1 September 2024
Top 5 Remote Desktop Apps for Gaming You Must Know
Contents
Computer-based gaming stands as one of the most popular forms of digital entertainment globally, attracting countless enthusiasts. Many gamers assume that to fully enjoy PC gaming, they must construct a top-of-the-line machine with cutting-edge components.
However, what if there was a way to bypass the need for such powerful hardware? In this piece, we’ll explore several leading gaming-focused remote desktop applications that allow you to seamlessly access high-performance gaming servers, potentially revolutionising your gaming experience without the need for expensive equipment.
Part 1. What Exactly is a Remote Desktop for Gaming?
Whilst researching remote desktops for gaming, you may come across numerous intricate explanations. To simplify matters, we’ll provide a clear and concise overview. A remote desktop for gaming, also known as cloud gaming, is a cutting-edge technology. It empowers players to engage with video games on a distant computer, whilst the gameplay is streamed to their personal device via the internet.
This innovative method allows users to savour premium gaming experiences, even if their own hardware isn’t up to scratch for running the game smoothly. In essence, the game operates on the remote machine, with the resulting audio-visual output being transmitted to your device. Consequently, you can relish the game in real-time, regardless of your local hardware limitations.
Part 2. The Five Best Remote Desktop Software Options for Gaming in 2024
Whether you’re keen to enjoy games on less robust machines or you’re after a practical solution for gaming from afar, we’ll outline the cream of the crop in remote desktop software for gaming. We’ll delve into their compatibility, shed light on their standout features, and weigh up their merits and drawbacks. This comprehensive analysis will equip you to make a well-informed decision for your remote PC gaming requirements.
Starting with the best tool for remote gaming PC needs, LoLa provides its users with the most advanced remote connection options. Regardless of location in some areas with a weak network, LoLa offers ultra-low latency features for a stabilised gaming experience.
This application doesn’t compromise the quality of gaming displays on your screen, as it offers 4K resolution with 4:4:4 colour mode for a markedly enhanced experience.
LoLa is built upon projects such as Limelight, Moonlight, Sunshine and Nvidia GameStream to deliver a cross-platform, low-latency, high-definition game stream via the internet.
Compatibility
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Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux and Raspberry Pi
Key Features
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Support for 4K 120fps streaming.
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One-click stream feature, as LoLa manages all security and networking aspects for you.
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Gamepad support. You can connect an Xbox controller to your local device, and LoLa will forward it to the remote gaming PC.
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Access to multiple PCs. LoLa allows you to remotely connect to as many PCs as you wish, free of charge.
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Some features in early release or development include Virtual Monitor Creation, Multi-Monitor streaming, up to 500FPS streaming, and Generic device redirection, amongst others.
Pros
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Free to use.
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The user interface is remarkably straightforward and user-friendly, even for novices.
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Users can connect to multiple remote devices via the same account.
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Regularly releases new features.
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Offers Hosted Virtual Cloud PC creation as an optional add-on.
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Constant support from the developers on discord
https://discord.com/invite/Gv8W6Ww9E4
Cons
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New system with some stability issues
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Advanced Features are in development
Feel free to download LoLa software by clicking the button below. If you’re seeking additional information about LoLa product downloads, you can visit the LoLa download page. Rest assured, LoLa guarantees the safety and virus-free nature of all products obtained from the official website or app store.
2. Parsec
Parsec stands out as one of the better remote desktop software options for gaming, enabling you to indulge in your favourite games from any location. This application boasts minimal lag and impressively low latency, offering 60FPS to fine-tune your gaming experience. Connecting to gaming desktops is remarkably straightforward, accomplished via a single link. An added benefit is that this tool prevents your device from overheating, even during intense gaming sessions.
Compatibility
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macOS, Windows, Android, Linux, Web
Key Features
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Enjoy games and manage projects in 4:4:4 colour mode to capture every nuance.
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Link and stream up to three displays simultaneously, with the ability to switch between them for efficient multitasking.
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Supports tilt-sensitive and pressure-responsive drawing tablets.
Pros
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This versatile tool serves multiple purposes, catering to both gaming and work needs.
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Implement single sign-on using SAML for bolstered security.
Con
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Parsec’s gaming functionality is not available on iOS devices.
