Parsec alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Parsec: hosting requires Windows or macOS, not Linux, and needs a decent GPU and connection on the host. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Parsec, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Moonlight currently ranks first.
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Show all 6 alternativesThe best Parsec alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Parsec alternative for most people
MoonlightFree open-source game streaming, paired with the Sunshine host, with no account needed.
Best Parsec alternative for a free option
SunshineFree, open-source self-hosted streaming host used with Moonlight clients on almost any device.
Best Parsec alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
Jump DesktopHigh-frame-rate Fluid protocol plus RDP and VNC, with a one-time Mac purchase.
Best Parsec alternative for open source
MoonlightFree open-source game streaming, paired with the Sunshine host, with no account needed.
Best Parsec alternative for self-hosting
MoonlightFree open-source game streaming, paired with the Sunshine host, with no account needed.
Best Parsec alternative for Mac
SplashtopCheaper general remote access that still handles video work reasonably well.
Best Parsec alternative for Windows
TeamViewerBetter for supporting other people's machines rather than streaming your own.
Best Parsec alternative for Linux
NoMachineFast NX-based remote desktop that can also host from Linux machines.
Best Parsec alternative for iPhone and Android
MoonlightFree open-source game streaming, paired with the Sunshine host, with no account needed.
Best Parsec alternative for working in the browser
Jump DesktopHigh-frame-rate Fluid protocol plus RDP and VNC, with a one-time Mac purchase.
Parsec alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Parsec?
Moonlight ranks first right now. Free open-source game streaming, paired with the Sunshine host, with no account needed. Jump Desktop and Splashtop follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Parsec?
Yes. Moonlight (open source), Jump Desktop (free plan + paid), Splashtop (free plan + paid) and TeamViewer (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Parsec?
Yes: Moonlight and Sunshine. Moonlight and Sunshine can also be self-hosted.
Which Parsec alternatives work on Linux?
Moonlight, Splashtop, TeamViewer, NoMachine and Sunshine run on Linux.
Why do people switch from Parsec?
The complaints we hear most: hosting requires Windows or macOS, not Linux; needs a decent GPU and connection on the host; team plans cost more than general remote access tools.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Parsec, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.