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Moonlight
Open source game streaming client
Media & EntertainmentFreeOpen Source
Moonlight — Official Website
Quick Take: Moonlight
4.8
Moonlight stands out as an exceptional, free, and open-source game streaming client, offering unparalleled flexibility and performance for self-hosted cloud gaming. Its broad device compatibility, high-fidelity streaming capabilities (4K/120 FPS, HDR, 7.1 audio), and seamless integration with the actively developed Sunshine host make it a top-tier choice. While initial setup may require some technical comfort, the long-term benefits of a customizable, ad-free streaming experience are immense.
Best For
- •Gamers seeking a free, high-performance streaming solution
- •Users with diverse client devices (mobile, TV, handhelds)
- •Tech enthusiasts interested in self-hosted cloud gaming
- •Anyone looking for a GameStream alternative after NVIDIA's discontinuation
Install with Homebrew
brew install --cask moonlightWhat is Moonlight?
Moonlight is an open-source game streaming client that allows users to play their PC games on a wide range of devices, both locally and over the internet. It was originally a third-party implementation of NVIDIA's GameStream protocol and now primarily works with Sunshine, an open-source host for all GPUs. This enables users to stream their entire PC game library to client devices, offering a flexible and free cloud gaming experience.
Deep Dive: Moonlight's Evolution and Technical Foundations
Moonlight has evolved from a niche client into a leading open-source solution for game streaming, adapting to industry changes and leveraging community development to offer a highly flexible and powerful experience. Its technical architecture and robust ecosystem underpin its capabilities.
History & Background
Moonlight originated as a third-party client for NVIDIA's proprietary GameStream protocol, offering users a way to stream games from their NVIDIA-powered PCs to various devices. With NVIDIA's decision to discontinue GameStream, Moonlight swiftly adapted by embracing Sunshine, an open-source host developed by the community. This strategic pivot ensured its continued viability and expanded its compatibility to include AMD and Intel GPUs, cementing its role as a versatile streaming solution.
How It Works
At its core, Moonlight operates on a client-server architecture. The host PC (running Sunshine or legacy GeForce Experience) captures the game's video and audio output, encodes it using efficient codecs like H.264, HEVC, or AV1, and transmits it over the network. The Moonlight client on the receiving device decodes this stream, providing a low-latency, high-quality interactive experience. This design prioritizes speed and responsiveness, crucial for gaming.
Ecosystem & Integrations
Moonlight thrives within a vibrant open-source ecosystem. Its source code is freely available on GitHub under the GPLv3 license, encouraging community contributions and transparency. The project is actively supported by its developers and users through platforms like Discord and Reddit, where troubleshooting, feature requests, and general discussions take place. The strong relationship with Sunshine, another open-source project, highlights this collaborative spirit, creating a powerful, flexible streaming stack.
Future Development
Looking ahead, Moonlight continues to see active development, particularly in conjunction with the Sunshine host. An anticipated release for Moonlight-qt was hinted for late 2025 or early 2026, indicating ongoing refinements and feature additions to the core client experience. The continuous evolution of Sunshine ensures that Moonlight will remain compatible with the latest hardware and software, adapting to new codecs and streaming technologies as they emerge, driven by community innovation.
Key Features
High-Resolution and High-Framerate Streaming
Moonlight supports streaming games at impressive resolutions up to 4K, providing sharp and detailed visuals. Users can also enjoy smooth gameplay with support for up to 120 frames per second (FPS), ensuring a fluid experience for fast-paced titles.
Self-Hosted Cloud Gaming
One of Moonlight's core capabilities is enabling users to run their own self-hosted cloud gaming server. This means you can stream your personal PC game library to any compatible client device, effectively turning your home computer into a private cloud gaming service without subscriptions.
Open-Source and Community-Driven
Moonlight is a completely open-source project, with its code publicly available on GitHub under the GPLv3 license. This fosters transparency, allows for community contributions, and ensures the project's longevity and adaptability through collective effort rather than corporate control.
