Moonlight Web vs Steam
Moonlight Web
moonlightweb.top
Steam
store.steampowered.comSide by side
| Figure | Moonlight Web | Steam |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Game Remote Play Software | 8.6 (#5) | 8.4 (#7) |
| Purpose | A self-hosted server streams a gaming PC to devices with a modern browser; only the gaming PC needs the server installed. | Steam is an online destination for playing, discussing, and creating games. |
| Remote play | Streams use direct peer-to-peer WebRTC; remote access uses an outgoing connection to an introduction server and does not require exposed web ports. | Remote Play allows friends to share local multiplayer games over the internet at no charge. |
| Security | Hosts pair with a PIN, and the remote entry link is served over HTTPS; the maker says streams go directly from the PC to the browser. | Steam Guard in the mobile app can approve sign-ins and confirm trades and Community Market listings. |
| Streaming | Supports up to 4K HDR at up to 240 fps with H.264, HEVC, and AV1 hardware decoding through WebCodecs. | Steam Broadcast lets users stream gameplay live to friends or the community. |
| Support | The FAQ directs users with unanswered questions to GitHub. | Steam Support offers personalized help for purchases and account status after sign-in. |
Plans
In their own words
Moonlight Web
Moonlight Web is a free, open-source self-hosted server that streams a gaming PC to devices with a modern browser. The server is installed only on the gaming PC; clients open a URL without installing an app or creating an account. The maker states support for streams up to 4K HDR at 240 fps and latency under 20 ms over Wi-Fi. Browser decoding uses WebCodecs for H.264, HEVC, and AV1, depending on available browser support. Supported controls include Xbox and PlayStation controllers with rumble, keyboard, pointer-lock mouse, touch trackpad, and virtual keyboard. The client can discover and pair with Sunshine, Wolf, and MultiSeat hosts. Remote sessions use direct peer-to-peer WebRTC, with an outgoing connection to an introduction server and no public web ports exposed. Sessions support up to four players, including the host. The gaming PC needs a hardware-encoding-capable GPU; Linux hosting also requires x64 and a sufficiently recent distribution. Linux-host HDR is not implemented.
Steam
Steam is an online destination for playing, discussing, and creating games. Its catalog includes nearly 30,000 games, with game hubs, reviews, achievements, and custom recommendations for discovery. Users can meet others, join groups, form clans, and use text or voice chat. Steam Workshop supports making, finding, and downloading mods and cosmetics for nearly 1,000 supported games. Steam Broadcast streams gameplay live to friends or the community. The Steam Mobile app on iOS and Android supports shopping, account protection, game news, notifications, and community features; Steam Guard can approve sign-ins and confirm trades or Community Market listings. Steamworks provides tools and services for developers and publishers distributing games on Steam. Steam is free, but game and content prices vary and some subscriptions may be free. Content is licensed rather than sold; use may require an account, the client, and an internet connection. Users under 13 may not subscribe, and country-specific age limits may also apply.