Parsec

What is Parsec?

Parsec is a high-performance remote desktop and game streaming application that enables users to access their computers from anywhere with near-zero latency. Founded in 2016 and acquired by Unity Technologies in 2021, Parsec has established itself as the premier solution for remote gaming, game development collaboration, and low-latency remote desktop access. Unlike traditional remote desktop software, Parsec is specifically optimized for graphics-intensive applications and gaming, using proprietary technology to achieve responsiveness that makes remote play indistinguishable from local play.

What distinguishes Parsec from competitors like TeamViewer or Chrome Remote Desktop is its focus on performance and gaming use cases. Parsec utilizes hardware encoding (NVIDIA NVENC, AMD AMF, Intel Quick Sync) to capture and stream video at up to 4K resolution and 60 frames per second with minimal latency, typically under 30 milliseconds on good connections. This makes Parsec suitable for playing fast-paced games remotely, collaborating on game development projects, or accessing powerful workstations from less capable devices.

Beyond individual remote access, Parsec offers features for multiplayer gaming where friends can join your local multiplayer games over the internet as if they were sitting next to you. Parsec for Teams extends these capabilities to business environments, providing secure remote access to powerful workstations for creative professionals, developers, and enterprises requiring high-performance remote computing solutions.

Key Features

• Ultra-Low Latency: Proprietary streaming technology delivers sub-30ms latency on good connections, making fast-paced gaming and real-time collaboration possible remotely.
• Hardware Encoding: Utilizes GPU hardware encoders (NVENC, AMF, Quick Sync) for efficient video capture without impacting gaming performance significantly.
• 4K 60FPS Streaming: Supports streaming up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second for high-fidelity remote gaming and creative work experiences.
• Co-op Gaming: Connect controllers and play local multiplayer games with friends over the internet as virtual couch co-op sessions.
• Cross-Platform: Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi, Android, and web browsers for maximum accessibility across devices.
• Virtual Displays: Create virtual monitors for multi-display setups without physical screens, useful for headless server configurations.
• Controller Support: Full support for various controllers including Xbox, PlayStation, and generic gamepads with low-latency input transmission.
• Audio Streaming: High-quality stereo and surround sound audio streaming alongside video for complete remote desktop experience.
• Business Features: Parsec for Teams offers centralized management, SSO integration, and enterprise security features for organizations.
• Arcade Feature: Discover and join public gaming sessions hosted by other Parsec users for expanded multiplayer opportunities.

What’s New

Parsec continues to enhance its streaming technology and expand platform support:

• Unity Integration: Enhanced integration with Unity game development workflows following the Unity acquisition.
• Performance Optimizations: Continuous improvements to encoding efficiency and latency reduction across all supported platforms.
• Apple Silicon Support: Native support for M1/M2/M3 Macs providing optimal performance on Apple’s latest hardware.
• Android Improvements: Enhanced Android app with better controller support and connection stability for mobile gaming.
• Web Client Updates: Improved web-based client allowing access from any device with a modern browser without installation.
• Security Enhancements: Strengthened security features including improved encryption and access control mechanisms.
• Virtual Display Updates: Enhanced virtual display functionality with support for more resolutions and configurations.
• Teams Features: New administrative features and integrations for Parsec for Teams enterprise deployments.

System Requirements

Host PC (Windows)

• Operating System: Windows 10 or later (64-bit)
• Processor: Intel Core i5 4th Gen or AMD equivalent
• Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 650+, AMD HD 7000+, or Intel HD 5000+
• RAM: 8 GB minimum
• Network: 10 Mbps upload speed recommended
• Hardware encoding strongly recommended for best performance

Host PC (macOS)

• Operating System: macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or later
• Processor: Intel or Apple Silicon (M1/M2)
• RAM: 8 GB minimum
• Network: 10 Mbps upload for hosting

Host PC (Linux)

