Moonlight is a beloved open-source project built on NVIDIA's GameStream protocol. We respect the community behind it. Here's how Remio takes a different path — with GPU freedom, real encryption, and polished native apps.
Both apps can stream games at low latency. We skipped the identical rows and focused on what sets them apart.
| Feature | Remio | Moonlight |
|---|---|---|
| GPU & Hardware | ||
| GPU compatibility | Any GPU — NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, Apple Silicon | NVIDIA only (or Sunshine for others) |
| Setup complexity | ✓ Install → PIN → Connect | Requires Sunshine setup for non-NVIDIA |
| Security & Privacy | ||
| End-to-end encryption | ✓ Always on, built-in | ✗ No encryption by default |
| Connection security | PIN-based + E2E encrypted tunnel | Pairing-based, unencrypted stream |
| Mobile & Input | ||
| Touch input optimization | Native gestures, smart touch zones | Basic touch-to-mouse mapping |
| On-screen controls | ✓ Context-aware, customizable | Basic virtual gamepad |
| Technology & Features | ||
| App architecture | 100% native (Swift/Kotlin/Go) | C/C++ (functional but less polished UI) |
| Video codecs | H.265, VP9, AV1 | H.264, H.265 (depends on GPU) |
| AI-powered features | ✓ Smart bandwidth, resolution adaptation | ✗ No AI features |
| Support & Development | ||
| Who maintains it? | Professional indie team | Open-source volunteers |
| Support | ✓ Direct developer support | Community forums / GitHub issues |
| Source code | ✗ Proprietary | ✓ Fully open-source (GPLv3) |
Beyond the checklist — here's what actually matters when choosing.
Moonlight is completely free. Here's how Remio's pricing compares.
Honest recommendations based on your actual use case.
Both stream games well, but Remio's native mobile apps with optimized touch controls and smart input handling make gaming from a phone or tablet a much better experience. Plus, it works with any GPU — not just NVIDIA.
If you have an NVIDIA GPU, love configuring bitrate/resolution manually, and enjoy the open-source ethos — Moonlight + GameStream is a solid, proven combo that's hard to beat at $0.
Moonlight was designed for game streaming, not remote work. Remio handles file access, multi-monitor workflows, and productivity scenarios natively — with encryption your IT team will appreciate.
Moonlight is a fantastic open-source project — and we genuinely respect the community that built it. If you have an NVIDIA GPU and enjoy the DIY approach, it's an excellent free option that delivers solid game streaming.
Remio takes a different approach. We believe great software should work with any hardware, encrypt everything by default, and feel polished on every device — especially phones and tablets. We also believe you shouldn't need to configure Sunshine, forward ports, or troubleshoot community wikis just to connect to your own computer.
If you want something that works out of the box with any GPU, encrypts your sessions, and has native mobile apps designed for touch — give Remio a try. The free tier is generous and there's no setup hassle.
See how Remio compares to other remote desktop solutions.