Shadow PC AlternativesCloud Computing Services & Remote Desktop Tools like Shadow PC

Shadow PC is described as 'Transform any device into a high-end Windows machine with cloud-powered remote access, perfect for gaming, creative work, and productivity' and is a Cloud Computing service in the network & admin category. There are more than 10 alternatives to Shadow PC for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Android, Mac, Web-based and Android Tablet apps. The best Shadow PC alternative is Parsec, which is free. Other great apps like Shadow PC are Steam Link / Steam Remote Play, GeForce NOW, Windows App and Xbox Cloud Gaming.

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Shadow PC alternatives are mainly Cloud Computing Services but may also be Remote Desktop Tools or Cloud Hosting Services.  Other popular filters includes Free + Cloud Computing. Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Shadow PC.
Shadow PC iconShadow PC
  13
  • ...

Transform any device into a high-end Windows machine with cloud-powered remote access, perfect for gaming, creative work, and productivity.

More about Shadow PC
Shadow PC alternatives page was last updated Feb 15, 2025
  1. Parsec icon
     105 likes

    Securely access remote computers in low latency, 60 FPS, and HD. Play local multiplayer games, collaborate on work with multiple monitors, or use advanced tools and permissions for teams. Enjoy end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and portable access, ad-free.

    31 Parsec alternatives
    Computers tab - Your and friends' computers

    License model

    • FreemiumProprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Low Latency
    2.  Game Streaming
    3.  Gamepad Mapping
    4.  HEVC
    5.  Stream audio
    6.  Desktop Sharing
    7.  Fast speed
    8.  Multiplayer
    9.  Ad-free
    10.  Two-factor Authentication
    11.  Screen Sharing
    12.  Support for Multiple Monitors
    Parsec iconShadow PC Icon

    Parsec VS Shadow PC

    Is Parsec a good alternative to Shadow PC?
     
    Comments about Parsec as an Alternative to Shadow PC
     
       
    Comment summary: Parsec is often criticized for being more akin to screen-sharing software rather than a cloud gaming service like Shadow PC. Many comments point out that Parsec provides remote access and facilitates arcade-based gaming and screen sharing rather than full-fledged cloud computing. It is not considered a direct alternative to Shadow PC, which offers access to virtual machines for gaming. Additionally, Parsec shifted its business model and no longer provides cloud gaming services independently.
    Guest

    Parsec started out as a VPN gaming service for peer-to-peer game sharing, but they now have a cloud gaming marketplace that partners with Paperspace and Amazon platforms to use their computers via the Parsec software.

    Top positive commentApr 8, 2019
    3
    Guest

    Parsec is more screen sharing than anything else, while shadow is more like having your own VM in the cloud

    Top negative commentJun 27, 2020
    8
    Willian R. G. Hanami

    Parsec is not useful if you don't have another PC already, you can use it WITH shadow, but it already has its own software so it would be redundant

    Negative commentMay 10, 2024
    0
    Show more comments
    3 of 13 comments
    Shadow PC Icon
    Parsec icon
    • This alternative is disputed. Parsec is a legitimate Shadow PC alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • Parsec is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & Linux alternative to Shadow PC.

    • Parsec is the most popular free alternative to Shadow PC.

    • Parsec is Freemium and ProprietaryShadow PC is Paid and Proprietary
    • Parsec is Lightweight and MultiplayerShadow PC is not according to our users
  2. Steam Link / Steam Remote Play icon
     23 likes

    Extend your Steam gaming experience to your mobile device, TV, VR headset or PC, also works for non-gaming stuff like controlling the desktop.

    8 Steam Link / Steam Remote Play alternatives
    Steam Link / Steam Remote Play screenshot 1

    License model

    • FreeProprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Apple TV
    • Flathub
    • Steam
    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Raspberry Pi
    • Meta Quest
    • Android TV

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Cloud Sync
    2.  Desktop Sharing
    3.  Screen Sharing
    4.  Dark Mode
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Support for Multiple Monitors
    7.  Wake on LAN
    8.  Unattended Access
    9.  Real time collaboration
    10.  Game Streaming
    11.  Cloud Gaming
    12.  VR support
    Steam Link / Steam Remote Play iconShadow PC Icon

    Steam Link / Steam Remote Play VS Shadow PC

    Is this a good alternative to Shadow PC?
     
