Maximum Settings vs Ploud

Maximum Settings provides a cloud gaming PC that streams games and programs to users’ devices. Customers can install games they own or buy games through stores including Steam, GOG, Itch, and Epic Games Store, and personalize software on the cloud PC. The maker says CPU, GPU, RAM, and motherboard resources are not shared with other customers while they are logged in. Streaming is advertised up to 120 FPS and 4K on compatible devices and screens, with ray tracing support. Listed platforms include Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows; supported devices also include Apple TV, Chromebook, PS Vita, Wii U, LG webOS TV, and Raspberry Pi. The Maximizer Client is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Packages vary in daily usage allowances and storage; the AMD RX 7900XTX package costs C$29.95 a month and includes eight hours of daily usage, 750GB SSD storage, and 4TB mechanical storage. A trial is limited to the United States and Canada and requires a physical address and valid phone number. Maximum Settings recommends at least 10 Mbps download speed and a stable connection.

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.