Moonlight alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Moonlight: needs a separate host such as Sunshine, and internet play requires port forwarding or a VPN. We ranked 4 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Moonlight, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Parsec currently ranks first.
No alternatives match these filters.
Show all 4 alternativesThe best Moonlight alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Moonlight alternative for most people
ParsecEasier setup with internet connections handled for you, free for personal use.
Best Moonlight alternative for a free option
Chrome Remote DesktopSimple free remote desktop when you need work access rather than gaming.
Best Moonlight alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
Jump DesktopHigh-frame-rate streaming that also covers everyday remote work.
Best Moonlight alternative for Mac
NoMachineFast remote desktop for general use, including Linux hosts.
Best Moonlight alternative for Windows
ParsecEasier setup with internet connections handled for you, free for personal use.
Best Moonlight alternative for Linux
ParsecEasier setup with internet connections handled for you, free for personal use.
Best Moonlight alternative for iPhone and Android
Jump DesktopHigh-frame-rate streaming that also covers everyday remote work.
Best Moonlight alternative for working in the browser
ParsecEasier setup with internet connections handled for you, free for personal use.
Moonlight alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Moonlight?
Parsec ranks first right now. Easier setup with internet connections handled for you, free for personal use. Jump Desktop and Chrome Remote Desktop follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Moonlight?
Yes. Parsec (free plan + paid), Jump Desktop (free plan + paid) and Chrome Remote Desktop (free) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Moonlight?
None of the 4 alternatives in this list is open source.
Which Moonlight alternatives work on Linux?
Parsec, Chrome Remote Desktop and NoMachine run on Linux.
Why do people switch from Moonlight?
The complaints we hear most: needs a separate host such as Sunshine; internet play requires port forwarding or a VPN; no file transfer or admin features.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Moonlight, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.