Choosing the Best Remote Desktop for Gaming: Key Parameters to Check

Gaming over a remote desktop isn't just about clicking a button and expecting smooth performance. Unlike traditional remote access software, gaming demands ultra-low latency, high frame rates, and precise input synchronization. If you pick the wrong solution, you might face lag, stuttering, or poor visual quality, ruining your gaming experience. So, how do you know if a remote desktop tool is truly built for gaming? Here’s a deep dive into the essential parameters you should check before choosing one.

1. Latency (Input Lag) – The Most Critical Factor

Latency, also known as input lag, is the delay between pressing a key and seeing the action happen on-screen. Ideally, this should be below 30ms for a smooth gaming experience.

1. Check for: Solutions with UDP-based transmission and adaptive bitrate encoding.
2. Avoid: Tools that rely purely on TCP, as they introduce additional lag.
3. Best Technologies: Parsec and Moonlight use low-latency protocols like QUIC or NVIDIA’s GameStream for sub-20ms lag.

2. Frame Rate (FPS) and Refresh Rate

Gaming requires at least 60 FPS, but high-refresh-rate monitors (144Hz or 240Hz) need even higher frame rates.

1. Check for: Support for 120 FPS or higher for smooth visuals.
2. Best Remote Desktops: Parsec, Moonlight, and Sunshine allow 4K 120FPS+ streaming.
3. Avoid: Remote desktop tools capped at 30 FPS.

3. Video Encoding and Compression Technology

The remote desktop software must encode and compress video efficiently without reducing quality.

1. Preferred Codecs: H.265 (HEVC) or AV1 for the best balance of quality and compression.
2. Software to Avoid: Older tools using MJPEG or H.264 Baseline Profile (causes pixelation).
3. Best Tools: Moonlight and Sunshine support HEVC and AV1 for high-quality streaming.

4. Network Bandwidth and Stability

A remote gaming session requires a stable internet connection with high upload and download speeds.

1. Minimum Requirement: 50 Mbps for 1080p 60FPS, 100 Mbps for 4K 120FPS.
2. Best Connection Type: Wired Ethernet (1 Gbps) is preferred over Wi-Fi.
3. Avoid: Public or congested Wi-Fi networks.

5. Controller and Peripheral Support

If you’re playing with a gamepad, joystick, or VR headset, the remote desktop must pass inputs accurately.

1. Check for: USB Passthrough or Direct Input Support (required for controllers and VR).
2. Best for Controllers: Parsec and Moonlight fully support Xbox, PlayStation, and generic USB controllers.
3. Avoid: Software without USB forwarding (may not detect gamepads properly).

6. GPU Acceleration and Hardware Encoding

Gaming requires hardware acceleration to process video streams efficiently without stuttering.

1. Must-Have: NVIDIA NVENC, AMD VCE, or Intel QuickSync support for fast encoding.
2. Best Remote Desktops: Moonlight and Parsec leverage GPU encoding for ultra-fast video processing.
3. Avoid: Software relying only on CPU encoding (introduces lag and heating issues).

7. Multi-Monitor and Ultrawide Support

If you use multiple monitors or an ultrawide screen, check if the software supports them properly.

1. Check for: 21:9 ultrawide resolution support (3440x1440 or 5120x1440).
2. Best Options: Moonlight and Sunshine allow full multi-monitor and ultrawide gaming.

8. Cloud Gaming vs. Local Streaming

Not all remote desktop tools work the same way. Some rely on cloud gaming, while others use local network streaming.

1. Choose Cloud Gaming if you don’t own a gaming PC but have fast internet.
2. Choose Local Streaming for the best experience, with near-zero lag.

9. Security and Data Encryption

Since gaming sessions involve constant data transfer, security is a concern.

1. Look for: End-to-End Encryption (AES-256 or TLS 1.3) for data protection.
2. Best Secure Options: AnyDesk and Parsec use high-level encryption.
3. Avoid: Tools without encryption (risk of session hijacking).

10. Cross-Platform Compatibility

Your gaming setup might include different devices, so cross-platform support is essential.

1. Check for: Compatibility with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Smart TVs.
2. Best Tools: Parsec and Moonlight work on PC, consoles, and mobile.
3. Avoid: Windows-only software if you plan to stream to multiple devices.