Broad Multi-Platform Client Support
The client application is exceptionally versatile, available across a vast array of platforms. This includes major operating systems like Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux, alongside niche devices such as Apple TV, PS Vita, Nintendo Switch, Wii U, and Raspberry Pi.
Comprehensive Input Method Support
Moonlight ensures a flexible gaming experience by supporting various input methods. Users can utilize a keyboard, mouse, or connect up to four game controllers simultaneously, making it suitable for both solo and local multiplayer sessions.
Immersive Surround Sound
For an enhanced audio experience, Moonlight provides 7.1 surround sound support during streaming. This feature allows for a more immersive and spatially accurate soundscape, crucial for competitive gaming and cinematic experiences.
Advanced Video Codec Compatibility
The client supports a range of modern video encoding codecs, including H.264, HEVC (H.265), and AV1. This versatility ensures efficient video compression and high-quality streaming, adapting to different hardware capabilities and network conditions for optimal performance.
Flexible Host Compatibility with Sunshine
While initially designed for NVIDIA GameStream, Moonlight now seamlessly integrates with Sunshine, an open-source host that supports all GPU types including AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA. This broadens accessibility significantly, allowing a wider range of PC owners to utilize Moonlight's streaming capabilities.
Who Should Use Moonlight?
1Casual Gamer
A casual gamer wants to play their PC games on a tablet while relaxing on the couch, or on a smart TV in another room without moving their gaming rig. Moonlight allows them to stream their entire Steam or Epic Games library to their preferred client device.
2Tech Enthusiast
A tech enthusiast enjoys tinkering with open-source solutions and wants to build a self-hosted cloud gaming setup using a Raspberry Pi or an old laptop as a client. Moonlight, paired with Sunshine, provides the perfect framework for this custom, low-latency streaming solution.
3Mobile Gamer On-the-Go
A mobile gamer frequently travels but doesn't want to miss out on their PC game collection. With Moonlight, they can connect to their home PC over the internet, streaming high-fidelity games to their smartphone or laptop, provided they have a strong LTE/5G connection.
4Multi-Device Household
A family with multiple devices (PC, Apple TV, Android tablets) wants to share access to a powerful gaming PC without buying multiple copies of games or dedicated consoles. Moonlight enables seamless streaming to all these devices, making the gaming PC accessible from anywhere in the home.
How to Install Moonlight
Installing Moonlight involves setting up a host (server) on your gaming PC and then installing the Moonlight client on your desired streaming device.
1
Prepare Your Host PC
Ensure your host PC meets the minimum system requirements, including Windows 10/11 and a compatible GPU. For NVIDIA GPUs, install NVIDIA GeForce Experience (GFE) 2.1.1+; for any GPU (AMD, Intel, NVIDIA), install Sunshine, which is the recommended open-source host.
2
Configure Your Host Software
If using GFE, ensure GameStream is enabled and your games are added to its library. If using Sunshine, follow its setup instructions to configure your game library and streaming settings. Sunshine typically offers more customization and broader GPU support.
3
Install Moonlight Client
Download the Moonlight client app for your specific device from its official source (e.g., App Store, Google Play, GitHub releases). Clients are available for Android, iOS, Apple TV, Windows, macOS, Linux, and various other platforms.
4
Pair Client with Host
Launch the Moonlight client and it should automatically discover your host PC on the local network. If not, you can manually add your PC's IP address. Moonlight will then prompt you for a pairing PIN, which you'll enter on your host PC (either in GFE or Sunshine's interface) to establish a secure connection.
5
Start Streaming Your Games
Once paired, your Moonlight client will display a list of games available for streaming from your host PC. Select a game to begin streaming, or choose to stream your entire desktop for full PC control. Adjust streaming settings like resolution and FPS within the Moonlight client for optimal performance.
Pro Tips
- • For best performance, connect your host PC to your router via Ethernet.
- • Use a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network or a wired connection for your client device if possible.
- • Ensure your host PC has a 720p+ display or a headless display dongle connected to the GPU.