• Distribution: Ubuntu 18.04+, Fedora, or Debian-based
• Desktop: X11 (Wayland support limited)
• Graphics: NVIDIA with proprietary drivers recommended
• RAM: 4 GB minimum

Client Devices

• Windows: Windows 7 or later
• macOS: macOS 10.13 or later
• Linux: Most modern distributions
• Android: Android 5.0 or later
• Web: Chrome, Firefox, or Edge browser
• Raspberry Pi: Pi 3 or later recommended
• Network: 5+ Mbps download for HD streaming

How to Install Parsec

Windows Installation

1. Visit parsec.app
2. Click “Download” and select Windows
3. Run the installer
4. Create account or sign in
5. Configure hosting settings if sharing your PC

# Download from official website
# https://parsec.app/downloads

# Using Chocolatey
choco install parsec

# Using winget
winget install Parsec.Parsec

# After installation:
# 1. Sign in with Parsec account
# 2. Enable hosting if you want others to connect
# 3. Adjust quality settings based on network
# 4. Install on client devices for remote access

macOS Installation

1. Download Parsec from official website
2. Open the DMG file
3. Drag Parsec to Applications
4. Grant necessary permissions (accessibility, screen recording)
5. Sign in and configure settings

# Using Homebrew
brew install --cask parsec

# Launch and grant permissions
# System Preferences > Security & Privacy:
# - Screen Recording
# - Accessibility

# Enable hosting if sharing your Mac
# Settings > Host > Enable Sharing

Linux Installation

# Ubuntu/Debian
# Download .deb from parsec.app
sudo dpkg -i parsec-linux.deb
sudo apt-get install -f

# Or using the portable version
wget https://builds.parsec.app/package/parsec-linux.deb
sudo dpkg -i parsec-linux.deb

# Fedora/RHEL
# Download .rpm package
sudo rpm -i parsec-linux.rpm

# Launch Parsec
parsec

Android Installation

1. Open Google Play Store
2. Search for “Parsec”
3. Install the app
4. Sign in with Parsec account
5. Connect controller if desired
6. Select computer to connect to

Web Client Access

# No installation required
# Visit: https://web.parsec.app

# Requirements:
# - Modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
# - Parsec account
# - Computer with Parsec hosting enabled

# Limitations:
# - Some features may be restricted
# - Performance may vary by browser

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional Latency: Industry-leading low latency makes Parsec suitable for gaming and real-time applications where responsiveness is critical.
• Gaming Focus: Specifically designed for gaming with controller support, game streaming optimization, and multiplayer features.
• Free Personal Use: Core features for personal use are completely free, making high-quality remote gaming accessible to everyone.
• Hardware Encoding: Efficient GPU-based encoding minimizes impact on host system performance while streaming.
• Cross-Platform: Available on virtually every platform including web browsers, enabling access from any device anywhere.
• Co-op Gaming: Unique feature allowing friends to join local multiplayer games over internet with minimal latency.
• Easy Setup: Simple installation and configuration compared to self-hosted game streaming solutions like Moonlight/Sunshine.

Cons

• Account Required: Requires Parsec account even for LAN usage, unlike open-source alternatives that work account-free.
• Cloud Dependency: Initial connections route through Parsec servers, potentially affecting reliability if services experience issues.
• Teams Pricing: Business features require paid Parsec for Teams subscription at $30/user/month pricing.
• Linux Hosting Limits: Linux hosting capabilities are more limited compared to Windows host functionality.
• Network Dependent: Requires good internet connection on both ends; poor networks result in degraded experience.

Parsec vs Alternatives

Who Should Use Parsec?

Parsec is ideal for:

• Remote Gamers: Players wanting to access their gaming PC from anywhere with minimal latency for responsive gameplay.
• Local Co-op Enthusiasts: Friends wanting to play local multiplayer games together over the internet without physical presence.
• Creative Professionals: Designers, video editors, and developers needing remote access to powerful workstations for graphics-intensive work.
• Game Developers: Teams collaborating on game development requiring low-latency access to development machines and play testing.
• Multiple Device Users: People wanting to play PC games on laptops, tablets, or phones while away from their main computer.
• Cloud Gaming DIY: Users wanting cloud gaming experience using their own hardware rather than subscription services.

