Discover the Best Parsec Alternative for Game Streaming: Sunshine and Moonlight

When it comes to game streaming, Parsec has long been a popular choice. However, there is another option that gamers should consider. In this post, we’ll explore Sunshine and Moonlight, a combination that stands out as a top Parsec alternative. Additionally, we’ll provide a short setup guide to get you started with these fantastic tools.

Please note that both Parsec and Sunshine with Moonlight require you to have access to a powerful enough PC to run your games. If you don’t own one, you can rent a cloud PC starting from $0.65 per hour.

Why Look for a Parsec Alternative?

While Parsec is an easy-to-use tool for game streaming, some users may seek an alternative due to preferences for different features, better performance on specific hardware, or simply wanting to explore other options. Additionally, it’s important to note that Parsec is not available for iOS and has recently dropped support for Linux, which may leave some users in need of an alternative. Sunshine and Moonlight can offer unique advantages that might better suit your gaming needs.

The Best Parsec Alternative: Sunshine & Moonlight

Sunshine is an open-source host application that pairs exceptionally well with Moonlight, an open-source client designed for NVIDIA’s GameStream protocol. This combination delivers a seamless and high-performance game streaming experience.

Features

High Performance

Sunshine and Moonlight together provide low-latency streaming with high-quality graphics, making them ideal for fast-paced games.

Compatibility

Sunshine works on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, while Moonlight is available on numerous platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Customization

Both applications offer extensive customization options, allowing you to tweak settings to optimize your streaming experience.

Setting Up Sunshine and Moonlight

Follow this short setup guide to start streaming your games using Sunshine and Moonlight.

Step 1: Install Sunshine on Your Host PC

• Visit the Sunshine GitHub page on your host PC and download the latest release for your operating system.
• Follow the installation wizard to install Sunshine.
• Open https://localhost:47990 in your browser and set a username and password for your Sunshine installation.

Step 2: Install Moonlight on Your Client Device

• Visit the Moonlight website and download the client for your device. Moonlight supports a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, PCs, and smart TVs.
• Follow the installation instructions specific to your device’s operating system.

Step 3: Pair Sunshine and Moonlight

• Launch the Moonlight app on your client device.
• Moonlight should automatically detect your Sunshine server if both devices are on the same network. If not, you can manually enter your host PC’s IP address.
• Click on your PC and follow the on-screen instructions to pair your client device with the host PC. You may need to enter a PIN or accept the connection on your host PC. To do that, navigate to https://localhost:47990/pin, log in with your Sunshine credentials when asked and enter the PIN.

Step 4: Start Streaming

• In the Moonlight app, click on your PC. You’ll see a list of available apps to stream, select Desktop here.
• Start streaming and enjoy your gaming session with minimal latency and high-quality graphics.
• If you notice artifacts while playing your game, increase the bitrate in the Moonlight settings. If you encounter stutters, try decreasing the bitrate.

Conclusion

For those seeking a Parsec alternative, Sunshine and Moonlight offer an excellent combination that is both powerful and user-friendly. By following our setup guide, you can quickly get started with these tools and enjoy a top-tier game streaming experience. Whether you are a casual gamer or a competitive player, Sunshine and Moonlight are worth considering as your go-to Parsec alternative.