Configuration Tips
Optimize Your Network for Streaming
For the best streaming experience, ensure your host PC is connected to a gigabit router via Ethernet. On the client side, a strong 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection is recommended, or use LTE/5G for remote streaming, aiming for at least 5 Mbps upload speed from your host.
Utilize Sunshine for Broader GPU Compatibility
Since NVIDIA GameStream is discontinued, using Sunshine as your host is highly recommended. It provides open-source hosting for all AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA GPUs, offering greater flexibility and ongoing development support compared to the legacy GameStream.
Ensure Proper Display Setup on Host PC
Your host PC requires a physical display (720p or higher) connected to the GPU, or a headless display dongle. This ensures the GPU is active and rendering, which is crucial for Moonlight to capture and stream the desktop or game output effectively.
Adjust Client Settings for Performance
Experiment with resolution, framerate, and bitrate settings within the Moonlight client to find the optimal balance for your network and device. Lowering these settings can significantly improve performance on weaker networks or less powerful client devices.
Alternatives to Moonlight
While Moonlight offers a robust open-source solution, several other tools provide similar game streaming or remote desktop capabilities, each with its own strengths.
P
Parsec
Parsec is a widely popular remote desktop and game streaming tool known for its exceptionally low latency and extensive feature set, including collaborative streaming. Unlike Moonlight, Parsec is a commercial product with a free tier and paid options, offering a more polished user experience out of the box but lacking Moonlight's full open-source nature.
S
Steam Link / Steam Remote Play
Valve's official solution, Steam Link (now integrated into Steam Remote Play), is excellent for streaming games directly from your Steam library to other devices. It's highly integrated with the Steam ecosystem and generally easy to set up, but it's primarily limited to Steam games and may not offer the same level of customization or multi-GPU support as Moonlight with Sunshine.
S
Sunshine
Sunshine is an open-source, self-hosted game streaming host that works synergistically with Moonlight. It's not an alternative client but rather the recommended server component, supporting AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA GPUs. Sunshine offers the backend flexibility that Moonlight leverages, making them complementary rather than competing solutions for many users.
A
Apollo (Sunshine-Fork)
Apollo is a fork of Sunshine, aiming to offer enhanced low-latency cloud gaming server capabilities. As a derivative, it shares many of Sunshine's strengths but may introduce specific optimizations or features. Users might explore Apollo for cutting-edge performance or specific development interests within the Sunshine ecosystem.
N
NVIDIA Grid
NVIDIA Grid is NVIDIA's enterprise-level cloud gaming solution, distinct from consumer-focused GameStream or Moonlight. It's designed for large-scale deployments and commercial cloud gaming services, offering robust performance and management tools but is not a direct alternative for individual home users seeking a free, self-hosted solution like Moonlight.
Pricing
Completely Free and Open-Source
Moonlight operates on a fully free and open-source pricing model. There are no hidden costs, advertisements, in-app purchases, paid versions with extra features, or subscription fees of any kind. This makes high-quality game streaming accessible to everyone without financial barriers.
Pros
- ✓Completely free and open-source with no hidden costs.
- ✓Supports high-resolution (up to 4K) and high-framerate (up to 120 FPS) streaming.
- ✓Wide compatibility with various client devices and host GPUs (via Sunshine).
- ✓Low latency streaming ideal for fast-paced games.
- ✓Supports multiple input methods including up to four controllers.
- ✓Offers 7.1 surround sound for immersive audio.
- ✓Enables self-hosted cloud gaming for personalized control.
Cons
- ✗Requires a powerful host PC with specific hardware (GPU, OS).
- ✗Initial setup can be complex for less tech-savvy users, especially with Sunshine.
- ✗Performance is heavily dependent on network quality and stability.
- ✗NVIDIA GameStream, its original host, has been discontinued, requiring users to switch to Sunshine.
- ✗Does not directly host games; relies on an external host (GFE or Sunshine) to manage the game library.