Parsec may not be ideal for:

• Privacy-Focused Users: Those preferring self-hosted solutions without account requirements may prefer Moonlight/Sunshine instead.
• NVIDIA-Only Users: Those with only NVIDIA GPUs may find Moonlight equally capable and more private.
• Poor Network Connections: Users with limited bandwidth or unstable internet will have suboptimal experiences.
• Enterprise Without Budget: Organizations needing business features face significant per-user costs with Parsec for Teams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parsec free to use?

Yes, Parsec is free for personal use with all core features included. You can host your computer, connect to others, use controller support, and play games remotely at no cost. The free tier includes 4K 60FPS streaming, co-op gaming features, and multi-monitor support. Parsec for Teams, designed for businesses and professional use, requires a subscription at $30 per user per month and adds features like centralized management, SSO integration, and enterprise security controls.

How much bandwidth does Parsec require?

Parsec’s bandwidth requirements depend on streaming quality settings. For the host computer, upload speeds of 10-30 Mbps are recommended for high-quality streaming. Client devices need 5-30 Mbps download depending on resolution and framerate preferences. At 1080p 60FPS, expect around 10-15 Mbps usage. 4K streaming requires significantly more bandwidth, typically 30+ Mbps. Parsec automatically adjusts quality based on available bandwidth, but consistent speeds are more important than peak speeds for a smooth experience.

Can I use Parsec for local network streaming only?

Yes, Parsec works excellently for local network (LAN) streaming and automatically detects when devices are on the same network to establish direct connections. However, even for LAN usage, Parsec requires an account and initial connection through their servers for authentication. For completely offline or accountless local streaming, alternatives like Moonlight with Sunshine (open source) might be preferable. LAN streaming with Parsec typically achieves the lowest possible latency due to direct connections.

Does Parsec work with all games?

Parsec works with virtually all games since it streams your entire desktop rather than specific applications. Any game that runs on your host computer can be streamed through Parsec. This includes games from Steam, Epic Games, Battle.net, or standalone installations. Some games with aggressive anti-cheat software may flag remote desktop usage, though this is rare. The co-op feature for letting friends join local multiplayer works with most games that support multiple controllers.

Is Parsec secure?

Parsec uses peer-to-peer connections with end-to-end encryption for actual streaming data, meaning your gameplay video and input are encrypted between devices. Initial connections are facilitated through Parsec servers for NAT traversal. Parsec supports two-factor authentication for accounts and offers additional security features in the Teams tier. However, like any remote access software, security depends partly on user practices – use strong passwords, enable 2FA, and only approve trusted devices for connection.

Final Verdict

Parsec has established itself as the gold standard for low-latency game streaming and remote desktop access. The application delivers on its promise of making remote gaming feel local, with latency numbers that genuinely enable competitive and fast-paced gaming over the internet. For gamers wanting to access their PC from anywhere, play local co-op games with remote friends, or access their gaming rig from weaker devices, Parsec provides an experience that rivals local play.

The free tier is remarkably generous, including essentially all features personal users need including 4K streaming, controller support, and co-op gaming. This makes high-quality remote gaming accessible to everyone without subscription costs. The acquisition by Unity has provided resources for continued development while maintaining the free personal tier that built Parsec’s user base.

Parsec is highly recommended for anyone interested in remote gaming, game development collaboration, or high-performance remote desktop access. While alternatives exist – Moonlight for NVIDIA-only setups, Steam Link for Steam library access – Parsec’s combination of universal hardware support, low latency, multiplayer features, and free pricing makes it the most versatile option available. For those willing to create an account and have decent internet connections, Parsec transforms any device into a portal to your gaming PC.