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Moonlight Game Streaming

moonlight-stream.org

Free plan Open source WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroidSelf-hosted
Visit moonlight-stream.org
Spec score 8.7 #3 of 27 in Game Remote Play Software

What it is

Moonlight Game Streaming sends games from a gaming PC to supported devices for remote play. It is a free, open-source implementation of NVIDIA's GameStream protocol; the listed plan costs nothing, with no subscriptions or paid versions with extra features. Clients are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, ChromeOS, Steam Link, and Raspberry Pi. On a capable client, Moonlight can stream a full Windows desktop at up to 4K with HDR. Its PC client supports up to 120 FPS and can disable V-Sync for lower latency. Users can host their own gaming server using options such as port forwarding, IPv6, ZeroTier, Tailscale, and NordVPN Meshnet. Moonlight recommends Sunshine as a host; GeForce Experience is also listed as compatible, though NVIDIA is discontinuing its GameStream feature. Wolf can stream games and applications running in Docker containers. There is no pure web client because the protocol requires raw TCP and UDP sockets that browsers do not support. The project began as a 2013 hackathon project by Case Western Reserve University students.

Spec sheet

What it does
Moonlight streams games, applications, or a complete PC desktop from a gaming computer to another supported device over local networks or the Internet.Read 15 Oct 2026 · moonlight-stream.org
Privacy
The Google Play listing states that the app collects no data and shares no data with third parties.Read 30 Sep 2026 · play.google.com
Founded
2013Read 23 Sep 2026 · moonlight-stream.org
120 FPS
The PC client supports streaming up to 120 frames per second and can disable V-Sync for lower latency.Read 15 Oct 2026 · moonlight-stream.org
4K HDR streaming
The project states that capable clients can receive desktop or game streams at up to 4K with HDR.Read 15 Oct 2026 · moonlight-stream.org
Additional host
Wolf can stream games and applications running inside Docker containers to Moonlight clients.Read 30 Sep 2026 · moonlight-stream.org
Alternative hosts
GeForce Experience remains compatible, while Wolf can stream games and applications running in Docker containers.Read 15 Oct 2026 · moonlight-stream.org
Apple restriction
Apple users must pair with the host on the same local network before using Internet streaming because of Apple's App Store guideline requirements.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Client coverage
Official and community clients cover Windows, macOS, Linux, Steam Link, Raspberry Pi, iOS, Apple TV, Android, ChromeOS, FireOS, Xbox, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, Wii U, LG webOS, and Tizen TVs.Read 15 Oct 2026 · moonlight-stream.org
Client requirements
The setup guide lists Android 4.1 or newer, iOS 9.3 or newer, and tvOS 12 or newer as minimum client versions.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Code license
The Moonlight client code is hosted on GitHub under the GPLv3 license.Read 30 Sep 2026 · moonlight-stream.org
Community project
Moonlight says it is run by the community rather than a company and does not offer advertising, bundled services, paid feature tiers, or subscriptions.Read 15 Oct 2026 · moonlight-stream.org
Community support
The project directs users to its setup guide, FAQ, and Discord community for help.Read 30 Sep 2026 · moonlight-stream.org
Custom applications
Users can add executable files manually to Sunshine or GeForce Experience when automatic discovery does not find a game or application.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Desktop streaming
The documentation describes a built-in Sunshine Desktop entry and a GeForce Experience workaround for streaming the complete Windows desktop.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Developer extensibility
The GitHub organization publishes separate public repositories for PC, Android, iOS/tvOS, embedded systems, documentation, Internet hosting, and shared GameStream protocol code.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Documentation and support
The project maintains a public GitHub documentation repository with setup, troubleshooting, FAQ, and community-contribution material, and directs users to Discord for help.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Documentation licence and activity
The public documentation repository is GPL-3.0 licensed and shows about 1.5K stars, 120 forks, and an active wiki.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Frame rate
The Moonlight PC client supports streaming at up to 120 FPS, with an option to disable V-Sync for lower latency.Read 30 Sep 2026 · moonlight-stream.org
Google Play privacy
The Android listing says the developer declares that no data is collected and no data is shared with third parties.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Host requirements
The current Sunshine guide lists Windows 10/11, macOS 12 or newer experimentally, or Linux distributions including Debian 11, Ubuntu 22.04, and Fedora 38 or newer, with a modern AMD, NVIDIA, or Intel GPU.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Independent latency test