#1 Parsec

Imagine playing your favorite game with zero lag, crystal-clear visuals, and instant response—even if your gaming PC is miles away. That’s exactly what Parsec delivers. It isn’t just another remote desktop; it’s built from the ground up for gaming, ensuring low-latency streaming, ultra-high FPS, and seamless controller support. Whether you’re gaming locally or over the internet, Parsec provides an experience so smooth it feels like you’re sitting right in front of your PC.

Key Reasons Why Parsec Excels in Gaming

1. Ultra-Low Latency (Sub-20ms Response Time)

Latency is the biggest enemy in remote gaming. Even a slight delay can ruin fast-paced action games.

1. Parsec achieves sub-20ms input latency using a UDP-based networking stack instead of slower TCP.
2. It prioritizes Peer-to-Peer (P2P) connections, avoiding unnecessary relays that increase lag.
3. Dynamic Lag Compensation ensures instant input response, even on unpredictable networks.

✅ Better than: Steam Remote Play (which averages 30-50ms latency).

2. 240 FPS Streaming with High Refresh Rate Support

Most remote desktop solutions cap at 60 FPS, but Parsec goes beyond, supporting 144Hz, 165Hz, and even 240Hz monitors.

1. Delivers 240 FPS streaming, making gameplay ultra-smooth for competitive gamers.
2. Supports adaptive refresh rate (G-Sync & FreeSync), eliminating screen tearing.
3. Works perfectly with high-refresh-rate displays, unlike other solutions locked at 60Hz.

✅ Better than: AnyDesk and Microsoft RDP (which lack high FPS support).

3. Advanced Video Encoding for Crystal-Clear Graphics

Most remote gaming solutions sacrifice quality for performance, but Parsec optimizes both.

1. Uses H.265 (HEVC) and AV1 encoding, reducing bandwidth usage while maintaining crisp visuals.
2. Supports 4:4:4 Chroma Subsampling, preserving sharp text and UI clarity.
3. Dynamically adjusts bitrate and compression to prevent artifacting or pixelation.

✅ Better than: Steam Remote Play (which uses lower-quality H.264 encoding).

4. Full GPU Acceleration & Hardware Encoding

Unlike traditional remote desktop software, Parsec fully utilizes your GPU to enhance performance.

1. Uses NVIDIA NVENC, AMD VCE, and Intel QuickSync for ultra-fast video processing.
2. Offloads encoding from CPU to dedicated GPU cores, reducing stutter and latency.
3. Allows full DirectX 12 and Vulkan support, ensuring compatibility with modern games.

✅ Better than: Microsoft RDP (which lacks full GPU acceleration for gaming).

5. Seamless Controller and Peripheral Support

Parsec ensures zero-lag controller input, making remote gaming feel native and responsive.

1. Full USB passthrough support for Xbox, PlayStation, and third-party controllers.
2. Works with joysticks, racing wheels, VR headsets, and drawing tablets.
3. Allows multiple players to connect remotely, perfect for co-op and multiplayer gaming.

✅ Better than: Splashtop and Steam Remote Play (which have limited USB passthrough).

6. Unmatched Internet Stability with Adaptive Bitrate

Gaming over the internet requires a strong, stable connection. Parsec makes sure of that.

1. Auto bitrate adjustment prevents stuttering, even when internet speeds fluctuate.
2. Uses only 10-20 Mbps for 1080p 60 FPS and 50 Mbps for 4K 120 FPS.
3. Optimized for wired (Ethernet) and Wi-Fi 6, minimizing packet loss.

✅ Better than: GeForce NOW (which needs 50+ Mbps for 1080p streaming).

#2 Moonlight (Client)

Imagine playing your favorite PC games on a laptop, smartphone, or TV with the same smooth experience as sitting in front of your gaming PC. Moonlight makes this possible! It is an open-source game streaming client that allows you to stream games from a Sunshine or NVIDIA GameStream-enabled PC to virtually any device with ultra-low latency and high-quality video.

Whether you’re gaming on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, or even a Raspberry Pi, Moonlight delivers near-native performance. Unlike Parsec, which requires a paid plan for high-end features, Moonlight is completely free and optimized for gaming.

Key Reasons Why Moonlight is the Best Game Streaming Client

1. Ultra-Low Latency (as Low as 5ms)

Latency is the most important factor for remote gaming. Moonlight offers near-instant input response, making it feel like you're playing on a local monitor.

