Ploud vs Xbox Cloud Gaming
Ploud
ploud.cloudXbox Cloud Gaming
xbox.comSide by side
| Figure | Ploud | Xbox Cloud Gaming |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | €2.68/mo | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 7 | 8 |
| Spec score · Cloud gaming services | 8.6 (#13) | 9.2 (#2) |
| Controller support | DualSense works over Bluetooth or USB, and Ploud also supports controllers recognized by the browser or device. | Supports official Xbox controllers, partner controllers, and verified third-party controllers. |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Game access model | byo_library | mixed |
| Max streaming resolution | 1080p | 1440p |
| Supported devices | macOS,Windows,Linux,ChromeOS,Google TV,Android TV | Supports Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, handhelds, mobile, tablets, TVs, streaming devices, VR, and Steam Deck beta. |
Plans
Ploud
- Discovery€3.97 a month
- Campaign€3.10 a month
- Complete€2.68 a month
- Free trialPrice not published
- Complete€2.68, paid once
- Campaign€3.10, paid once
- Discovery€3.97, paid once
Xbox Cloud Gaming
- Game Pass EssentialPriced on request
- Game Pass EssentialPrice not published
- Game Pass Premium$14.99 a month
- Game Pass Ultimate$22.99 a month
- Xbox Game Pass Essential$10 a month
- PC Game Pass$13.99 a month
- Xbox Game Pass Premium$14.99 a month
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate$22.99 a month
In their own words
Ploud
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.
Xbox Cloud Gaming
Xbox Cloud Gaming streams games to supported devices including Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, handhelds, Steam Deck, Android devices, iPhone, iPad, smart TVs, streaming devices, and Meta Quest. It is out of beta and included with Essential, Premium, and Ultimate subscriptions. The listed monthly cloud-play limits are five hours for Essential, ten for Premium, and fifteen for Ultimate, though another Essential plan listing specifies unlimited cloud gaming. More than two thirds of the Game Pass library is enabled for cloud streaming, and some games outside Game Pass can be streamed when owned. The service is listed in 29 countries, including India, with a maximum streaming resolution of 1440p. Progress is saved and shared across platforms, and Premium subscribers receive priority access. Official Xbox controllers, partner controllers, and verified third-party controllers are supported; many compatible games also accept mouse and keyboard or touch input. Android, iOS, and iPadOS use browser streaming. A connection of at least 20 Mbps is recommended for stable gaming. Premium costs $14.99 a month after a $1.00 trial for 14 days.