TechSpot measured Moonlight gameplay latency around 18-20 milliseconds on its wired-router test setup, slightly ahead of Steam Remote Play in that test.Read 15 Oct 2026 · techspot.com
Internet setup
Internet streaming can use the Moonlight Internet Hosting Tool, ZeroTier, manual port forwarding, or IPv6; the guide lists TCP ports 47984, 47989, and 48010 plus UDP ports 47998-48010.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Internet streaming alternatives
The setup guide describes ZeroTier, Tailscale, and NordVPN Meshnet as options for streaming over the internet; Tailscale relay connections do not support Moonlight streaming.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Internet streaming constraint
For GeForce Experience internet streaming, the Moonlight Internet Hosting Tool must remain installed on the host PC to maintain port forwarding entries.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
IPv6 support
The guide says officially supported iOS/tvOS, PC, and Android clients can stream from hosts over IPv6.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Licence
Moonlight client code is published on GitHub under the GPLv3 licence.Read 15 Oct 2026 · moonlight-stream.org
Limit: Apple Internet access
An Apple reviewer says public-Internet access stopped working in the App Store version because of Apple's platform rules, requiring local pairing and extra networking work.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Limit: input customization
Chrome Stats summarizes complaints about missing virtual keyboard support, absent controller remapping, touch/gamepad conflicts, and device-specific input detection problems.Read 15 Oct 2026 · chrome-stats.com
Limit: motion image quality
TechSpot observed more visible image degradation in fast motion than Steam Remote Play under otherwise similar settings, while noting Moonlight's high-refresh smoothness and latency advantages.Read 15 Oct 2026 · techspot.com
Limit: touch controls
TechSpot found Moonlight's default touch controls basic, with difficult multi-button input and aiming compared with Steam Remote Play's remappable profiles.Read 15 Oct 2026 · techspot.com
NVIDIA discontinuation
The official site says NVIDIA is discontinuing GeForce Experience and its SHIELD GameStream feature.Read 15 Oct 2026 · moonlight-stream.org
Origin
Moonlight was created by Case Western Reserve University students as a project at the MHacks hackathon in 2013.Read 30 Sep 2026 · moonlight-stream.org
Origins
Case Western Reserve University students created Moonlight at the 2013 MHacks hackathon and continued development at MHacks and HackCWRU in 2014.Read 15 Oct 2026 · moonlight-stream.org
Other hosts
GeForce Experience is listed as a compatible host, and the site says its GameStream feature is being discontinued by NVIDIA.Read 30 Sep 2026 · moonlight-stream.org
Praise: low latency
Apple reviewers report smooth 1080p/120 FPS play with little input lag and strong image quality when the network is adequate.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Praise: performance and compatibility
Chrome Stats summarizes repeated praise for fast, stable, low-latency streaming, easy setup, free open-source software, and broad device compatibility.Read 15 Oct 2026 · chrome-stats.com
Praise: streaming quality
Google Play describes support for up to 4K, 120 FPS, HDR, 7.1 surround sound, multiple codecs, controller input, and up to 16 local co-op controllers.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Protocol
Moonlight is an open-source third-party implementation of NVIDIA's GameStream protocol.Read 15 Oct 2026 · moonlight-stream.org
Rating on Apple App Store
4.2 out of 5 from 660 ratingsRead 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Rating on Chrome Stats
4.60 out of 5 from 15,244 ratingsRead 15 Oct 2026 · chrome-stats.com
Rating on Google Play
4.5 out of 5 from 15.8K reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Recommended host
Moonlight recommends Sunshine, an open-source host designed for Moonlight and supporting AMD, NVIDIA, and Intel GPUs.Read 15 Oct 2026 · moonlight-stream.org
Resolution and HDR
Moonlight can stream a full Windows desktop at up to 4K with HDR on a capable client.Read 30 Sep 2026 · moonlight-stream.org
Security setup
Sunshine asks users to create an account for its configuration interface because anyone who reaches that interface could add clients capable of remote computer access.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Self-hosting
Users can operate their own game-streaming server using port forwarding, IPv6, or software-defined networks such as ZeroTier, Tailscale, and NordVPN Meshnet.Read 15 Oct 2026 · moonlight-stream.org
Web client
The FAQ states that Moonlight has no pure web client because its protocol requires raw TCP and UDP sockets that browsers do not support.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Free Free all client features · no ads · no subscriptions · no paid versions Read 15 Oct 2026 · moonlight-stream.org
Moonlight Game Streaming Free Completely free No subscriptions · No paid versions with extra features Read 30 Sep 2026 · moonlight-stream.org

Every Moonlight Game Streaming plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free, open-source client.
  • Supports streaming at up to 4K with HDR.
  • PC client supports up to 120 FPS.
  • Offers several self-hosting connection options.
  • Clients cover desktop, mobile, and other listed platforms.