1. LAN Latency: 5-10ms (if using a wired connection).
2. Internet Latency: 20-30ms (varies based on network quality).
3. Uses NVIDIA's low-latency encoding (NVENC) and UDP-based transmission for fast response times.

✅ Better than: Steam Remote Play (which has 30-50ms latency).

2. Works with Sunshine (All GPUs) and NVIDIA GameStream (NVIDIA GPUs Only)

Unlike Steam Remote Play or Parsec, which require special setups, Moonlight works with both:

1. Sunshine (for all GPUs - NVIDIA, AMD, Intel).
2. NVIDIA GameStream (for NVIDIA GPUs only).

✅ Better than: GeForce NOW (which does not support custom streaming setups).

3. High FPS and 4K Streaming Support

Moonlight delivers smooth gameplay, even for high-refresh-rate gaming.

1. Supports 60, 120, and 240 FPS streaming.
2. 4K resolution with HDR for high-quality visuals.
3. Supports HEVC (H.265) and AV1 encoding for low-bandwidth, high-quality streaming.

✅ Better than: Steam Remote Play (which is usually capped at 60 FPS for non-LAN connections).

4. Multi-Device Support (PC, Mac, Smartphones, TVs & More)

Moonlight is available on almost every platform:

1. Windows, macOS, Linux
2. Android & iOS (smartphones and tablets)
3. Raspberry Pi & Apple TV
4. Smart TVs & Nvidia Shield

✅ Better than: Parsec (which lacks native support for Raspberry Pi and some smart TVs).

5. Full USB Controller & Mouse/Keyboard Support

To make remote gaming feel native, Moonlight seamlessly passes inputs with near-zero delay.

1. Supports Xbox, PlayStation, and third-party controllers.
2. Full USB passthrough for steering wheels, VR headsets, and arcade sticks.
3. No noticeable input lag when using a wired connection.

✅ Better than: Steam Remote Play (which has limited USB passthrough support).

6. Efficient Network Usage & Bandwidth Optimization

Moonlight uses adaptive bitrate streaming to ensure smooth performance even on lower bandwidth connections.

1. Requires ~10-15 Mbps for 1080p 60FPS.
2. 50+ Mbps recommended for 4K 120FPS.
3. Works over Wi-Fi, LTE, 5G, and Ethernet (Ethernet is best for low latency).

✅ Better than: GeForce NOW (which requires a very stable 50+ Mbps connection at all times).

#3 Sunshine (Server)

If you want high-performance remote game streaming without being locked into NVIDIA GameStream, Sunshine is your best option. It’s a fully open-source streaming host that allows you to stream games from any GPU (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) to a Moonlight client or another supported device. Unlike Parsec, which has paid features, or Steam Remote Play, which is limited to Steam games, Sunshine gives you complete control over your streaming setup.

Key Reasons Why Sunshine is the Best Streaming Host for Gaming

1. Works with All GPUs (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel)

One of Sunshine’s biggest advantages is its GPU flexibility. Unlike NVIDIA GameStream, which only supports NVIDIA GPUs, Sunshine lets you stream games from:

1. NVIDIA GPUs (GTX, RTX, Quadro)
2. AMD GPUs (Radeon, RX, RDNA)
3. Intel GPUs (Arc, Iris Xe, UHD Graphics)

✅ Better than: Moonlight’s default NVIDIA GameStream (which requires NVIDIA GPUs).

2. Full DirectX and Vulkan Support

For a game streaming server to work efficiently, it must handle high-performance graphics APIs. Sunshine fully supports:

1. DirectX 11 & 12 for Windows-based games.
2. Vulkan for modern, high-performance rendering.
3. OpenGL for older games and applications.

✅ Better than: Steam Remote Play (which has issues with Vulkan-based games).

3. Ultra-Low Latency Streaming (Sub-20ms)

For gaming, latency is everything. Sunshine is optimized for ultra-low latency streaming, with performance comparable to Parsec and Moonlight.

1. LAN Latency: Sub-10ms (when using a wired connection).
2. Internet Latency: 20-40ms (depending on network conditions).
3. UDP-based transmission for real-time input responsiveness.

✅ Better than: Steam Remote Play (30-50ms), GeForce NOW (50-100ms).

4. High FPS and 4K Streaming

Sunshine lets you push your refresh rate and resolution to the limits.

