- Parsec alternatives at a glance
- Ten Parsec alternatives to consider
- Why the free option comes in two halves
- What to compare for remote play
- How to get smooth streaming at home
- Remote play mistakes to avoid
- Questions to ask before you settle on a remote play tool
- My plain advice on Parsec alternatives
- Frequently asked questions
Parsec alternatives are other low-latency remote desktop and game streaming tools that let you use a powerful computer from another device. Some are free host and client pairs you run yourself, others are cloud PCs or professional remote workstation tools. Pick by whether you're streaming games, creative apps or office work, and test on your own network.
Parsec is loved by gamers and creative teams because it feels quick. But depending on what you're doing, another tool might suit your setup better.
Here are ten Parsec alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from open-source streaming pairs to professional remote workstations. Each description comes from the vendor's own website, re-checked today. If you stream to an audience as well, my guide to finding your YouTube stream key covers the broadcasting side.
Know what you're streaming. Fast games need the lowest latency, while design and video work need colour accuracy and pen support.
And test on your real connection. Remote play depends on your network as much as the software.
Parsec alternatives at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a free version, free plan or open-source download, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated. Free versions usually come with limits, so check what's included before you depend on one.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon DCV | Remote display protocol | Cloud workstations | Yes |
| Chrome Remote Desktop | Browser-based remote access | Quick everyday access | Yes |
| HP Anyware | Remote workstation software | Studios and creative teams | No |
| Jump Desktop | Remote desktop app | Mac and iPad users | No |
| Moonlight | Open-source streaming client | Playing games from your PC | Yes |
| NoMachine | Remote desktop software | Fast cross-platform access | Yes |
| Shadow | Cloud PC service | A gaming PC in the cloud | No |
| Splashtop | Remote access software | Work and creative access | Trial only |
| Steam Remote Play | Game streaming feature | Steam library streaming | Yes |
| Sunshine | Open-source game stream host | Self-hosted streaming | Yes |
Ten Parsec alternatives to consider
Amazon DCV
Best for: Teams running graphics-heavy cloud workstations who need high-performance remote display.
Chrome Remote Desktop
Best for: People who want simple, free access to their computer through a browser.
HP Anyware
Best for: Creative studios who want secure, high-quality access to powerful workstations.
Jump Desktop
Best for: Mac and iPad users who want a fast, polished remote desktop with good input support.
Moonlight
Best for: Gamers who want an open-source client to stream PC games to other devices.
NoMachine
Best for: People who want fast remote desktop across Windows, Mac and Linux.
Shadow
Best for: People who want a full Windows PC in the cloud instead of hosting their own.
Splashtop
Best for: Professionals who want quick remote access for work and creative apps.
Steam Remote Play
Best for: Steam players who want to stream their library to other devices at home.
Sunshine
Best for: Gamers who want a free, self-hosted streaming host on their own PC.
Why the free option comes in two halves
Here's the part that confuses people the first time. Sunshine's own site describes it as a self-hosted game stream host for Moonlight, and the client's own site describes itself as an open-source implementation of NVIDIA's GameStream protocol.
In plain terms, you install the host on your gaming PC and the client on the device you're playing from. Install only one and nothing happens. Set up both on your home network first, then try playing away from home.
What to compare for remote play
- Latency: how quick input feels on your connection.
- Quality: resolution, frame rate and colour.
- Input: controllers, pens and keyboard shortcuts.
- Platforms: which devices can host and which can connect.
- Security: encryption and login protection.
How to get smooth streaming at home
- Connect the host PC to your router with a cable.
- Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi or a cable on the playing device.
- Start at a lower resolution and raise it step by step.
- Close downloads and other streams on the network.
- Test away from home only once it's smooth locally.
Remote play mistakes to avoid
- Hosting over Wi-Fi. Cable the host PC if you can.
- Starting at max quality. Build up from a lower setting.
- Ignoring upload speed. It matters most when away from home.
- Weak passwords. Protect any remote access.
If you run a gaming side business, my guide to gaming licences for businesses covers the formal side.
Questions to ask before you settle on a remote play tool
Remote play is all about feel, so test the things you'll notice in real use.
- Which devices can host and which can connect?
- Does it support my controller or pen?
- What resolution and frame rate can my network handle?
- Is the connection encrypted?
- Does it work away from home without extra setup?
Give each tool a full evening of real use. Specs on a page rarely match how it feels in your hands.
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Do you make remote play tools? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on Parsec alternatives
Fix the network before you blame the app. A wired host and a strong connection solve most stutter, whichever tool you use.
And match the tool to the job. Gaming, design work and office access each have a best fit.
Frequently asked questions
What's a free alternative to Parsec?
Open-source host and client pairs are free to run on your own hardware.
Do I need two apps for game streaming?
Some tools use a host app on the PC and a client app on the other device.
Can I stream games outside my home?
Yes, but it depends on your upload speed and network setup.
Is a cloud PC better than hosting my own?
A cloud PC saves buying hardware. Hosting your own uses the PC you already have.
Which tool works on a Mac?
Several tools have Mac apps for connecting, and some for hosting.
Can I use a controller?
Most game streaming tools support controllers.
Why does streaming stutter?
Usually Wi-Fi interference or a busy network.
Is remote play secure?
Use tools with encryption and strong passwords.
Can I use these tools for work?
Yes. Several are built for creative and office work.
What internet speed do I need?
Faster is better, especially upload speed on the host side.
Do these tools support 4K?
Some do, if your hardware and network can keep up.
Can I stream to a TV?
Several clients run on TVs or streaming boxes.
Can I use remote play for video editing?
Yes, if the tool handles colour and pen input well and your network is fast.
Do I need a gaming PC to stream games?
You need a capable host, either your own PC or a cloud PC.
Is wired better than Wi-Fi for streaming?
Yes. A cable on the host gives the most stable picture.
