Our verdict: Parsec gives you a remote desktop that feels close to sitting at the PC, which makes it popular for remote gaming and playing local co-op games online. The free plan is limited to one monitor and personal use. Multi-monitor and color features need a paid plan.
About Parsec
Parsec, owned by Unity, streams a computer's screen with low latency at up to 60 FPS on the free plan. It uses hardware video encoding and peer-to-peer connections, so it handles fast motion much better than classic remote support tools.
Friends can join your PC with a link and use their own keyboard, mouse or gamepad, which turns local multiplayer games into online ones. Hosting requires Windows 10 or later or macOS 10.15 or later and a Parsec account.
What it does well
- Low-latency streaming. 60 FPS desktop capture with hardware encoding.
- Gamepad support. Guests can play with their own controllers.
- Link sharing. Invite someone to your computer with a single link.
- Encrypted peer-to-peer. Connections go directly between computers when possible.
- Many clients. Connect from Windows, macOS, Linux, Android or a browser.
Who it is for
Good fit
Gamers who want to play their PC games remotely or share local co-op games with friends.
Look elsewhere
Commercial use, multi-monitor work on the free plan, or people who do not want an account.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very low latency
- Gamepad and keyboard sharing
- Free for personal use
- Works through most home routers
Cons
- Account required
- Multi-monitor, 4:4:4 color and privacy mode need a paid plan
- Licensed for personal, non-commercial use only on the free plan
How to install Parsec
Install Parsec and create a free account; both computers must be signed in. On the host PC, check the hosting settings and set which friends may control the keyboard and gamepad. A GPU with hardware encoding gives the best results.
Questions about Parsec
Is Parsec free?
Yes, for personal, non-commercial use. Paid plans add features such as multi-monitor streaming, and commercial use requires a Teams or Enterprise plan.
Can I use Parsec for local co-op games online?
Yes. Friends connect to your PC and play with their own keyboard, mouse or gamepad.
Can a Linux PC host with Parsec?
No. Hosting is available on Windows 10 or later and macOS 10.15 or later; Linux can connect as a client.
