Pulsar

Pulsar is a free, open-source app that combines remote computer access with low-latency game streaming. It is best suited to gamers, IT staff, and support teams who want one tool for both jobs and value device-side encryption or self-hosting. Its broad feature set is compelling, but Android is the only mobile platform with a released client and setup can demand more technical involvement than a conventional hosted service.

Overview

Pulsar handles support sessions and game play in the same application. Remote access includes ID and one-time-password connections, unattended access, file transfer, clipboard synchronization, session chat, multi-monitor viewing, and remote restart. That makes it suitable for helping a client, reaching a personal computer, or maintaining a server when nobody is present to approve every connection.

The streaming side is aimed at demanding games rather than simple screen sharing. Hardware H.265 or AV1 encoding supports up to 120 frames per second, HDR, ultrawide displays, and multichannel audio. Xbox and PlayStation controller mapping keeps familiar inputs usable, while adaptive bitrate can respond to changing network conditions. Connections try direct peer-to-peer communication first and fall back to a relay when necessary.

Key features

One tool for support and play

Combining unattended maintenance controls with high-frame-rate streaming is Pulsar's main practical advantage. You avoid maintaining separate applications for remote troubleshooting and gaming, although the breadth may be unnecessary if you need only one of those functions.

Privacy and control

Encryption keys are generated only on user devices, so Pulsar says neither its server nor a relay can decrypt traffic. There is no account requirement, telemetry, or advertising. Users can run their own relay and device identity server with a Docker command, which gives technically capable organisations more control over infrastructure and data paths.

Open development and verification

All code is published on GitHub under GPLv3. Downloads provide SHA-256 checksums and signatures, and releases are GPG-signed. Documentation, a self-host guide, release notes, Discord, and contribution resources provide routes for administration and community support.

Pricing

The single plan is free forever, with no trial period because there is no paid tier to convert into. The published plan includes a 4K maximum resolution and multi-monitor support. There are no paid upgrades, seat allowances, renewal charges, or stated free-plan quotas to weigh against one another; organisations instead take on the work of operating their own relay or identity server if they choose self-hosting.

Platforms

Host and client downloads cover Windows 10/11, macOS 12+, and Linux systems with glibc 2.31 or newer. Android 7+ is supported as a client. The iOS App Store release is still in development, so iPhone and iPad users cannot treat Pulsar as a released option. The download page calls for hardware video-encoding support, 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended), and a 5 Mbps network connection, rising to 15 Mbps or more for gaming.

Who it's for

Choose Pulsar if you are a gamer who wants HDR, ultrawide output, high frame rates, controller mapping, and adaptive bitrate, or an administrator who needs unattended access, file transfer, multi-monitor support, and remote restart. It is particularly attractive to privacy-conscious users and teams comfortable with Docker and self-managed infrastructure. It is a weaker fit for iOS-first households, organisations seeking a conventional hosted support product, or anyone who needs third-party integrations beyond the stated controller support.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Remote support and game streaming share one free application, reducing tool switching.
• Pro: H.265/AV1 hardware encoding, up to 120 fps, HDR, ultrawide displays, and multichannel audio target premium streaming setups.
• Pro: Device-generated encryption keys, no account, no telemetry, and no ads strengthen privacy.
• Pro: Self-hosted relay and identity servers offer infrastructure control.
• Con: There is no released iOS client, limiting mobile reach.
• Con: Hardware encoding requirements and a 15 Mbps-or-higher gaming recommendation may exclude older systems or weak connections.
• Con: Self-hosting is powerful but adds operational responsibility compared with a managed service.

Alternatives

Moonlight Web is a free, GPL-3.0, no-account option with Android, iOS, web, desktop, and self-hosted support; pick it when browser or iOS access matters most. Moonlight Game Streaming is completely free with no paid versions and supports iOS as well as desktop platforms, making it a focused game-streaming choice. Parsec offers a free personal plan and an Individuals (Warp) plan at $8.33 a month, so it suits users who want a freemium service with a paid tier. Chiaki-ng is a free, open-source PlayStation Remote Play client for supported desktop and Android devices. Greenlight is a free MIT-licensed option for Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. PeaSyo is permanently free across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows. Steam is a free platform where game and content prices vary. Artemis Qt is a free GPLv3 desktop client distributed through GitHub Releases. For broader category browsing, see Game Remote Play Software and Remote desktop software.

Verdict

Pulsar is a strong choice for technically confident gamers and support professionals who want one privacy-focused, open-source tool for streaming and remote administration. Its main reasons to choose it are the unusually complete feature combination, self-hosting, and free-forever pricing. Look elsewhere if you require a released iOS app, managed integrations, or a simpler setup with less infrastructure to operate.