Limits

  • No pure web client is available.
  • GeForce Experience's GameStream feature is being discontinued.
  • GeForce Experience internet streaming requires the hosting tool to remain installed.
  • Tailscale relay connections do not support Moonlight streaming.

Who it suits

It suits people who want to stream games from a gaming PC to supported devices and are prepared to set up a host. It also supports full Windows desktop streaming on capable clients.

Moonlight Game Streaming in depth

Read the full write-up

Moonlight Game Streaming sends games from a gaming PC to supported devices for remote play. It suits players who want a free, open-source client and are willing to configure a compatible host. Its broad client support and high-resolution streaming are compelling, but setup and the lack of a browser client narrow its convenience.

Overview

Moonlight is a client implementing NVIDIA’s GameStream protocol; it does not replace the gaming PC or the host software running on it. The project began in 2013 as a hackathon project by Case Western Reserve University students, and its client code is available under the GPLv3 license.

Moonlight recommends Sunshine, an open-source host built for the client. GeForce Experience is also compatible, but NVIDIA is discontinuing its GameStream feature. Wolf provides another option for streaming games and applications running inside Docker containers. The choice of host matters: Moonlight’s flexibility comes with more configuration than a service that handles the host side for you.

Key features

Streaming quality and latency

Moonlight can stream a full Windows desktop at up to 4K with HDR on a capable client. Its PC client supports up to 120 FPS and can disable V-Sync for lower latency. Those ceilings suit users with hardware and displays that can take advantage of them; they do not remove the need for a capable host and client.

Self-hosted remote access

Users can make their gaming PC reachable through port forwarding, IPv6, ZeroTier, Tailscale, or NordVPN Meshnet. These routes give technically confident users several ways to set up remote access, but require configuration rather than a browser-only session. Tailscale relay connections do not support Moonlight streaming. With GeForce Experience internet streaming, the Moonlight Internet Hosting Tool must remain installed on the host to maintain port-forwarding entries.

Help and privacy

The project directs users to a setup guide, FAQ, and Discord community. The Google Play listing states that the app collects no data and shares no data with third parties.

Pricing

Moonlight Game Streaming costs nothing. It is completely free, with no subscriptions and no paid versions that add features. There is no free trial because there is no paid tier to try. That makes it a straightforward choice for users who want remote streaming without a software charge, though they still need a compatible host and their own gaming PC.

Platforms

Host software runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Clients include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, ChromeOS, Steam Link, and Raspberry Pi. Maximum resolution is 4K; console and local co-op support are also listed. There is no pure web client: the protocol requires raw TCP and UDP sockets that browsers do not support. Readers who need browser access should choose a different client.

Who it's for

Moonlight is best for players with a gaming PC who want to stream to varied devices, value open-source software, and can manage host and network setup. Its free, unrestricted software model also suits users who want to avoid subscriptions. It is a weaker fit for anyone expecting browser play or a remote-streaming setup that avoids configuring a compatible host.

Pros and cons

Pros: No subscriptions or paid feature tiers, and client apps span desktop, mobile, and other devices.

Pros: Up to 4K with HDR on capable clients and up to 120 FPS on the PC client give users room to pursue high-quality streaming.

Pros: Sunshine, GeForce Experience, and Wolf offer different host arrangements, while several networking options support remote access.

Cons: A compatible host is required, and remote access methods can involve network configuration.

Cons: Browser-only play is ruled out by the protocol’s raw socket requirements.

Cons: GeForce Experience is a less durable host choice because NVIDIA is discontinuing GameStream.

Alternatives

Parsec is worth considering for desktop streaming and sharing, especially for personal, non-commercial use; it has a free plan and an Individuals (Warp) plan at $8.33 a month. Moonlight Web is the closer alternative for users who need a web platform: it is free and open source, with no accounts, subscriptions, or paid tiers.

PXPlay is a freemium alternative with a trial and a one-time PC plan at 12.99 EUR, rather than Moonlight’s free model. PeaSyo is another permanently free option. Steam is free to use, though game and content prices vary and some subscriptions may be free. Artemis Qt is a free, GPL v3-licensed option for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Chiaki-ng is a free, open-source PlayStation Remote Play client. Pulsar is free and open source under GPLv3.

Browse Game Remote Play Software for more options.

Verdict

Choose Moonlight if you want a free, open-source way to stream from your gaming PC across a wide range of clients and are comfortable setting up a host. Its high resolution and frame-rate ceilings are strong advantages, but browser access is impossible and network setup can demand more effort than some players want.

Verdict

Moonlight offers free remote streaming with a wide range of client platforms and self-hosting options. Setup depends on a compatible host, and the protocol rules out browser-only play.

Where Specifiction places it

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