Moonlight Game Streaming

Moonlight Game Streaming is a free, open-source client for playing games streamed from a gaming PC. It suits PC owners who want remote play on their own devices and are comfortable arranging a compatible host. Its strong video options are appealing, but the host setup and lack of a browser client make it a poor fit for people seeking an instant, browser-based service.

Overview

Moonlight implements NVIDIA’s GameStream protocol, sending games from a gaming PC to a supported client. It is not a cloud gaming service: the user supplies the gaming PC and runs a compatible host on it. Moonlight recommends Sunshine, an open-source host built for Moonlight. GeForce Experience is another compatible option, although NVIDIA is discontinuing its GameStream feature. Wolf can stream games and applications running inside Docker containers to Moonlight clients.

The project began in 2013 as a hackathon project by students at Case Western Reserve University. Its client code is hosted on GitHub under the GPLv3 license. The project directs users to a setup guide, FAQ, and Discord community for help.

Key features

Resolution and frame rate

Moonlight can stream a full Windows desktop at up to 4K with HDR on a capable client. The PC client supports up to 120 FPS, and users can disable V-Sync for lower latency. These options give users seeking a sharp, responsive stream room to tune playback, but reaching the top settings depends on the client being capable of HDR and high-resolution playback.

Self-hosted remote access

Users can make their own gaming server reachable using options such as port forwarding, IPv6, ZeroTier, Tailscale, or NordVPN Meshnet. That flexibility suits people willing to configure their own setup rather than rely on a hosted gaming service. For GeForce Experience internet streaming, the Moonlight Internet Hosting Tool must remain installed on the host PC to maintain port-forwarding entries. Tailscale relay connections do not support Moonlight streaming, so that route requires a supported connection type.

No browser client

Moonlight has no pure web client: its protocol requires raw TCP and UDP sockets that browsers do not support. Users need an app on a supported device, which rules it out for people who specifically need to stream through a browser.

Pricing

Moonlight Game Streaming costs nothing. The plan is completely free, with no subscriptions and no paid versions offering extra features; there is no free trial because there is no paid tier to trial. That makes it suitable for users who want the client without an ongoing software charge, though they still need a compatible host and their own gaming PC.

Platforms

Host platforms are Windows, macOS, and Linux. Client platforms include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, ChromeOS, Steam Link, and Raspberry Pi. Maximum resolution is 4K. Console support and local co-op support are also listed, broadening its use beyond solo play on a single client.

Who it's for

Moonlight is best for PC owners who want to stream their own games to supported devices, value high resolution or frame-rate options, and are willing to set up and maintain a compatible host. It is less suitable for users who want a browser client or do not want to manage internet access to their gaming PC. Google Play says the app collects no data and shares no data with third parties.

Pros and cons

Pros

• No subscription or paid feature tier: the client is completely free.
• Strong playback options: up to 4K with HDR on a capable client, plus up to 120 FPS on the PC client and a V-Sync option for lower latency.
• Wide range of clients: support spans desktop, mobile, Apple TV, ChromeOS, Steam Link, and Raspberry Pi.
• Multiple host approaches: users can choose Sunshine or other compatible arrangements, including Docker-based streaming with Wolf.

Cons

• Requires a compatible host on the user's PC: Moonlight is a streaming client, not a replacement for a gaming PC.
• Internet streaming takes setup: remote access options require configuration, and GeForce Experience streaming depends on the Moonlight Internet Hosting Tool remaining installed.
• No browser client: browser socket limitations mean users must use an app on a supported platform.
• GeForce Experience is a less secure long-term choice: NVIDIA is discontinuing its GameStream feature.

Alternatives

Sunshine is worth considering for someone choosing the host side of a self-hosted setup: it is a free, self-hosted option that runs on the user's own hardware and is the host Moonlight recommends.

Moonlight Web is the alternative to consider when browser access matters; it is free, open source, and supports web as well as mobile, desktop, and self-hosted platforms.

Parsec may suit someone looking for a freemium desktop streaming and sharing option, with a free personal non-commercial plan and an Individuals (Warp) plan at $8.33 a month.

Chiaki-ng is a free, open-source PlayStation Remote Play client for users focused on PlayStation remote play.

Greenlight is a free, MIT-licensed alternative for users whose preferred platforms include web.

Steam is a free option for users who want a broader game and content platform, though game and content prices vary and some subscriptions may be free.

Artemis Android is a free, open-source GameStream client for Android users.

Nearcade is another free option with web, Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.

Verdict

Choose Moonlight if you own a gaming PC, want to stream it to a broad range of clients, and are prepared to run and configure a compatible host. Its best reasons to choose it are the free client and support for high-resolution, high-frame-rate streaming; look elsewhere if browser access or a setup without host management is essential.