1. Supports 60, 120, and 240 FPS streaming.
2. 4K HDR streaming for high-fidelity visuals.
3. HEVC (H.265) and AV1 encoding for better compression without losing quality.

✅ Better than: Steam Remote Play (limited to 60 FPS over the internet).

5. Multi-Client and Multi-Monitor Support

Unlike some remote solutions, Sunshine supports multiple connected devices:

1. Stream to multiple Moonlight clients at once.
2. Use multiple monitors for extended gameplay.
3. Ultrawide support for 21:9 and 32:9 gaming.

✅ Better than: GeForce NOW (which does not support multiple monitors).

6. Full Controller, Mouse, and Keyboard Passthrough

For remote gaming to feel natural, input devices must work seamlessly. Sunshine ensures:

1. USB passthrough for Xbox, PlayStation, and generic controllers.
2. Mouse acceleration fixes for smoother aiming.
3. Low-latency input handling with near-instant response times.

✅ Better than: Steam Remote Play (which has some input delay).

7. Works Over LAN and Internet with Secure Encryption

Sunshine is great for both local and remote gaming.

1. LAN Gaming: Sub-10ms latency for near-native performance.
2. Internet Gaming: Uses TLS 1.3 encryption with AES-256 for security.
3. Custom port forwarding allows precise network control.

✅ Better than: GeForce NOW (which depends on cloud-based security).

#4 Steam Remote Play

If you love playing Steam games but want the flexibility to stream them to other devices, Steam Remote Play (Steam Link) is a solid choice. Built directly into Steam, this feature lets you stream games from your powerful gaming PC to laptops, tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, and even other PCs. While it may not match Parsec or Moonlight in terms of ultra-low latency or high FPS support, it is one of the most convenient ways to stream Steam games with minimal setup.

Key Reasons Why Steam Remote Play is Great for Gaming

1. Direct Integration with Steam – No Extra Setup Needed

Unlike other remote gaming tools that require manual setup, Steam Remote Play is built into Steam, making it:

1. One-click easy—Just enable the feature in Steam settings, and you’re ready to play.
2. No extra software required—Works with Steam’s existing infrastructure.
3. Automatic cloud syncing—Your saved games, settings, and progress sync across devices.

✅ Better than: Parsec & Moonlight for users who only want to play Steam games without tweaking settings.

2. Works Across Multiple Devices

Steam Remote Play is available on a wide range of devices, including:

1. Windows, macOS, and Linux PCs (can act as both host and client).
2. Android and iOS devices (via the Steam Link app).
3. Smart TVs (Android TV, Samsung TV).
4. Raspberry Pi & Steam Deck.

✅ Better than: Moonlight, which requires an NVIDIA GPU for streaming.

3. Decent Latency for Casual Gaming

Latency is a key factor for remote gaming. Steam Remote Play is optimized for LAN play but has higher input lag compared to Parsec and Moonlight.

1. LAN latency: ~30-50ms (depending on network speed).
2. Internet latency: ~50-100ms (varies based on connection and distance).
3. Uses UDP-based transmission, improving real-time responsiveness.

✅ Better than: AnyDesk & Microsoft RDP for gaming.
❌ Not as good as: Parsec and Moonlight, which offer sub-20ms latency.

4. 60 FPS Streaming with Adaptive Bitrate Encoding

While Steam Remote Play supports up to 120 FPS, most users will experience:

1. 60 FPS at 1080p (stable performance across most devices).
2. 4K streaming possible but requires high bandwidth (~100 Mbps).
3. H.264 encoding (older codec, but efficient for most setups).
4. Adaptive Bitrate Encoding adjusts quality to prevent stutters.

✅ Better than: Microsoft RDP (which lacks 60+ FPS support).
❌ Not as good as: Parsec (which offers 240 FPS support).

5. Full Controller and Keyboard/Mouse Support

Since it’s built into Steam, it has full support for controllers and peripherals.

1. Plug-and-play compatibility for Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam Controllers.
2. Steam Input remapping—reassign buttons for any controller.
3. Limited USB passthrough (not as good as Parsec for specialized devices).

✅ Better than: AnyDesk (which lacks full controller support).
❌ Not as good as: Parsec & Moonlight (which offer better USB forwarding).

6. Network Performance and Bandwidth Usage

Steam Remote Play performs best over wired LAN connections but also works over Wi-Fi and mobile data.

