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

The best free alternative to Shadow PC is Parsec. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 10 alternatives to Shadow PC and four of them is free so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting free alternatives to Shadow PC are GeForce NOW, Steam Link 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
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Thanks to the Shadow apps, any under-powered PC, old Mac or smartphone becomes a high-end Windows 10 machine. Start a game in front of the television and finish it on the go. Work with 3D rendering software on a tablet....

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Shadow PC alternatives page was last updated May 10, 2024
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  1. Parsec icon
    Parsec icon

    Parsec

     101 likes
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    Parsec lets you join and control a computer remotely in low latency, 60 FPS and HD, as if you were in front of that computer.

    31 Parsec alternatives
    Computers tab - Your and friends' computers

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    Parsec while connected to a game

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Ad-free

    Features

    1.  Low Latency
    2.  Game Streaming
    3.  Gamepad Mapping
    4.  HEVC
    5.  Stream audio
    6.  Desktop Sharing
    7.  Fast speed
    8.  Multiplayer
    9.  Cloud Gaming
    10.  Two-factor Authentication
    11.  Screen Sharing
    12.  Support for Multiple Monitors
    13.  HD images
    14.  Record HD screen
    15.  End-to-End Encryption
    16.  Portable
    17.  Unattended Access
    18.  VPS Hosting
    19.  Scalable
    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 comment •Apr 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 comment •Jun 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 comment •May 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. GeForce NOW icon
    GeForce NOW icon

    GeForce NOW

     36 likes
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    GeForce NOW gives gamers the freedom to enjoy high-performance PC gaming just about anywhere. It connects a wide range of Windows and macOS computers to supercomputers in the cloud, streaming 1080p graphics at up to 120 frames per second.

    14 GeForce NOW alternatives
    GeForce NOW screenshot 1

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    GeForce NOW screenshot 1
    GeForce NOW screenshot 2

    Properties

    1.  Gaming-focused
    2.  Ad-free

    Features

    1.  Game Streaming
    2.  Low Latency
    3.  Low bandwidth usage
    4.  Cloud Gaming
    5.  Two-factor Authentication
    6.  Dark Mode
    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 comment •Jan 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 comment •Oct 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. Steam Link icon
    Steam Link icon

    Steam Link

     22 likes
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    The Steam Link app brings desktop gaming to your iOS and Android device. Just pair a Bluetooth controller or Steam Controller to your device, connect to a computer running Steam on the same local network, and start playing your existing Steam games.

    8 Steam Link alternatives
    Steam Link screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Apple TV
    • Flathub
    • Steam
    Steam Link screenshot 1
    Steam Link screenshot 2
    +3
    Steam Link screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Ad-free
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Cloud Sync
    2.  Screen Sharing
    3.  Dark Mode
    4.  Desktop Sharing
    5.  Unattended Access
    6.  Game Streaming
    7.  Cloud Gaming
    Steam Link iconShadow PC Icon

    Steam Link VS Shadow PC

    Is Steam Link a good alternative to Shadow PC?
     
    Comments about Steam Link 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 comment •May 10, 2024
    0
    Shadow PC Icon
    Steam Link icon

    • Steam Link is the most popular iPhone & iPad alternative to Shadow PC.

    • Steam Link is Free and ProprietaryShadow PC is Paid and Proprietary
    • Steam Link is Lightweight and Privacy focusedShadow PC is not according to our users
  5. Xbox Cloud Gaming icon
    Xbox Cloud Gaming icon

    Xbox Cloud Gaming

     9 likes
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    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

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    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 screenshot 1
    Xbox Cloud Gaming screenshot 2
    +2
    Xbox Cloud Gaming screenshot 3
    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 comment •Oct 28, 2023
    0
    Shadow PC Icon
    Xbox Cloud Gaming icon
    • Xbox Cloud Gaming is Freemium and ProprietaryShadow PC is Paid and Proprietary
4 of 4 Shadow PC alternatives