Steam Link was a dedicated hardware device by Valve for streaming PC games to TVs via local network, but alternatives offer similar functionality across broader platforms. This guide covers top options prioritizing low latency, ease of use, and compatibility.
Leading Software Alternatives
These applications enable game streaming from your PC to other devices:
- Moonlight: An open-source client using NVIDIA GameStream. Requires an NVIDIA GPU and supports Android, iOS, Linux, and more. Focuses on high performance and minimal input lag.
- Parsec: Optimized for gaming with low-latency streaming, supporting multiplayer and remote access. Works on Windows, macOS, Android, and Raspberry Pi without specialized hardware.
- Rainway: A versatile service with cross-platform support including browsers. Emphasizes accessibility for non-gaming PCs but may add slight latency over network-intensive games.
- Steam Remote Play: Valve's built-in feature via the Steam client. Allows streaming to smart TVs, mobile devices, or other PCs. Integrated with Steam library for seamless setup.
Key Considerations
When selecting an alternative:
- Ensure a stable 5GHz Wi-Fi or wired network to reduce latency.
- Verify hardware compatibility, like GPU requirements for Moonlight.
- Prioritize solutions with frequent updates for security and performance.
For most users, Moonlight or Parsec provide robust, free alternatives to Steam Link. Always test with your setup to optimize performance.
