, macOS, Linux,…

Read the review →

Apollo is an open-source host for streaming games and desktop sessions to Artemis and compatible clients. It is aimed at users who want to manage their own streaming environment rather than use a commercial SaaS service. Host support is…

Read the review →
  1. Moonlight Game StreamingGame Remote Play Software 9.4Free plan
  2. ApolloGame Remote Play Software 8.5Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Moonlight Game Streaming — where it wins

    • Free, open-source clients with no subscriptions or paid tiers
    • Supports up to 4K HDR and up to 120 FPS on PC clients
    • Broad Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android coverage

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires a compatible gaming PC and host software
    • Internet streaming may require port forwarding, IPv6, or a VPN
    • Console clients are community ports rather than official clients

  • Apollo — where it wins

    • Hardware encoding for AMD, Intel, and Nvidia GPUs
    • Virtual display with client resolution and frame-rate matching
    • Per-client permissions, clipboard sync, and connection commands

    Where it doesn't

    • Integrated Artemis client support is currently Android-only
    • Virtual-display support is currently Windows-only
    • Self-hosted setup places configuration and pairing on the user
  • Moonlight Game Streaming9.4/10 · Free plan

    A free, flexible client for streaming PC games and desktops across many devices.

    Visit MoonlightFull verdict →
  • Apollo8.5/10 · Free plan

    A capable free host for self-managed streaming, with Android-centered client coverage.

    Visit ApolloFull verdict →

More comparisons

All game remote play software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update