Sunshine hosts self-managed game streams for Moonlight clients and supports hardware or software encoding.
Moonlight
Stream PC games to other devices with Moonlight, an open-source game streaming client.
About Moonlight
Moonlight is an open source game streaming client for playing PC games on other devices. It was formerly known as Limelight and is an implementation of NVIDIA's GameStream protocol. It works with compatible host software such as Sunshine, GeForce Experience, and Wolf.
You can use Moonlight to stream your PC game collection or full Windows desktop to a supported device, whether in another room or away from home. Supported streaming includes up to 4K with HDR on capable clients and up to 120 FPS using the PC client. Clients are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, Chromebook, Raspberry Pi, Xbox consoles, and several homebrew TV and console ports. You can also host your own server using port forwarding, IPv6, or virtual network tools.
Moonlight suits PC owners who want to access their existing games and desktop from other devices without moving their gaming PC.
Key features
- Stream PC games and desktop to supported devices
- Stream up to 4K with HDR on capable clients
- Stream up to 120 FPS using the PC client
- Host own server with port forwarding or IPv6
- Clients for mobile, PC, TV and console platforms
- Client code hosted on GitHub under GPLv3
Best for: PC gamers who want to play their existing PC games on other devices at home or remotely.
Good for
- Completely free with no ads or subscriptions
- Supports many client platforms
- Client code is open source under GPLv3
- Supports up to 4K HDR and 120 FPS streaming
Watch out for
- GeForce Experience streaming is being discontinued by NVIDIA
- Some console and TV ports require homebrew or developer mode
- Requires compatible host software such as Sunshine
Moonlight at a glance
- Website
- moonlight-stream.org
- Category
- Software & Utilities › Remote Desktop
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Free
- Platforms
- Android, iOS, Web, Windows
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Moonlight alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
Sunshine hosts game streams for devices connecting through a Moonlight client.
Open source
11 alternatives
Apollo forks Sunshine to stream games using the native resolution of the client device.
Open source
12 alternativesPopular in Remote Desktop
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Moonlight FAQ
What is Moonlight?
Moonlight is an open source client that streams PC games and the Windows desktop to supported devices.
Is Moonlight free?
Yes. The site states Moonlight is completely free with no ads, paid versions, or subscriptions.
Which devices can run Moonlight?
It lists clients for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, Chromebook, Raspberry Pi, Xbox, and several homebrew TV and console ports.
What host software works with Moonlight?
Sunshine is listed as the recommended host, with GeForce Experience and Wolf also listed. GeForce Experience streaming is being discontinued by NVIDIA.
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