Cloud gaming lets modern games run on powerful servers while you stream the action to your device, much like watching a movie – but you’re in control. Whether it’s a demanding AAA title or a casual indie game, you can play on older hardware –laptops, smartphones, tablets or Smart TVs – as long as your internet is stable.
What You Need to Get Started
To play smoothly, your internet should be steady and fast. Aim for 15–25 Mbps for 1080p gaming or around 50 Mbps for 4K. Latency is also key; low ping matters most for fast-paced or competitive games. As for devices, most platforms support modern browsers or apps on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, or Smart TVs – no gaming PC required.
Why Cloud Gaming Is a Great Option
Cloud gaming removes the need for expensive hardware upgrades. A monthly subscription often costs much less than a gaming rig or console. You can start playing on your laptop at home, continue on your phone during a commute, then finish on your TV – all without losing progress.
Many services also offer large game libraries as part of the price, and some include free trials so you can test before committing.
Top 3 Cloud Gaming Services in 2025
Xbox Cloud Gaming
Included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($14.99/month), Xbox Cloud Gaming gives you access to hundreds of titles – console exclusives and third-party favourites – without owning an Xbox. It works on phones, tablets, Windows PCs, Xbox consoles and select Smart TVs from Samsung. Games and save files sync across devices seamlessly, though you are limited to titles included in the Game Pass library.
Best for: Subscribers already using Game Pass who want seamless cloud access and console-quality gaming across devices.
Boosteroid
Boosteroid is the world’s largest independent cloud gaming platform not owned by any tech giant, yet competing with them in both scale and performance,
As the third-largest platform overall by user base, Boosteroid supports over 1,200 titles from Steam, Epic Games, Battle.net, and more. Gamers can stream at up to 4K resolution and 120 FPS, with AV1 codec support ensuring high-quality visuals even on limited bandwidth. The service runs directly in browsers or through dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Smart TVs. With automatic server selection across its 27 global data centers in Europe, the Americas, and beyond, Boosteroid offers low-latency gameplay almost everywhere. Plans start at €9.89/month, with discounted annual options available.
Best for: Gamers who own games across multiple stores, want broad device support and affordability, and value independence from major tech companies.
GeForce Now
NVIDIA’s GeForce Now is ideal for gamers who already own large game libraries on platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store or Ubisoft+. The free tier allows limited access with queue times, while paid plans ($9.99–$21.99/month) unlock RTX enhancements, 4K visuals and extended session lengths. GeForce Now runs on almost any device that supports modern browsers or its native apps. Even with a premium subscription, sessions are capped, and bandwidth remains a consideration for the highest quality.
Best for: Players who own PC games and want the best possible performance without investing in high-end hardware.
Other Services to Know
Amazon Luna offers theme-based “channels” like Family, Adventure or Ubisoft+ and streams in 1080p. It is available on Fire TV, Android, iOS and desktop browsers. At around $9.99/month, Luna is well suited for casual gamers or families who enjoy curated experiences.
PlayStation Plus Premium includes entries to the PlayStation cloud library. Subscribers can stream classic PS3 and PS4 titles to consoles or PC. Available for roughly $17.99/month, though availability varies by region.
Quick Recommendations
- Biggest game library at budget price? Choose Boosteroid.
- Already a Game Pass subscriber? Go with Xbox Cloud Gaming.
- Own a large Steam/Epic library and want top-tier visuals? Pick GeForce Now.
- Casual or family gaming in the Amazon ecosystem? Try Luna.
- PlayStation exclusives matter most? Opt for PlayStation Plus Premium, but take a close look at Boosteroid as well.
Cloud gaming is a real alternative to hardware upgrades. As long as your internet connection is reliable and you have a capable device, you’re ready to play. Zooming in on Boosteroid, Xbox and GeForce Now will cover most gamers’ needs in 2025 –and exploring Luna or PlayStation might make sense if you want a themed or console-aligned experience. Just pick the platform that fits your library, budget, and mood—and start gaming from anywhere.