3. Rainway
Rainway is another noteworthy remote gaming streaming application that allows you to savour your PC games on a variety of devices, including televisions and mobile phones. It enables you to run your games on a Windows 10 host PC and play them from any location. For optimal performance, it’s advised to connect your host PC via Ethernet and ensure a robust internet connection. What’s more, Rainway is entirely free from adverts and can be utilised without any hitches.
Compatibility
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Windows, macOS, Web, Linux
Key Features
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Functions seamlessly with popular hardware manufacturers such as Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA.
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Rainway facilitates connection to a 5GHz channel using a Wi-Fi network.
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The Rainway streaming protocol prioritises speed, offering minimal latency.
Pros
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The tool’s Cloud Gaming feature consolidates all your PC games into a single interface.
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It utilises WebSockets, WebRTC, and mDNS technologies.
Cons
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It lacks optimisation for the latest Android versions, which can prove vexing.
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It doesn’t support desktop use, only streaming game views.
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The developers have stopped support for the free version.…
4. Moonlight
Moonlight functions as an open-source iteration of the NVIDIA GameStream protocol. This application allows users to enjoy PC games on virtually any device. Gamers can now effortlessly stream games via Moonlight with 4K resolution and HDR support. For an enhanced experience, one can opt to host their own gaming server, ensuring the lowest latency and eliminating any lag.
Compatibility
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Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Android, iOS
Key Features
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Offers 120FPS streaming for a smooth gaming experience.
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Multi-client platform options enable game streaming across all devices.
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Provides optimised performance when streaming over a local network through IPv6.
Pros
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Moonlight is released under a GPLv3 licence and is an open-source code platform.
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This tool is completely free and devoid of any bothersome advertisements.
Con
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The process of setting up Moonlight on any device can be rather complex.
5. Steam Link
Steam Link stands out as the premier remote control gaming PC tool for those wishing to enjoy their Steam games on various devices such as mobile phones, televisions, or other computers. This application allows for comprehensive connection between a computer and controller, and even facilitates remote game streaming when necessary. Users have the option to pair a Steam controller or any other compatible controller to effectively manage their games.
Compatibility
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Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android
Key Features
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When streaming, one can set the displays to enhanced 1080p or 4K resolution.
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Customise the streaming settings for bandwidth, framerate, and resolution limits.
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Enable or disable hardware encoding whilst enjoying games.
Pros
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Option to test the network before establishing a remote connection.
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The Android application functions well with Bluetooth gamepads.
Con
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Host devices may experience significant overheating when utilising this tool.
Part 3. How to Use LoLa for Remote PC Gaming
After we have discussed the top 5 tools listed above, LoLa stands out as the top performer in remote-control gaming PC software. With that, let’s check the steps below on how to use this software to start enjoying games remotely:
Step 1: Download the LoLa app on the Host PC and the Streaming device
Go to www.lola-pc.com/downloads and download the app. While its downloading, register for a free account if you haven’t already.
Step 2: Launch and Log in to LoLa for Remote Access
After this, you will need to install LoLa and access it on your system. Log in to your account by typing the “Email” and “Password” and tapping on the “Sign In” button. Afterward, on the Gaming PC (Host), go to settings and enable hosting, download the hosting tools (Restart Required).
Step 3: Adjust the Display Settings and Use the Controllers
On the local device (Client Device), log in to LoLa, go to settings ad enable MoonShine. Then go to the moonshine settings and choose Resolution, fps etc. Make sure your Bitrate is lower than the Host PCs upload speed! Also you can now connect your gamepad controller before “Launching” into your PC.
Here is a link to a video explaining how to download and use LoLa for gaming.
Conclusion
In conclusion, each of the tools discussed above boasts unique features that set them apart from one another. We’ve also detailed their compatibility to assist you in selecting the most suitable option for your system requirements. In our assessment, we recommend LoLa as the choice for remote desktop software for gaming. This recommendation is based on its advanced features and superior user experience.
Furthermore, this application exhibits minimal lag between games and provides a significantly smoother display. Additionally, it offers a high-resolution display option that doesn’t impose any limitations on your gaming experience.
It’s worth noting that whilst LoLa stands out as our top recommendation, the best choice for you may ultimately depend on your specific needs, hardware, and personal preferences. We encourage you to consider the unique strengths of each tool in relation to your particular gaming setup and requirements.