You want to learn about game streaming platforms, right? You’re a pro gamer and a creative creator, but not having a top-tier PC is holding you back from sharing your epic gameplay.
Good news is, game streaming services make it way easier. They let you play online without powerful gaming gear. But which one should you pick?
This guide shows you how to choose the best game streaming services. So you can jump in, play your game, and start creating awesome content right away. Let’s dive in!
What Is a Gaming Streaming Service?
A game streaming service is a cloud-based platform that runs your favorite games on powerful remote servers and streams them directly to your PC, console, or mobile device.
This is a game-changer for video game streaming. Why? Because all the heavy processing like rendering high-resolution graphics, physics, and game logic happens in remote data centers.
That means you don’t need a strong GPU or a top-tier CPU. Even a basic PC can handle complex games if your internet is reliably. And that’s what cloud gaming is all about.
And yes, you can jump into your game with instant access. No downloads, no updates, no installing updates. Just click Play, and you’re in.
For gamers, this removes common problems like expensive hardware upgrades or complicated game streaming setup. It saves you time and money.
The key for all game streaming platforms is hardware offloading. It lets the system to give certain tasks to special hardware, which helps the CPU work less and makes everything run faster.
In fast games like Call of Duty or Fortnite, the system boosts graphics and processing power to make sure stable frame rates and smoother gameplay.
For less demanding titles like Among Us or Stardew Valley, resources shift around to keep everything running efficiently and save energy.
Related:
Why Video Game Streaming Matters for Gamers
Here are a few reasons why game streaming platforms matter:
- No High-End Hardware Needed — In cloud gaming platforms, the heavy process happens in the cloud. No expensive hardware is needed on your side
- Simplified Setup — No more headaches over compatibility issues or driver conflicts. No local installs means no NVIDIA driver drama or Windows updates messing with your GPU.
- Instant Access — With game streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, you can start playing right away. Just click Play on games like Halo Infinite, and the latest version streams instantly.
- Scalable Performance — Cloud servers allocate CPU, GPU, and memory to match game needs. For Fortnite, this ensures smooth 60 fps during battles and scales back for menus.
- Consistent Frame Rates — Stay sharp with over 120 fps in games like Call of Duty. Powerful servers keep your gameplay fluid and freeze-free.
- Cross-Device Play — Switch from PC to mobile in Genshin Impact without missing a beat. Your progress syncs in real time, so gaming anywhere is a breeze.
- Broad Game Libraries — Video game streaming platforms often link up with Steam, Epic, and Ubisoft Connect, pulling all your games together in one portal.
- Engaging Streaming Features — Creators can add multi-angle views, live stats, and dynamic overlays without slowing down their computers. Viewers can switch angles or see detailed HUDs.
- Future-proof — Nvidia’s new graphics cards enhance ray tracing and AI for game streaming. This means titles like Metro Exodus are getting a glow-up with DLSS 3.0 for way better visuals.
Best Game Streaming Platforms 2025
Here are the best game streaming platforms for gamers in 2025 that are worth checking out:
1. NVIDIA GeForce Now
- Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chromebook, web browser
- Min. Network Speed: 15 Mb/s (1080p60), 25 Mb/s (4K)
- Max. Resolution: 4K HDR
- Price: Free tier, RTX tier $9.99/month, RTX 4080 tier $19.99/month
NVIDIA GeForce Now is a top game streaming service that lets you to stream PC games straight to your device. It stands out among game streaming platforms with its reliable cloud gaming.
With a game library access of over 2000 titles like DOOM: The Dark Ages and Avowed, you’ll get great graphics and minimal lag every time.
This video game streaming service is known for its low-latency streaming and solid performance. It works on PCs, Macs, and smartphones, so you can stream games on multiple devices.
GeForce NOW also supports VR and mixed reality with platforms like Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest devices, proving it’s built for anything you throw at it.
GeForce Now has a free tier with longer waits and limited features. For the full experience, upgrade to the $19.99 Ultimate plan for RTX 4080 ray tracing, DLSS 3, NVIDIA Reflex, and Cloud G-Sync for smoother gameplay.
2. Xbox Cloud Gaming
- Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Xbox consoles, web browser
- Min. Network Speed: 10 Mb/s
- Max. Resolution: 1080p60
- Price: $14.99/month
Xbox Cloud Gaming is Microsoft’s cloud gaming platform that lets you stream hundreds of console-quality games on almost any device. No console? No problem. Just fire up your device and play.
Powered by Xbox Series X technology, this game streaming service keeps gameplay smooth and serves as a strong alternative to local gaming.
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With a huge library featuring hits like Fortnite, Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, there’s always something to play.
If you’re a subscriber, you can also stream your own games outside of Game Pass using the Stream Your Own Game feature, giving you even more options.
3. Shadow
- Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, Raspbery Pi
- Min. Network Speed: 10 Mb/s
- Max. Resolution: 4K
- Price: $24.99/mont (Boost), $37.99/month (Neo), $49.99/month (Power)
Thinking about switching up your game streaming service? Try Shadow. Its cloud-based virtual PC delivers smooth cloud gaming performance.
