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Head-to-head · Game Remote Play Software

Parsec vs Sunshine

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks 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
Sunshine #7 in Game Remote Play Software 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit Sunshine

Parsec leads on 0 checks, Sunshine on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks 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
  • Most featuresSunshine · 1 of 3

Parsec scores higher on our rubric for game remote play software: 9.2 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #7.

Parsec is the better fit for desktop streaming, sharing, and team use. Sunshine is the better fit for free self-hosted streaming hosts.

  • Parsec fits best

    Desktop streaming, sharing, and team use

  • Sunshine fits best

    Free self-hosted streaming hosts

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Side by side

Feature Parsec 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Sunshine 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.6
Ranking #2 in Game Remote Play Software #7 in Game Remote Play Software
Best for Desktop streaming, sharing, and team use Free self-hosted streaming hosts
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
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Tickets, Community, Docs Community, Docs
Integrations 2 integrations 1 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Parsec 0/3 · Sunshine 1/3
Console support Not checked yet ✓ (best)
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 Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Maximum resolution Not checked yet 4k
Maximum frame rate Not checked yet 120 fps
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
  • Free, open-source hosting across Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Supports AMD, Intel, NVIDIA, Apple, and software video encoding
  • Includes HDR, virtual gamepads, and remote keyboard and mouse input
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
  • Primarily a host rather than a complete client experience
  • Requires Moonlight for client-side streaming
  • 4K and 120-frame streaming depend on hardware and configuration
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 →

Sunshine is a free, open-source, self-hosted game and desktop streaming host from LizardByte. It is designed for people who want to stream games from their own Windows, macOS, or Linux computer instead of using a cloud gaming subscription.…

Read the review →
  1. ParsecGame Remote Play Software 9.2Free plan · 14-day trial
  2. SunshineGame Remote Play Software 8.6Free 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

  • Sunshine — where it wins

    • Free, open-source hosting across Windows, macOS, and Linux
    • Supports AMD, Intel, NVIDIA, Apple, and software video encoding
    • Includes HDR, virtual gamepads, and remote keyboard and mouse input

    Where it doesn't

    • Primarily a host rather than a complete client experience
    • Requires Moonlight for client-side streaming
    • 4K and 120-frame streaming depend on hardware and configuration

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