Community & Ecosystem
Moonlight thrives as a community-driven, open-source project, entirely independent of corporate management. Its source code is freely accessible on GitHub, welcoming contributions from developers worldwide. The project actively supports its user base through comprehensive documentation and a vibrant Discord server, where users can seek assistance and propose enhancements. Furthermore, the community frequently engages in discussions and offers peer support for various client device configurations and network troubleshooting on platforms like Reddit, fostering a collaborative and helpful environment for all users.
Video Tutorials
Getting Started with Moonlight
TechMen14.2K views
More Tutorials
Sunshine+Moonlight Setup #cloudgaming #linuxgaming #steamdeck #moonlightgaming
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Setting up Moonlight Streaming for MacOSX
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Goodbye Sunshine & Moonlight, Hello Apollo & Artemis (Setup Guide)
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Frequently Asked Questions about Moonlight
Moonlight is an open-source game streaming client that allows you to play PC games on other devices. It connects to a host PC running either NVIDIA GeForce Experience or the open-source Sunshine server, capturing the video and audio from your gaming PC and streaming it in real-time to your client device.
Our Verdict
4.8/5
Moonlight stands out as an exceptional, free, and open-source game streaming client, offering unparalleled flexibility and performance for self-hosted cloud gaming. Its broad device compatibility, high-fidelity streaming capabilities (4K/120 FPS, HDR, 7.1 audio), and seamless integration with the actively developed Sunshine host make it a top-tier choice. While initial setup may require some technical comfort, the long-term benefits of a customizable, ad-free streaming experience are immense.
Best for:Gamers seeking a free, high-performance streaming solutionUsers with diverse client devices (mobile, TV, handhelds)Tech enthusiasts interested in self-hosted cloud gamingAnyone looking for a GameStream alternative after NVIDIA's discontinuation
About the Author
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Related Technologies & Concepts
MoonlightNVIDIA GameStreamSunshineGitHubGPLv3 licenseParsecSteam LinkApolloNVIDIA Grid
Moonlight (Main subject, open-source game streaming client), NVIDIA GameStream (Original host protocol, now discontinued), Sunshine (Recommended open-source host for all GPUs, works with Moonlight), GitHub (Hosts Moonlight's open-source code), GPLv3 license (Governs Moonlight's open-source code), Parsec (Alternative game streaming tool), Steam Link (Alternative game streaming tool by Valve), Apollo (Fork of Sunshine, alternative host), NVIDIA Grid (Enterprise cloud gaming solution, not a direct alternative)
Related Topics
Game Streaming Technology
This cluster covers the core technology behind streaming PC games to other devices, including protocols, codecs, and hardware requirements for both host and client.
Open-Source Software & Community
Focuses on Moonlight's open-source nature, its community-driven development, and the ecosystem of related open-source projects like Sunshine and Apollo.
Multi-Platform Gaming
Explores how Moonlight enables gaming across a wide array of devices, from mobile phones and tablets to smart TVs and even handheld consoles, breaking platform barriers.
Sources & References
Fact-CheckedLast verified: Feb 15, 2026
Key Verified Facts
- Moonlight is an open-source game streaming client.[fact1]
- It acts as a third-party implementation of NVIDIA's GameStream protocol.[fact2]
- Moonlight also works with Sunshine, an open-source host for all GPUs, since NVIDIA discontinued GameStream.[fact3]
- It supports streaming at resolutions up to 4K with HDR.[fact4]
- Users can stream games at up to 120 frames per second (FPS).[fact5]
- 1Moonlight Official Website
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 2Moonlight GitHub Repository
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 3Sunshine Game Stream Host GitHub
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 4Moonlight Features Overview
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 5Moonlight Client Platforms
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 6Moonlight System Requirements
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 7Moonlight Pricing Model
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 8Winget Moonlight Entry
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 9Moonlight Community Discord
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 10Reddit r/MoonlightStream
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
Research queries: Moonlight game streaming client facts; Moonlight features and alternatives; Moonlight system requirements; Moonlight vs Sunshine; Moonlight open source community