Parsec
FreemiumLow-latency remote desktop and game streaming tool that lets you play PC games on any device or co-op with friends via peer-to-peer streaming.
What does this tool do?
Parsec is a remote desktop and game streaming application that specializes in low-latency connectivity for both gaming and professional work. It uses peer-to-peer connections to stream video at up to 4K resolution and 240 FPS (60 FPS at 4K), with minimal input latency—a critical differentiator for gaming and latency-sensitive creative work. The platform supports device passthrough for peripherals like gaming controllers, Wacom tablets, and custom input devices, allowing users to maintain their exact workflow on remote machines. Beyond solo remote access, Parsec enables session sharing for collaborative work—whether that's co-op gaming, real-time level reviews, or creative collaboration. The application emphasizes security through SOC 2 Type 2 certification, peer-to-peer architecture (data never passes through Parsec servers), and granular host controls over which applications guests can access.
AI analysis from Feb 23, 2026
Key Features
- 4K resolution streaming at up to 4:4:4 color accuracy with 240 FPS support (60 FPS at 4K)
- Peer-to-peer connection architecture that bypasses Parsec infrastructure for direct host-to-guest connections
- Session sharing/collaboration allowing multiple users to view and interact with the same desktop simultaneously
- Peripheral passthrough supporting gaming controllers, Wacom tablets, styluses, and multi-monitor configurations
- Host-level granular access controls allowing hosts to restrict which applications guests can see or interact with
- Multi-factor authentication and SSO provisioning for enterprise teams
- SOC 2 Type 2 compliance certification
Use Cases
- 1Playing high-fidelity PC games on mobile devices, tablets, or lower-spec computers without degradation
- 2Collaborative game development with team members reviewing levels and gameplay in real-time from different locations
- 3Remote access to professional workstations for video editing, 3D rendering, or design work with color-accurate, latency-free streaming
- 4Distributed team collaboration in creative studios where multiple people need simultaneous access to the same workstation
- 5Co-op gaming sessions with friends on the same game instance streamed to their devices
- 6Post-production workflows where remote editors and colorists need zero-lag access to shared workstations
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Exceptional low-latency performance compared to competitors, critical for gaming and real-time creative work where input delay is noticeable
- Peer-to-peer architecture provides genuine privacy—Parsec cannot monitor user activity since data doesn't traverse their servers
- Supports complex peripheral passthrough (gaming controllers, Wacom tablets, multi-monitor setups) making it viable for professional creative work, not just casual gaming
- Simple installation and setup process with enterprise scalability options for teams, reducing operational friction
Limitations
- Pricing details are hidden behind a signup wall, making it difficult to evaluate cost-effectiveness before commitment
- Requires a strong, stable internet connection for optimal performance; performance degrades significantly on poor connections despite peer-to-peer claims
- Limited to connecting to a host machine that must be powered on and running Parsec, restricting use cases compared to traditional cloud-based solutions
- Market positioning is split between consumer (gaming) and enterprise (creative teams), potentially leaving each audience with suboptimal feature sets
Pricing Details
Pricing details not publicly available on the main website. Users must sign up or contact sales to view pricing tiers.
Who is this for?
Game developers and creative studios needing low-latency remote collaboration, PC gamers wanting to play games on multiple devices, distributed creative teams (video editors, 3D artists, colorists) requiring zero-lag access to powerful workstations, and enterprises prioritizing security and user experience over traditional VPN solutions.