    Comments about Steam Link / Steam Remote Play as an Alternative to Shadow PC
     
    Willian R. G. Hanami

    it doesn't feature cload gaming, only allows to stream a physical PC you already have access to, it's a redundant software if you already use shadow or game a PC capable of using Steam

    Negative commentMay 10, 2024
    0
    Shadow PC Icon
    Steam Link / Steam Remote Play icon
    • Steam Link / Steam Remote Play is the most popular iPhone & iPad alternative to Shadow PC.

    • Steam Link / Steam Remote Play is Free and ProprietaryShadow PC is Paid and Proprietary
    • Steam Link / Steam Remote Play is Privacy focused and LightweightShadow PC is not according to our users
  3. GeForce NOW icon
     36 likes

    Experience seamless gaming with ad-free 1080p streaming at 120fps using cloud supercomputers. Access your game library across devices, with automatic updates and two-factor authentication ensuring a secure, smooth, and immersive experience. Supports dark mode for low-light comfort.

    14 GeForce NOW alternatives
    GeForce NOW screenshot 1

    License model

    • FreemiumProprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • Android Tablet

    Properties

    1.  Gaming-focused

    Features

    1.  Game Streaming
    2.  Low Latency
    3.  Cloud Gaming
    4.  Low bandwidth usage
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  Two-factor Authentication
    GeForce NOW iconShadow PC Icon

    GeForce NOW VS Shadow PC

    Is GeForce NOW a good alternative to Shadow PC?
     
    Comments about GeForce NOW as an Alternative to Shadow PC
     
    Guest

    Although both services allow for cloud gaming, Geforce Now is not a complete alternative because it only has a selection of games, whereas Shadow lets you install any PC game. Shadow gives you an entire PC.

    Negative commentJan 20, 2020
    7
    Guest

    Not a computer. Also interface is poorly designed, connection with gaming applications like steam or gog is painful and compatibility with games is very limited

    Negative commentOct 27, 2021
    0
    Shadow PC Icon
    GeForce NOW icon
    • Some users think GeForce NOW is a great Shadow PC alternative, some don't.

    • GeForce NOW is Freemium and ProprietaryShadow PC is Paid and Proprietary
  4. Windows App icon
     6 likes

    Windows App is your gateway to Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, Microsoft Dev Box, Remote Desktop Services, and remote PCs, securely connecting you to Windows devices and apps.

    5 Windows App alternatives
    Windows App screenshot 1

    License model

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Android

    Windows App Features

    1.  Support for Multiple Monitors
    2.  Cloud Sync
    3.  Display Management
    4.  Change resolution
    Windows App iconShadow PC Icon

    Windows App VS Shadow PC

    Is Windows App a good alternative to Shadow PC?
     
    • Windows App is the most popular Web-based alternative to Shadow PC.

    • Windows App is the most popular commercial alternative to Shadow PC.

    • Windows App is Paid and ProprietaryShadow PC is also Paid and Proprietary
  5. Xbox Cloud Gaming icon
     9 likes

    Xbox Cloud Gaming is our technology that allows you to play over 100 console games on the devices you already have with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and a compatible controller. As part of your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership, you can enjoy the console games you love, the people...

    11 Xbox Cloud Gaming alternatives
    Xbox Cloud Gaming screenshot 1

    License model

    • FreemiumProprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • Xbox
    • Fire TV

    Xbox Cloud Gaming Features

    1.  Controller Support
    2.  Game Streaming
    3.  Cloud Gaming
    Xbox Cloud Gaming iconShadow PC Icon

    Xbox Cloud Gaming VS Shadow PC

    Is Xbox Cloud Gaming a good alternative to Shadow PC?
     
    Comments about Xbox Cloud Gaming as an Alternative to Shadow PC
     
    Guest

    Although both services allow for cloud gaming, The Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud) is not a complete alternative because it only has large selection of games, whereas Shadow lets you install any PC game. Shadow gives you an entire PC.

