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Head-to-head · Game Remote Play Software

Parsec vs Apollo

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Parsec #2 in Game Remote Play Software 9.2/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Parsec
Apollo #8 in Game Remote Play Software 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Apollo

Parsec leads on 0 checks, Apollo on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreParsec · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Parsec

Parsec scores higher on our rubric for game remote play software: 9.2 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #8.

Parsec is the better fit for desktop streaming, sharing, and team use. Apollo is the better fit for self-hosted streaming with client controls.

  • Parsec fits best

    Desktop streaming, sharing, and team use

  • Apollo fits best

    Self-hosted streaming with client controls

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Side by side

Feature Parsec 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Apollo 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.5
Ranking #2 in Game Remote Play Software #8 in Game Remote Play Software
Best for Desktop streaming, sharing, and team use Self-hosted streaming with client controls
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price $8.33/user/mo Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 14 days —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Self-hosted, Desktop
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Tickets, Community, Docs Community, Docs
Integrations 2 integrations 2 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Parsec 0/3 · Apollo 0/3
Console support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Multi-monitor support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Local co-op support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Host platforms Not checked yet Windows, macOS, Linux
Client platforms Not checked yet Android
Maximum resolution Not checked yet 4k
Maximum frame rate Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • 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
  • 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
  • Free Personal Use is limited to non-commercial use
  • Computer hosting is limited to Windows and macOS
  • Advanced collaboration and administration require paid tiers
  • 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

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 →

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. ParsecGame Remote Play Software 9.2Free plan · 14-day trial
  2. ApolloGame Remote Play Software 8.5Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • 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

  • 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
  • Parsec9.2/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

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

    Visit ParsecFull 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