Moonlight
Open-source game streaming client that connects to GeForce Experience and Sunshine hosts.
Open the official app on moonlight-stream.org
This tool is hosted by its maintainers. Click below to open moonlight-stream.org in a new tab — it's their official demo.
Browse gaming tools →What's next with Moonlight?
Choose how you want to get started.
Use it free
Open the official tool or demo — no account needed.
Self-host it
Run the open-source version on your own infrastructure.
What is Moonlight?
Moonlight is an open-source game streaming client that enables users to play PC games on remote devices using NVIDIA's GameStream protocol. Developed as a third-party implementation of the protocol originally used by NVIDIA Shield, it allows gamers to stream their PC game libraries to various platforms, effectively turning their gaming rig into a remote server. The tool is ideal for users who need to access high-performance games from devices like smartphones, TVs, or consoles without compromising on graphical fidelity or frame rates. By leveraging the GameStream protocol, Moonlight provides a experience for remote gaming, making it particularly useful for those with limited space or mobility. Its open-source nature under the GPL-3.0 license fosters community-driven development, ensuring continuous improvements and cross-platform compatibility. Gamers, streamers, and tech enthusiasts who require flexible, high-quality remote gaming solutions are the primary users of Moonlight.
How it works
Moonlight is an open-source software project that implements NVIDIA's GameStream protocol, enabling the remote playback of PC games on devices such as Android phones, Apple TVs, and consoles. It serves as a client for streaming games from a local PC to a remote device, eliminating the need for physical access to the gaming hardware. The primary purpose of Moonlight is to provide a flexible, cross-platform solution for remote gaming. It allows users to access their PC game libraries from virtually any device with a compatible client, making it ideal for gaming on the go or in environments where a dedicated gaming setup is impractical. Moonlight supports high-resolution streaming, including 4K with HDR, and can deliver up to 120 FPS for low-latency gameplay. It also enables full desktop streaming, allowing users to access their PC's interface remotely. The tool is compatible with multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and various consoles, with clients available for devices like Raspberry Pi and Nintendo Switch.
How to use it
- 1Install the Moonlight server on the gaming PC, ensuring NVIDIA GameStream is enabled. 2. Configure the server by setting up port forwarding or using a mesh network for secure connections. 3. Install a Moonlight client on the target device, such as an Android phone or Apple TV. 4. Connect the client to the server by entering the IP address or hostname, and select the game to stream. Practical tips include using a stable internet connection, disabling V-Sync for lower latency, and testing different network configurations to minimize lag. For advanced users, setting up a private server with tools like Tailscale can enhance security and performance.
What it can do
- game streaming
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://github.com/moonlight-stream/moonlight-qt
- license: GPL-3.0 — free to use
- privacy: Self-hosted — you control your data
Limitations
- Requires NVIDIA hardware or a compatible GameStream server for optimal performance
- High latency may occur without a dedicated, high-speed internet connection
- Limited support for non-NVIDIA GPUs due to reliance on the GameStream protocol
- Complex setup process for port forwarding or mesh network configurations
- No built-in game library management; users must organize games manually
Understanding the result
Open-source game streaming client that connects to GeForce Experience and Sunshine hosts.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by (GPL-3.0).
- Built with
- (moonlight-stream/moonlight-qt)
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Query
- Output
- Text
Built with moonlight-stream/moonlight-qt. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- License
- GPL-3.0
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- / — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
- GPL-3.0 License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
What is Moonlight and how does it differ from NVIDIA Shield?
Moonlight is an open-source implementation of NVIDIA's GameStream protocol, allowing users to stream PC games to remote devices. Unlike NVIDIA Shield, which is a proprietary device, Moonlight enables third-party clients and self-hosted servers, offering greater flexibility and cross-platform support. It replicates the core functionality of Shield but with open-source customization options.
How does Moonlight achieve low-latency streaming?
Moonlight minimizes latency by leveraging the GameStream protocol's optimized data transmission, combined with features like 120 FPS support and V-Sync disabling. The tool prioritizes real-time rendering and reduces input lag through efficient network protocols. Users can further optimize latency by configuring their network settings, such as using IPv6 or mesh networks, and ensuring a stable, high-bandwidth connection.
How do I set up a private Moonlight server?
To host a private server, first install the Moonlight server application on your gaming PC. Configure the server by enabling GameStream and setting up port forwarding in your router to expose the necessary ports. Alternatively, use a mesh network like ZeroTier or Tailscale to create a secure, private connection. Ensure your router allows incoming traffic on the specified ports, and test the connection using the server's IP address or hostname from a client device.
How does Moonlight compare to alternatives like Steam Link or Parsec?
Moonlight focuses on NVIDIA GameStream protocol compatibility and cross-platform streaming for PC games, while Steam Link is optimized for Steam library access and uses its own proprietary protocol. Parsec, on the other hand, is a more general-purpose remote desktop tool with broader compatibility but less focus on gaming performance. Moonlight excels in low-latency, high-fidelity game streaming, whereas Steam Link and Parsec offer different trade-offs in terms of setup complexity and feature sets.
What should I do if Moonlight experiences high latency or disconnections?
High latency or disconnections may result from unstable internet connections, incorrect port forwarding settings, or insufficient bandwidth. Check your network speed and ensure the server and client are on the same subnet if using a local network. Verify that the required ports are open in your firewall and router. If using a public internet connection, consider switching to a mesh network or VPN for a more stable link. Restarting the server and client can also resolve temporary connectivity issues.