    Negative commentOct 28, 2023
    0
    Shadow PC Icon
    Xbox Cloud Gaming icon
    • Xbox Cloud Gaming is Freemium and ProprietaryShadow PC is Paid and Proprietary
  6. Boosteroid icon
     4 likes

    Boosteroid is a cloud gaming platform.

    12 Boosteroid alternatives
    Boosteroid screenshot 1

    License model

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android

    Boosteroid Features

    1.  Cloud Gaming
    Boosteroid iconShadow PC Icon

    Boosteroid VS Shadow PC

    Is Boosteroid a good alternative to Shadow PC?
     
    Comments about Boosteroid as an Alternative to Shadow PC
     
    Guest

    It is an easy platform with a great community and keeps improving

    Positive commentSep 22, 2023
    0
    Shadow PC Icon
    Boosteroid icon
    • Boosteroid is Paid and ProprietaryShadow PC is also Paid and Proprietary
  7. airgpu icon
     1 like

    airgpu offers gaming in the cloud to play the latest games on any of your devices.

    12 airgpu alternatives
    airgpu screenshot 1

    License model

    Platforms

    • Online

    airgpu Features

    1.  Cloud Gaming
    2.  Cloud based
    airgpu iconShadow PC Icon

    airgpu VS Shadow PC

    Is airgpu a good alternative to Shadow PC?
     
  8. Amazon Luna icon
     4 likes

    Amazon Luna is a cloud gaming platform developed and operated by Amazon. Cloud gaming enables you to play games without the need to purchase a console or gaming PC. Games live in the cloud, no lengthy downloads, installs, or updates required.

    12 Amazon Luna alternatives
    Amazon Luna screenshot 1

    License model

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Safari
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Fire TV

    Amazon Luna Features

    1.  Online Gaming
    2.  Cloud Gaming
    Amazon Luna iconShadow PC Icon

    Amazon Luna VS Shadow PC

    Is Amazon Luna a good alternative to Shadow PC?
     
    • Amazon Luna is the most popular SaaS alternative to Shadow PC.

    • Amazon Luna is Paid and ProprietaryShadow PC is also Paid and Proprietary
  9. Frame icon
     5 likes

    If you’re looking for a cloud computer for yourself, frame personal FRAME PERSONAL is hard to beat. Starting at under $10 a month, you’ll get your own personal cloud computer to install and run all your Windows apps, directly from your browser.

    12 Frame alternatives
    Frame screenshot 1

    License model

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    Frame iconShadow PC Icon

    Frame VS Shadow PC

    Is Frame a good alternative to Shadow PC?
     
  10. Nware icon
     Like this app

    Nware is the new cloud gaming platform that lets you play your video games in the cloud, without the need for expensive high-end devices, such as gaming PCs or consoles! Play any game, anytime, anywhere!

    10 Nware alternatives
    Nware screenshot 1

    License model

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Android

    Nware Features

    1.  Game Streaming
    2.  Cloud Gaming
    Nware iconShadow PC Icon

    Nware VS Shadow PC

    Is Nware a good alternative to Shadow PC?
     
  11. Stim icon
     2 likes

    On the landing page, you are offered to instantly create a Cloud PC, which is a full Windows gaming PC you can rent and use in your web browser to play any PC game. You can evaluate the service for a limited time (e.g. 15 minutes) and then add funds to a wallet to continue.

    6 Stim alternatives
    Landing page

    License model

    Platforms

    • Online

    Stim Features

    1.  Cloud Gaming
    Stim iconShadow PC Icon

    Stim VS Shadow PC

    Is Stim a good alternative to Shadow PC?
     
  12. Playstation Plus icon
     1 like

    Enjoy hundreds of PS5, PS4 and classic PlayStation games and benefits from three membership plans that unleash the power of your PlayStation console. Discover your next great adventure with brand-new catalogs of hundreds of current and classic games, limited-time trials, online...

    14 Playstation Plus alternatives
    Playstation Plus screenshot 1

    License model

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Playstation
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • iPhone
    • iPad

    Playstation Plus Features

    1.  Game Streaming
    2.  Cloud Gaming
    3.  Online Gaming
    Playstation Plus iconShadow PC Icon

    Playstation Plus VS Shadow PC

    Is Playstation Plus a good alternative to Shadow PC?
     
12 of 15 Shadow PC alternatives