Cloud gaming is transforming how people experience games by removing the need for powerful consoles or expensive gaming PCs.
Instead of downloading and installing large files, you stream games directly from remote servers to your preferred device, much like watching a video online. This shift means that a phone, tablet, or basic laptop can handle titles that once required top-tier hardware, provided you have a stable internet connection.
The technology has grown rapidly, supported by major investments in server infrastructure, adaptive streaming, and global coverage. This growth benefits players who want more freedom in how and where they play. From high-fidelity visuals for competitive gamers to curated libraries for casual play, today’s cloud platforms cater to many different needs and preferences. We tested the most prominent options to see how they stack up in performance, game selection, and device support.
Here are our top three picks, followed by two honorable mentions for those looking to explore other strong contenders in the cloud gaming space.
Nvidia GeForce Now
GeForce Now delivers PC-grade cloud gaming for players who already own titles from Steam, Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect, and other supported platforms. It streams games in resolutions up to 4K with options for advanced features such as RTX ray tracing, offering a level of image quality that rivals powerful gaming rigs.
The service runs on Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Android, iOS, browsers, and certain smart TVs, making it accessible almost anywhere. With a free entry tier and premium plans starting at $9.99 per month, it’s well-suited for players who value visual fidelity and want to make the most of an existing PC library.
Xbox Cloud Gaming
Bundled with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Cloud Gaming gives access to a large, frequently updated catalog of games from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda, EA Play, and popular indie publishers. Progress carries seamlessly across Xbox consoles, PCs, mobile devices, browsers, and supported smart TVs.
This integration makes it easy to start a campaign on one device and pick it up on another without interruptions. At $22.99 per month in most regions for Game Pass Ultimate, it’s ideal for those who want one subscription covering hundreds of titles, including day-one releases from Microsoft studios.
Boosteroid
As the largest independent cloud gaming platform globally, Boosteroid rivals major tech giants in performance and scale while remaining outside their ownership. It supports over 1,200 games from platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Battle.net, all accessible through browsers or lightweight apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and smart TVs.
Boosteroid operates cloud servers across the United States to provide robust and reliable access throughout North America. It maintains strong infrastructure across Europe, ensuring consistently high performance, and has extended service to South America through newly deployed servers in Brazil. This network delivers stable, high-quality gameplay in each region. With subscriptions starting near €9.89 per month and AV1 streaming for efficient video delivery, Boosteroid emphasizes ease of use and dependable performance worldwide.
Honorable Mentions
- Amazon Luna: A flexible “channel” subscription model with themed game collections, strong Fire TV integration, and a library geared toward casual and family-friendly play.
- PlayStation Plus Premium: Streams select PlayStation titles on consoles and PC, offering classic and modern games to fans of Sony exclusives.
What You Need to Play
- Internet speed – At least 20–25 Mbps for 1080p, and 40 Mbps or more for 4K.
- Input – A compatible controller or keyboard/mouse, depending on the game and device.
- Data usage – Expect significant bandwidth consumption during extended play.
Final Thoughts
Cloud gaming has evolved into a practical, reliable way to enjoy a wide range of titles without the expense or upkeep of high-end gaming hardware. The combination of powerful remote servers, widespread device compatibility, and rapidly improving streaming quality makes it appealing for both seasoned players and newcomers.
Choosing the right platform depends on your priorities. GeForce Now excels at delivering premium performance for players with existing PC libraries, Xbox Cloud Gaming offers an all-in-one subscription with an ever-changing catalog, and Boosteroid delivers broad global coverage with simple, consistent access. Honorable mentions like Amazon Luna and PlayStation Plus Premium expand the possibilities further for casual play and fans of specific ecosystems.
With so many strong options available in 2025, cloud gaming has become a gateway to flexible, location-free play. Whether at home, traveling, or using devices that once felt underpowered, the best service for you is ready to stream your next great gaming experience the moment you log in.