Our verdict: PS Remote Play is the official way to play your own PlayStation on a PC screen, at home or over the internet. It is free and needs only a USB-connected controller and a PlayStation account. Picture quality depends heavily on your network, and some games and apps block Remote Play.
About PS Remote Play
PS Remote Play is Sony's free app for controlling a PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 4 from another device. The console runs the game, and the app shows its screen on your Windows PC and sends your controller input back. You can use it on the same home network or from another location with a fast internet connection.
You sign in with the same PlayStation account as on the console and connect a DualSense, DualSense Edge or DUALSHOCK 4 controller with a USB cable. The app can wake a console from rest mode if that is enabled on the PS5, and it supports HDR when both screens support it and Microsoft's HEVC Video Extension is installed. Sony notes that some content cannot be used with Remote Play.
What it does well
- PS5 and PS4 streaming. Shows your console's screen on the PC and sends controller input back.
- Play from anywhere. Works on the home network and over the internet with a fast connection.
- Wake from rest mode. Turns on a PS5 in rest mode when network wake is enabled on the console.
- Video quality settings. Choose resolution and frame rate for the stream.
- Voice chat and HDR. Uses the PC microphone for voice chat and supports HDR on compatible displays.
Who it is for
Good fit
PS5 and PS4 owners who want to play on a PC monitor or laptop in another room or while travelling.
Look elsewhere
People without a PlayStation console, or anyone on a slow or unstable connection.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free and official
- Works with PS5 and PS4
- Can wake the console from rest mode
Cons
- Controller must be connected by USB cable
- Quality drops quickly on weak connections
- Some games and apps block Remote Play
How to install PS Remote Play
Sony requires Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11, a 7th-gen Intel Core CPU or later and 2 GB RAM, and recommends at least 15 Mbps upload and download. On the PS5 turn on Settings > System > Remote Play > Enable Remote Play; to start from rest mode also enable Stay Connected to the Internet and Enable Turning On PS5 from Network. Connect the controller by USB and test at home before using it away.
Questions about PS Remote Play
Is PS Remote Play free?
Yes. The app is free; you need your own PS5 or PS4 console and a PlayStation account.
Can I use PS Remote Play without a controller?
Sony requires a DualSense, DualSense Edge or DUALSHOCK 4 controller connected to the PC by USB; the mouse only opens a control panel.
What internet speed does PS Remote Play need?
Sony recommends at least 5 Mbps upload and download, and 15 Mbps for the best performance, on both ends.
