The biggest difference between GeForce Now and taysentoto other cloud gaming platforms is that you actually own your games on another platform. Stadia games only work with Stadia, and Xbox Cloud Gaming only supports whatever games are in the Game Pass lineup. On the cloud side, you essentially have access to a gaming PC in a data center. Regardless of the setup, you’re borrowing a small amount of computing horsepower from what is essentially a supercomputer. If you spend more time playing PlayStation consoles, PlayStation Plus is the perfect cloud gaming service for you.

Advancements in 5G technology and internet infrastructure are expected to have a significant impact on cloud gaming. 5G offers faster speeds, lower latency, and greater bandwidth than previous generations of mobile networks. XCloud can be a more affordable option than traditional gaming, especially for gamers who want access to a wide variety of games. The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription provides access to a vast library of games for a single monthly fee. Some, but not all, services offer both a web browser interface and a standalone Windows application to browse and launch games.

You can stream the games on your PS4 and PS5 consoles and PC, but the PC app isn’t the best quality. Your network will need to be 5 Mbps or faster, and you can stream up to 1080p resolution. You’ll need a network bandwidth of 10 Mbps on mobile devices and 20 Mbps on consoles, and depending on your device, you can stream up to 4K resolution.

You never download anything outside of the streaming service’s application, avoiding 100GB downloads for the latest Call of Duty. Instead of spending $500 on a new console that can deliver 4K games at 60 frames per second, you can just buy the game and start playing right away. The only difference is that the server where the video stream is coming from can also pick up and react to your inputs. That means you don’t need a beefy RTX 30-series graphics card or a new Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5. With cloud gaming, all you need is a reliable internet connection.

Unlike other streaming platforms that focus on modern titles, Antstream specializes in games from earlier eras. The service spans multiple vintage platforms, from the Atari 2600 all the way to the original PlayStation. Antstream Arcade stands out as a unique game streaming service focused entirely on retro gaming. With over 1300 licensed classic games, it brings decades of gaming history right to your screen. [newline]Shadow continually updates their hardware to keep up with modern game requirements.

For many, the reason for this rising interest in cloud gaming is all about budget. A recent survey revealed the impact rising GPU prices are having on the PC gaming community. It’s even leading a significant number of gamers to take a closer look at cloud gaming as a potential solution.

Several cloud gaming subscriptions are available, and they come with different perks and features. Use this guide to help you decide which is the best cloud gaming service for you. GeForce Now takes a different approach by supercharging games you already own. Connect your Steam account to access 2,100+ supported titles with RTX ray tracing and DLSS upscaling that your current hardware might not support.

Some standout games include Fantasian and Alba, which many players consider gems in the collection. Some free-to-play titles like Fortnite are exceptions to this rule. Nintendo offers different membership options to fit various needs. Users can choose between individual or family plans, with pricing that’s generally lower than competing services. Antstream adds extra value with its custom tournaments and challenge modes. These features give old games new life by creating fresh ways to enjoy familiar titles.

Stadia work on most Chromium-based browsers, such as Google Chrome. The streaming service is available on Windows, macOS, Android, IoS, Chromebook devices, and Shield TV. Here is another advantage of Cloud Gaming that benefits both the developers and the consumers. Users are no longer required to buy expensive hardware just to enjoy an upcoming game.

The Best Game Streaming Services In 2025: What To Know Right Now

A wired internet connection is usually recommended if you want to play via the cloud. Cloud gaming works by giving users access to powerful gaming hardware — and in some cases a game library — via their internet connection. Shadow takes a different approach to most cloud gaming services. Instead of limiting you only to gaming, the service leaves a full-fledged computer at your disposal.

You can start on your computer and continue on your phone without losing progress. One big advantage of Luna is that you don’t need to wait for lengthy downloads. Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders, their latest updates, and which one might be right for you.

Gaming Guides

Andrej Hadji-Vasilev is an expert writer at Cloudwards with nearly three years of experience, specializing in VPNs and gaming. Outside of his professional endeavors, Andrej enjoys cycling and motorcycling, and has a keen interest in coffee and mechanical keyboards. Choose ways to play, explore Game Pass, shop seamlessly, and stay connected to your world of gaming with Xbox on mobile. Most lists of the best Xbox Series X games focus on the best FPS games, open-world games, or just the games with the best graphics. That leaves puzzle games unfairly overlooked for just how satisfying and creative they can be. Many people shrug off the entire genre thinking they’re all just a series of number or logic puzzles and nothing else, but that only accounts for a small fraction of modern puzzle games.

The popularity of cloud gaming is skyrocketing, with projections estimating nearly 497 million users globally by 2028. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, these platforms provide an exciting and cost-effective way to enjoy gaming. With so many great games and features to choose from though, it’s hard to know which is the best subscription service to pick for your own needs.

No Game Downloads

This summer brings mature streaming services that match console performance while eliminating the download bottleneck. Realism in the new games demands substantial processing power and storage space that many devices can’t provide locally, making cloud streaming an increasingly attractive solution. The process is not as seamless on PS Plus and will often require a manual sync.