Cloudy Pad vs Ploud

Cloudy Pad lets users deploy a cloud gaming instance on their own server, machine, or cloud provider and play games from their own library. It can be self-deployed, including directly on a server via SSH, or used through Cloudy Pad App, a web platform for deploying a gaming instance. Listed launchers include Steam, Epic, GOG, Heroic, and Lutris; listed providers include AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, Scaleway, and Paperspace. Cloudy Pad can deploy a Sunshine or Wolf streaming server for use with the Moonlight client, with streaming up to 1440p. Its documentation describes hourly billing without a subscription, automated cost alerts, and Spot instances that can be up to 90% cheaper. The self-deployment guide requires Docker, a Moonlight client, an NVIDIA GPU or supported cloud provider, and a stable internet connection with at least 20 Mbps download speed. Steam use requires Proton, and compatibility can be checked on ProtonDB. Cloudy Pad is free and open source, though cloud provider usage may incur charges. The maker describes the project as experimental and says breaking changes may occur.

Ploud rents dedicated physical PlayStation 5 consoles hosted in France for playing games customers already own through their PlayStation Network accounts. It does not provide games. Each customer keeps the same assigned console between sessions and has 200 GB of reserved storage retained between sessions. The stream is specified at 1080p, 60 fps and HDR10, with latency of 60 to 100 ms. Ploud requires a 25 Mbit/s download connection and recommends 40 Mbit/s; its browser eligibility test measures round-trip time, jitter and download speed. On macOS 13 or later, Safari or Chrome can connect, and Windows 10 or 11 users can use Chrome or Edge without installing software. Google TV and Android TV 10+ connect using the free Moonlight app from the Play Store. DualSense controllers work by Bluetooth or USB, and other controllers are supported when recognized by the browser or device. Ploud says its WebRTC transport is encrypted with DTLS-SRTP. The service has not opened yet; launch is planned by invitation to people on the waiting list.