For Mac users, Shadow is a game-changer. You can play Windows games without a powerful local setup. It makes low-end device gaming a reality. Just make sure your internet is at least 15 Mbps.
This gaming streaming platform features NVIDIA RTX GPUs, fast CPUs, and a 1 Gbps connection for fast downloads and smooth gameplay. This shows the service’s hardware offloading capabilities.
But what sets Shadow apart from other game streaming platforms? You own a remote Windows PC you can customize with your games and settings which give you full control and flexibility.
Run your games from Steam, or Epic like on your machine but with RTX, DLSS, and ray tracing. But, games with strict anti-cheat or DRM, like Valorant, may not work due to virtualization restrictions.
4. Boosteroid
- Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS, smart TVs
- Min. Network Speed: 10 Mb/s
- Max. Resolution: 4K
- Price: €9.99/month
Setting High — Price Low. Sounds like what every gamer dreams of, right? Boosteroid is a cloud gaming service that lets you play PC games without any hassle.
Founded in Europe in 2016, Boosteroid has grown rapidly since 2019. They partner with ASUS and AMD to stay innovative and show a strong commitment to their game streaming service.
This gaming streaming platform uses top AMD EPYC computer chips and RX 7900 XT graphics cards to give you smooth, fast streaming in Europe, North America, and South America.
Want to use this game streaming service? Plans start at €7.49 a month if you pay for a whole year. The best part is you can easily switch between devices and stream directly to YouTube.
5. Amazon Luna+
- Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Fire TV, Android, iOS, web browser
- Min. Network Speed: 10 Mb/s
- Max. Resolution: 1080p60
- Price: $9.99/month
Want to play free games like Fortnite, Fallout: New Vegas, or Saints Row? Luna+ Cloud Gaming is one of the best streaming platforms for gaming to try this year.
Amazon Luna is a cloud gaming service that lets you stream games to your PC, Mac, Fire TV, or iOS device. It uses Amazon Web Services with Nvidia Tesla T4 GPUs for smooth play.
The platform works with many controllers like Xbox Wireless, DualShock 4, DualSense, and the Luna Controller you can connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB-C.
And do you want to play games with your friends? Luna Couch lets you play with them in local co-op, even if they don’t have a subscription.
You can play over 100 games, including new releases from Ubisoft and Epic that come out on the same day. Also, if you’re a Prime member, you get a free selection of games each month.
6. Blacknut
- Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, smart TVs
- Min. Network Speed: 10 Mb/s
- Max. Resolution: 1080p60
- Price: $15.99/month
If Amazon Luna lets you play games with friends using Luna Couch, Blacknut is a unique game streaming platform that supports up to five simultaneous player profiles.
It supports up to four controllers, making multiplayer and co-op gaming simple for friends. The service also has parental controls and offers seamless gameplay with cloud synchronization.
Blacknut is one of the best streaming platforms for gaming with over 500 PC and console-quality games. You can stream and play AAA titles, indie, and casual games. New titles are added monthly.
The gaming streaming platform partners with major publishers like Ubisoft and has added popular titles such as Morbid: The Lords of Ire, Cris Tales, and Double Dragon Gaiden.
7. Playkey
- Supported Platforms: Windows (app), Android (beta), web browser
- Min. Network Speed: 10 Mb/s
- Max. Resolution: 1080p60
- Price: From $0.10/hr; packages available
Playkey is a video game streaming service that lets you play games online. It has main servers in Moscow, Frankfurt, and London, giving it the advantages of global geographic server locations.
These computers do all the work to make the games run. You just need 5GHz WiFi or an Ethernet cable that’s at least 50 Mbps to meet the cloud gaming internet requirements.
What makes Playkey stand out is its use of blockchain to build a decentralized cloud gaming system. Users can lease their CPUs and GPUs to others, creating a peer-to-peer network.
This lowers the cost of dedicated servers and makes resource sharing more efficient. You pay based on how long they want to play, from hourly plans to unlimited monthly subscriptions.
8. Netboom
- Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS
- Min. Network Speed: 10 Mb/s
- Max. Resolution: 1080p60
- Price: $4.9/month
For just $4.9 a month, you can access and play over 300 games. This makes the game streaming service an affordable option for any gamers.
NetBoom acts like a pocket-sized gaming PC that turns your mobile device into a full gaming gateway without the hardware hassle. This is an great option for mobile game streaming.
No matter what games you like, GTA V, Elden Ring, Fortnite, or Cyberpunk 2077, NetBoom lets you start playing right away.
Another great feature from this game streaming site is multiplaying and cloud sync. These features keep online competitions smooth across devices with reliable cloud save synchronization.
9. PlayStation Plus
- Supported Platforms: PS5, PS4, Windows
- Min. Network Speed: 5 Mb/s
- Max. Resolution: 1080p60
- Price: From $9.99/month to $17.99/month
PlayStation Plus isn’t just a game streaming service like GeForce NOW. It’s more like a gaming subscription platforms. But, what does that really mean?
