Greenlight

Greenlight is a free, open-source client for Xbox Cloud Gaming and streaming from Xbox consoles. It best suits Xbox players who want to play on Linux, macOS, Windows, or a Chromium-based browser. Its main appeal is bringing cloud and home-console streaming together; its main caveat is that the V2 release is maintained only for critical fixes.

Overview

Greenlight handles both Xbox Cloud Gaming and streaming from Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles, with video and audio up to 1080p. That combination makes it a focused option for Xbox play across devices, including local co-op. It is not a general-purpose PC game-streaming client.

The client is built with JavaScript and TypeScript and is open source under the MIT license. V2 receives critical bug fixes, but no new features are planned. Choose it for what it does now; look elsewhere if an active feature roadmap is important to you.

Key features

• Cloud and console streaming: Play through Xbox Cloud Gaming or stream from Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles. The 1080p maximum suits standard HD play, but not anyone seeking a higher-resolution stream.
• Flexible controls: Greenlight supports gamepads and keyboards, with rumble on xCloud. That gives players a choice of input, though rumble support is specifically stated for cloud play.
• Friends list: The online list shows which friends are online, a useful social feature for Xbox players.
• Network WebUI: Greenlight can be made available over a network to devices using Chromium-based browsers. That extends access beyond its desktop clients, but browser support is tied to Chromium-based options.
• Localization: English, Russian, and Ukrainian were added in version 2.4.0, followed by German in 2.4.2.

Pricing

Greenlight's Open-source plan costs nothing. It is free under the MIT license, with no paid plans listed and no free trial. That makes it a straightforward choice for players who want Xbox streaming without a subscription; there are no cheaper tiers with reduced features to weigh.

Platforms

Greenlight's client platforms are Linux, macOS, Windows, Steam Deck, and Chromium-based web browsers. Downloads include Flathub installation and precompiled release binaries. Its streaming hosts are Xbox One, Xbox Series, and Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Steam Deck compatibility is reported, but with small bugs and side effects, so it is a less polished choice for Deck users than its desktop and browser options. The application states that it is not affiliated with Microsoft, Xbox, or Moonlight.

Who it's for

Greenlight is a good fit for Xbox owners who want to stream from their consoles or use Xbox Cloud Gaming on supported desktop systems and Chromium-based browsers. Its keyboard and gamepad controls, online friends list, and local co-op support serve players who want more than a single remote-play session. It is a weaker fit for Steam Deck users who need a trouble-free experience or anyone who prioritizes new features in future releases.

Pros and cons

• Pro — Cloud and home streaming in one client: It covers Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox One and Series consoles, with local co-op support.
• Pro — Free and open source: The MIT-licensed plan costs nothing, with no paid tier.
• Pro — Several ways to play: Gamepad and keyboard controls, plus Chromium-based browser access over a network, broaden the available setups.
• Con — 1080p maximum: Players seeking streams above that resolution need another option.
• Con — V2 is in maintenance mode: Only critical bug fixes are planned, not new features.
• Con — Steam Deck bugs and side effects: Reported issues make it a less dependable pick for Deck-first play.

Alternatives

If you want to compare more remote-play options, browse Game Remote Play Software.

• Moonlight Web is also free and open source, with browser and self-hosted platforms as well as Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. Pick it instead if those platform options or its no-account approach suit your setup better.
• Moonlight Game Streaming is free, with no subscriptions or paid versions with extra features, and supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows. It is an alternative if you want a free streaming option on those platforms.
• Parsec has a free personal, non-commercial plan for desktop streaming and sharing, plus an Individuals (Warp) plan at $8.33 a month. Choose it if desktop streaming and sharing are your priority, or if you want a paid tier.
• Chiaki-ng is a free, open-source PlayStation Remote Play client for Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows. Pick it for PlayStation Remote Play rather than Xbox streaming.
• PeaSyo is a permanently free option for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows. Consider it if those client platforms are the ones you need.
• Pulsar is a free and open-source remote-play option for Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows. Choose it if those platforms are a better fit.
• Steam is free to use across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows, while game and content prices vary and some subscriptions may be free. It is an alternative if you want Steam's game and content platform.
• Artemis Qt is GPL v3 licensed and free, with downloads from GitHub Releases for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Pick it if those platforms and licensing terms suit you.

Verdict

Choose Greenlight if you want a free, MIT-licensed way to stream Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox consoles across desktop systems or Chromium-based browsers. Its combined cloud and home streaming support is the clearest reason to use it. Look elsewhere if you need more than 1080p, expect new V2 features, or want a more reliable Steam Deck experience.