1. Requires ~15 Mbps for 1080p 60FPS streaming.
2. 50+ Mbps recommended for 4K streaming.
3. Latency increases over the internet—best used on local networks.

✅ Better than: GeForce NOW (which requires 50+ Mbps even for 1080p).
❌ Not as good as: Moonlight (which uses more efficient encoding like AV1 and HEVC).

#5 GeForce NOW

Imagine playing the latest high-end PC games on any device, even if you don’t own a gaming PC. That’s exactly what GeForce NOW offers. It’s NVIDIA’s cloud gaming service, meaning the actual gaming hardware runs on powerful RTX 4080 servers, and the video is streamed to your device. Unlike Parsec, Moonlight, or Steam Remote Play—which require a gaming PC as the host—GeForce NOW lets you game anywhere, anytime, as long as you have a strong internet connection.

Key Reasons Why GeForce NOW is Great for Gaming

1. No Gaming PC Required

GeForce NOW runs your games on cloud-based RTX servers, so:

1. No need for a high-end GPU—Your device only needs a stable internet connection.
2. Compatible with low-end PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, and even smartphones.
3. All processing happens on NVIDIA’s high-end hardware (RTX 4080 servers for Ultimate plan users).

✅ Better than: Moonlight, Parsec, and Sunshine (which require a powerful gaming PC).

2. Supports High-End Graphics with Ray Tracing

Because the games run on powerful RTX GPUs, GeForce NOW supports:

1. Ray tracing for more realistic lighting and reflections.
2. DLSS 3 support, improving performance without sacrificing quality.
3. High settings (Ultra, RTX ON) in supported games, even on low-end devices.

✅ Better than: Steam Remote Play (which depends on your local PC’s power).

3. High FPS & 4K Streaming

GeForce NOW offers high FPS gaming, though the availability depends on your subscription:

1. Free Plan: 1080p at 60 FPS (basic experience).
2. Priority Plan: 1080p at 120 FPS (faster servers).
3. Ultimate Plan: 4K at 120 FPS, RTX 4080 support, and ultra-low latency.

✅ Better than: AnyDesk & Microsoft RDP (which lack high FPS streaming).
❌ Not as good as: Parsec (which supports 240 FPS for local gaming).

4. Ultra-Low Latency with NVIDIA Reflex

Latency is critical for gaming, and GeForce NOW minimizes input lag by using:

1. NVIDIA Reflex technology, reducing response time for competitive games.
2. Adaptive Bitrate Encoding, optimizing bandwidth usage to avoid stutters.
3. AI-driven packet loss recovery, preventing frame drops on unstable networks.

✅ Better than: Steam Remote Play (which struggles with high ping).
❌ Not as good as: Moonlight (which can achieve <10ms latency over LAN).

5. No Need to Download or Install Games

Unlike local remote desktop solutions, GeForce NOW doesn’t require installing or updating games on your device.

1. Instant access to 1,500+ games, including Fortnite, Cyberpunk 2077, and Apex Legends.
2. Syncs with Steam, Epic Games, and Ubisoft accounts, so you can play your owned games.
3. No need for storage space—everything runs on the cloud.

✅ Better than: Parsec, Moonlight, and Steam Remote Play (which require local installations).

6. Works on Almost Any Device

You can play on:

1. Windows, macOS, and Linux PCs
2. Chromebooks and low-end laptops
3. iOS and Android smartphones/tablets
4. NVIDIA Shield and Smart TVs
5. Web browsers (no downloads needed!)

✅ Better than: Moonlight & Sunshine (which require a host PC to stream from).

7. Secure Cloud Gaming

Because everything runs on NVIDIA’s servers, you don’t have to worry about:

1. PC security risks (no malware or file corruption).
2. Hardware failure—you’re playing on enterprise-grade cloud GPUs.
3. Game crashes—if a server crashes, it reconnects quickly.

✅ Better than: Steam Remote Play (which depends on your PC’s stability).

Final words: comparison analysis

Here is a graph comparing the top 5 remote gaming solutions based on Max FPS, LAN Latency, and Internet Latency.

1. Blue bars represent Max FPS support (higher is better).
2. Green bars show Latency over LAN (lower is better).
3. Red bars display Latency over the Internet (lower is better).

This visualization highlights how Parsec offers the highest FPS, while Moonlight has the lowest LAN latency. GeForce NOW, being cloud-based, has higher latency compared to local solutions.