Instead of just streaming games, you get a constantly changing library of downloads, online multiplayer battles, cloud storage for your saves, and game trials to test out new titles.
PS Plus allows streaming of games from the Game and Classics Catalogs, including PS1, PS2, PSP, and some PS3 titles, straight to your PS4, PS5, or PC. It’s a big win if you want to jump into a game quickly or play on a lower-spec PC.
The game streaming service has three tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Each offers benefits like Share Play for remote play, online multiplayer, a library of Ubisoft Classics, and exclusive content.
There’s no 4K game streaming yet. But 1080p at 60 fps works well for most single-player and casual games. And a steady internet connection of at least 5 Mbps is vital.
10. Antstream Arcade
- Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, web browser
- Min. Network Speed: 5 Mb/s
- Max. Resolution: 1080p
- Price: Free to Try, from $3.99/month to $99.99 lifetime for specific platforms
The world’s largest official retro gaming platform. That’s what Antstream Arcade is all about. Founded in 2013, it’s meant to provide legal access to retro games rather than piracy.
This game streaming service lets you dive into a huge library of arcade, console, and computer games from the 1980s and 2000s, all streamed instantly through the cloud.
Among the 1,300+ games on this gaming streaming platform, you’ll find classics like Pac-Man, Galaga, and Sonic the Hedgehog.
Whether you’re a nostalgic veteran or a curious newcomer, this platform makes it easy to enjoy timeless titles without hunting down old hardware or downloading anything.
Partnering with Xbox, Antstream powers the Retro Classics collection on Xbox Game Pass, giving subscribers access to more than 50 classic Activision Blizzard games and plans to add even more.
11. Cloud Moon
- Supported Platforms: Web browser, Android, iOS
- Min. Network Speed: 5 Mb/s
- Max. Resolution: 1080p60
- Price: Free (ad-supported)
Hit play, pick your server, and log in with your Google account. Suddenly, Pokémon Sword and Genshin Impact are right there in your browser.
Cloud Moon is a game streaming platform that makes it possible. It’s all about delivering top-tier gaming on low-end devices and mobiles, especially Android.
No downloads, no updates. Just quick access to a big library of games, from anime RPGs to shooters and open-world adventures. You can play without needing a console or installs.
CloudMoon streams games from powerful servers to your device. It handles the heavy lifting remotely. Even budget phones feel like they have a gaming rig.
12. MaximumSettings
- Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android
- Min. Network Speed: 10 Mb/s
- Max. Resolution: 4K60
- Price: From $9.95/month
Maximum Settings takes cloud gaming to the next level by giving you full control over a dedicated, cloud-based gaming PC with no resource sharing.
This is for people who like to be in charge and know what they’re doing. Think of getting a powerful computer that you can use anywhere.
Powered by Linux Mint, it uses a Ryzen 7800X3D processor and a Radeon RX 7900 XTX graphics card. You can expect super smooth 4K gaming, with up to 120 fps with ray tracing.
This platform is compatible with any device. Just make sure you’re not too far from their Toronto data center. Why? When it comes to game streaming, anything over 90 ms latency is a buzzkill.
How to Choose the Right Gaming Streaming Platforms
Here are some tips to pick the best video game streaming to boost your gaming experience:
- Check Device Compatibility — Ensure your game streaming works on all devices. Xbox Cloud Gaming is for Xbox and Windows, but GeForce Now supports Macs and Androids too.
- Check the Game Library — Each platform has its perks. GeForce Now streams your existing PC games, while Xbox Cloud Gaming offers hundreds through Game Pass. Check what you want to play before subscribing.
- Test Speed and Latency — Use free trials to see if your internet can stream smoothly. Try for speeds of 5-10 Mbps and less than 100ms delay. Speed tests help find problems quickly.
- Compare Subscription Costs — Compare fees and features to find the best deal. Basic plans cover the essentials, while Ultimate plan offers perks like early releases, and cloud saves.
- Read User Reviews — Check out reviews from other gamers to see if they’re reliable. Skip the headaches by browsing Reddit, Steam forums, or app stores for real insights.
- Consider Region Support — Check if the service is available in your country to avoid access issues. Use the website or a quick VPN test to prevent disappointment.
- Check for Offline Play — If you want to game offline, make sure the service lets you download games. Perfect for travel or when your connection is spotty.
Gaming Streaming Platforms: A Wrap Up
The best game streaming service isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s the one that matches your style as a pro gamer and content creator.
Whether you go with NVIDIA GeForce NOW to tap into your PC library or Xbox Cloud Gaming for its huge game list, the goal stays the same: keep you gaming without the high hardware costs.
But keep in mind, these game streaming services are made for playing, not broadcasting like Twitch. But you can still stream live and earn through donations to help cover your costs.
Or, jump onto Gank and start making money from your content with fan donations, memberships, or merch sales. No cost to get started. Interested?
