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Head-to-head · Game Remote Play Software

Moonlight Game Streaming vs Parsec

  • 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
Parsec #2 in Game Remote Play Software 9.2/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Parsec

Moonlight Game Streaming leads on 0 checks, Parsec 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
  • Free trialonly Parsec
  • Most featuresMoonlight Game Streaming · 2 of 3

Moonlight Game Streaming scores higher on our rubric for game remote play software: 9.4 against 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.

Moonlight Game Streaming is the better fit for free, high-quality PC streaming across devices. Parsec is the better fit for desktop streaming, sharing, and team use.

  • Moonlight Game Streaming fits best

    Free, high-quality PC streaming across devices

  • Parsec fits best

    Desktop streaming, sharing, and team use

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Side by side

Feature Moonlight Game Streaming 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Parsec 9.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.2
Ranking #1 in Game Remote Play Software #2 in Game Remote Play Software
Best for Free, high-quality PC streaming across devices Desktop streaming, sharing, and team use
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free $8.33/user/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — 14 days
Deployment Desktop, Mobile, Self-hosted Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Support Community, Docs Tickets, Community, Docs
Integrations 5 integrations 2 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Moonlight Game Streaming 2/3 · Parsec 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 Not checked yet
Client platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, ChromeOS, Steam Link, Raspberry Pi Not checked yet
Maximum resolution 4k Not checked yet
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
  • Low-latency game and desktop streaming with remote controls
  • Guest access, screen sharing, and multi-monitor support
  • Paid plans add SAML, audit logs, permissions, and APIs
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
  • Free Personal Use is limited to non-commercial use
  • Computer hosting is limited to Windows and macOS
  • Advanced collaboration and administration require paid tiers
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 →

Parsec connects to Windows and macOS computers from Windows, macOS, Ubuntu Linux, Android, and Chromium web clients. It supports low-latency desktop and game streaming, remote keyboard, mouse, and gamepad control, screen sharing through…

Read the review →
  1. Moonlight Game StreamingGame Remote Play Software 9.4Free plan
  2. ParsecGame Remote Play Software 9.2Free plan · 14-day trial

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

  • Parsec — where it wins

    • Low-latency game and desktop streaming with remote controls
    • Guest access, screen sharing, and multi-monitor support
    • Paid plans add SAML, audit logs, permissions, and APIs

    Where it doesn't

    • Free Personal Use is limited to non-commercial use
    • Computer hosting is limited to Windows and macOS
    • Advanced collaboration and administration require paid tiers
  • Moonlight Game Streaming9.4/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit MoonlightFull verdict →
  • Parsec9.2/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    A flexible remote-play tool with free personal access and paid team controls.

    Visit ParsecFull 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