Moonlight Web vs Pulsar

Moonlight Web9.1Visit Pulsar9.0Visit

Higher score Moonlight Web #3 in Game Remote Play Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit Moonlight Web

vs

Pulsar #4 in Game Remote Play Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit PulsarDesk

• Moonlight Web fits best

  Browser-based streaming with advanced video options

• Pulsar fits best

  Privacy-focused self-hosted streaming

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Side by side

Feature	Moonlight Web 9.1/10 Visit ↗	Pulsar 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.1	9.0
Ranking	#3 in Game Remote Play Software	#4 in Game Remote Play Software
Best for	Browser-based streaming with advanced video options	Privacy-focused self-hosted streaming
Pricing model	Free	Free
Starting price	Free plan	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Self-hosted, Desktop	Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Support	Community, Docs	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Moonlight Web 1/3 · Pulsar 1/3
Console support	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Multi-monitor support	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Local co-op support	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Specs
Host platforms	Windows, Linux, macOS	Windows, macOS, Linux
Client platforms	Modern web browsers on PC, Mac, tablet, phone, and TV	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Maximum resolution	4k	4k
Maximum frame rate	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Streams through WebRTC with H.264, HEVC, and AV1 support Supports up to 4K HDR and configurable streaming up to 240 FPS Works with multiple hosts and supports session sharing for three guests	Free and open-source with self-hostable relay and device identity Supports 4K, H.265/AV1, HDR and streaming up to 120 fps Encrypted peer-to-peer connections with adaptive bitrate and relay fallback
Cons	Requires a self-hosted desktop or server installation Depends on a compatible host such as Sunshine, Apollo, Wolf, or MultiSeat Advanced streaming options may require suitable browser and host hardware	Current client coverage excludes iOS The project is in Alpha Self-hosting requires managing relay and device identity infrastructure
Our verdict	Moonlight Web is a self-hosted game-streaming client and host for people who want to play PC games through a modern browser. The installed host runs on Windows, Linux, or macOS, while clients can connect from a browser on a PC, Mac,… Read the review →	Pulsar is a free, open-source application for low-latency game streaming and remote desktop access. It is designed for gamers who want control over their streaming infrastructure, as well as IT and support teams that need remote access… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Moonlight Web — where it wins

  • Streams through WebRTC with H.264, HEVC, and AV1 support
  • Supports up to 4K HDR and configurable streaming up to 240 FPS
  • Works with multiple hosts and supports session sharing for three guests

  Where it doesn't

  • Requires a self-hosted desktop or server installation
  • Depends on a compatible host such as Sunshine, Apollo, Wolf, or MultiSeat
  • Advanced streaming options may require suitable browser and host hardware

• Pulsar — where it wins

  • Free and open-source with self-hostable relay and device identity
  • Supports 4K, H.265/AV1, HDR and streaming up to 120 fps
  • Encrypted peer-to-peer connections with adaptive bitrate and relay fallback

  Where it doesn't

  • Current client coverage excludes iOS
  • The project is in Alpha
  • Self-hosting requires managing relay and device identity infrastructure

• Moonlight Web9.1/10 · Free plan

  A free, open-source browser client for high-resolution PC game streaming.

  Visit Moonlight WebFull verdict →
• Pulsar9.0/10 · Free plan

  A free, self-hostable streaming tool for privacy-focused gamers and support teams.

  Visit PulsarDeskFull verdict →