GeForce NOW vs Ploud

GeForce NOW streams PC games from the cloud to supported devices. Users connect supported game stores and subscriptions to stream games they already own; listed stores include Steam, Epic, GOG, PC Game Pass and Ubisoft Connect. More than 4,500 PC games are available to stream, and cloud downloads and updates let play start without waiting for those tasks on the device. Supported devices include Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Linux, web browsers, Android, iPhone and iPad, handhelds, SHIELD TV, select smart TVs, Android TV, Fire TV and VR headsets. The free plan provides ad-supported access with basic cloud gaming rigs. Performance costs $9.99 a month and includes 100 hours of monthly playtime, up to 1440p and 60 FPS. Ultimate costs $19.99 a month and includes 100 hours, up to 5K and 120 FPS. Premium members can jump to the front of the queue. Ultimate also lists up to 360 FPS in demanding games and up to 90 FPS streaming to Steam Deck through its native client. Performance and Ultimate include Install-to-Play, which adds more than 2,000 games.

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.