Start with the device you want to play on
Choose Lume
If browser access, targeted iPhone/iPad and TV clients, and relay fallback matter more than current maturity.
Choose Parsec
If you prioritize an established app for interactive computer access and collaboration.
Choose Moonlight
If you want a mature open-source client and are comfortable configuring a compatible host, often Sunshine.
Differences that materially change the experience
| Criterion | Lume | Parsec | Moonlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Browser client | Core beta path | Documented web app with stated limits | Official project is primarily native; Moonlight Web is third-party |
| Host | Helio on Windows | Compatible Parsec app | GameStream-compatible host, often Sunshine |
| Relay | TURN fallback | Parsec-managed architecture | Typically a configured direct connection |
| Maturity | Private beta | Established product | Established open-source project |
Check current official information: Parsec web app, Parsec overview and Moonlight.
Moonlight Web is not the official Moonlight web client
Moonlight Web presents itself as a separate web-technology project. Do not conflate it with the official Moonlight project when assessing support, privacy or trust.
Compare documented sessions, not isolated headline numbers
Resolution and frame rate do not predict feel without hardware, codec, route, duration and method. Lume’s 16:04 direct session reached a 128.4 fps median and 140 fps P95; it did not establish locked 144 fps or glass-to-glass latency.
Five questions before switching
- Which client?Locked-down browser, personal PC, mobile or TV.
- Which network?LAN, simple remote access or CGNAT.
- Which inputs?Standard controller or specialized hardware.
- How much setup?Integrated route or self-configured ecosystem.
- What maturity?Closely supported beta or established product.