Want to play the latest AAA games, but don’t have the high-end computer to enjoy them on? Then you should seriously consider getting a subscription to a cloud gaming service. With cloud gaming, even if you have only a modest computer setup you can still enjoy playing the latest-release games. With companies such as Nvidia, Microsoft, Sony, and others having entered the the cloud gaming arena, it’s now easier than ever. Cloud gaming has improved by leaps and bounds in recent years and the prospect of gaming anywhere on any system devoid of the hassles of updates and patches makes for a really appealing service.
With so many great games and features to choose from though, it’s hard to know which is the best subscription service to pick for your own needs. At PCWorld, we’ve reviewed all of the top cloud gaming services and figured out what works, what doesn’t, what to expect from each, and why you may want to choose one service over another. From the game libraries to the user experience to the visual quality, each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Below you’ll find a curated list of our favorite cloud gaming platforms with info on what each brings to the table and which one might be best for you.
Also, be sure to read our section below on what to look for when shopping for a cloud gaming service.
Updated 06/22/2023: Check out our latest review of the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Gaming Chromebook — this Chromebook was designed with cloud gaming in mind, giving consumers a low-cost device that can provide a satisfying gaming experience. It’s a good option for kids, students, or anyone who does most of their computing in the cloud.
1. GeForce Now – Best cloud gaming service overall
Pros
- Very smooth and responsive experience
- The Free plan
Cons
- Games are not included
- Limited time on gaming sessions
- Inconsistency in compatibility of games and platforms
When it comes to the best all-around experience, GeForce Now is our strongest recommendation. While you do have to purchase many of the games that you can play on this service, the fact is that GeForce Now brings some of the best visual quality, a massive game compatibility list, and a free membership plan option. With those aspects in mind, there’s almost no reason not to jump in and at least try out some free games like Destiny 2 or Fortnite to see if it works for you.
Additionally, if you do end up wanting to purchase some games to play with GeForce Now, you are not tied to the service long term. The games you’re playing in GeForce Now are accessed through your own Steam, Epic Games Store, or other distribution service that you’ll be able to load up locally on your own computer if/when you get your own gaming PC. So if you’re just getting started in PC gaming, or simply want to check out cloud gaming in general, we’d recommend starting here at the very low cost of free.
2. Xbox Cloud Gaming – Best value
Pros
- Impressive game library all included with subscription
- “Out of the box” functionality
Cons
- Video compression makes a big impact on visual quality
- Not all games are staying in the game library
There may be contention over which major gaming brands make the best hardware—but for most folks, it really just comes down to the games themselves to determine where you’re going to play them. Xbox Cloud Gaming, a component of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, grants access to the entire Xbox Game Pass game library, and that library is both impressive and ever-changing.
For $14.99/month, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offers access to over 350 games, from Skyrim to Deep Rock Galactic to Boyfriend Dungeon to Battlefield V and plenty more. While the cloud gaming experience can have some notable amounts of compression artifacts from time to time, it still means playing some of the best games available without too much of an investment.
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3. Amazon Luna – Best casual experience </h3>
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Very intuitive interface </li>
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Some games playable with friends that aren’t subscribed to Luna </li>
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Incredible deal to access very specific games </li>
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Game library is a few years behind </li>
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Multiple channels with different costs can add up quickly </li>
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Best Prices Today:
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<a class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--link" href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=111346X1569483&url=https://www.amazon.com/luna/&xcust=2-3-823826-6-695136-10468&sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed" target="_blank" data-vars-product-name="Amazon Luna" data-vars-product-id="695136" data-vars-category="Gaming" data-vars-manufacturer-id="10468" data-vars-manufacturer="Amazon" data-vars-vendor="Amazon" data-vars-po="" data-product="695136" data-vars-link-position-id="003" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.amazon.com/luna/" rel="nofollow">9.99 at Amazon</a> </span>
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