Top 10 Cloud Gaming Platforms to Try Right Now (2025)
Cloud gaming is revolutionizing how we play video games. Instead of needing expensive consoles or gaming PCs, you can stream AAA titles directly to your phone, tablet, TV, or laptop—no downloads, no hardware upgrades, just instant play. This guide covers the top 10 cloud gaming platforms to try right now, with detailed comparisons, pricing, and key features.
What is Cloud Gaming?
Cloud gaming (or game streaming) runs games on remote servers, streaming video and audio to your device. Your inputs (like button presses) go back to the server in real-time. Benefits include:
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No hardware costs: Play Cyberpunk 2077 on a $100 laptop.
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Cross-device play: Start on your TV, continue on your phone.
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Zero downloads: Jump into games instantly.
Minimum Requirements:
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Internet speed: 10–20 Mbps
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Compatible device (phone/tablet/PC/TV)
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Bluetooth controller (optional for touch controls)
Top 10 Cloud Gaming Platforms for 2025
1. Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta)
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Price: Included in Game Pass Ultimate ($20/month)
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Games: 400+ titles, including Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon
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Devices: Phones, tablets, PCs, Samsung/LG TVs, Meta Quest VR
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Best for: Console gamers wanting flexibility.
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Perk: New Xbox Studios games launch day one.
2. Nvidia GeForce Now
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Price: Free (1-hour sessions), $10/month (Priority), $20/month (Ultimate 4K)
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Games: Stream your Steam/Epic/Uplay libraries (1,500+ supported)
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Devices: PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, smart TVs
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Best for: PC gamers who own titles already.
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Perk: RTX 4080 servers for max settings.
3. PlayStation Plus Premium
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Price: $18/month
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Games: 300+ PS classics (God of War, The Last of Us)
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Devices: PS4/PS5, PC (limited regions)
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Best for: PlayStation exclusive fans.
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Drawback: PC app has performance issues.
4. Shadow PC
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Price: $30–$50/month
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Games: Full Windows PC—install any game (Steam/Epic/etc.)
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Devices: Any phone, tablet, or low-end PC
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Best for: Power users wanting no game restrictions.
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Perk: Also works for video editing or 3D rendering.
5. Amazon Luna
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Price: $10/month (Luna+), +$18/month (Ubisoft+ channel)
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Games: 100+ titles, including Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
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Devices: Fire TV, PCs, Macs, phones
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Best for: Amazon ecosystem users.
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Drawback: Smallest library.
6. Boosteroid
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Price: $15/month
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Games: 1,000+ AAA titles (Elden Ring, GTA V)
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Devices: PCs, Macs, Android, smart TVs
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Best for: Budget AAA gamers.
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Perk: Added Brazil servers in 2025 for LatAm players.
7. airgpu
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Price: Hourly billing (~$0.30/hour)
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Games: Full Windows PC—install anything
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Devices: Browser-based (no app needed)
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Best for: Tech-savvy users testing cloud gaming.
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Perk: Uses AWS data centers for global reach.
8. Blacknut
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Price: $16/month
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Games: 600+ family-friendly/indie titles
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Devices: Smart TVs, PCs, tablets
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Best for: Parents or casual gamers.
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Perk: No extra game purchases.
9. Samsung Gaming Hub
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Price: Free (supports Xbox/GeForce Now)
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Games: Varies by linked service
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Devices: Samsung Smart TVs (2022+)
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Best for: TV gamers avoiding consoles.
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Perk: Unified app for multiple cloud services.
10. Netboom
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Price: $10/month
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Games: 200+ (Fortnite, Roblox, Apex Legends)
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Devices: Android, iOS, low-end PCs
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Best for: Mobile gamers and free-to-play fans.
Cloud Gaming Platform Comparison
Key specs at a glance 1713:
Platform | Price/Month | Resolution | Free Tier | Top Content |
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Xbox Cloud Gaming | $20 | 1080p | ❌ | Xbox exclusives |
GeForce Now | $0–$20 | 4K | ✅ | Your Steam library |
Shadow PC | $50 | 4K | ❌ | Any PC game |
Boosteroid | $15 | 1080p | ❌ | AAA blockbusters |
Blacknut | $16 | 1080p | ❌ | Kids/family games |
How to Choose Your Cloud Gaming Service
Follow this 5-step guide based on your needs:
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Game Library First
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Already own 100+ Steam games? → GeForce Now.
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Want PlayStation classics? → PlayStation Plus Premium.
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Prefer Fortnite or Roblox? → Netboom.
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Budget
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Cheapest: GeForce Now (Free) or Netboom ($10).
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Premium: Shadow PC ($50 for full Windows).
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Device & Region
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Brazil/LatAm: Boosteroid or Xbox Cloud Gaming.
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Samsung TV owners: Samsung Gaming Hub.
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Weak home internet? PlayStation Plus (5 Mbps minimum).
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Performance Needs
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Competitive esports: GeForce Now Ultimate (lowest latency).
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4K HDR: Shadow PC or GeForce Now Ultimate.
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Family vs. Hardcore
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Kids: Blacknut.
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AAA/Mods: Shadow PC.
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FAQs: Cloud Gaming in 2025
1. Is cloud gaming cheaper than a console?
Yes! A $500 Xbox Series X equals 25 months of Xbox Cloud Gaming. No hardware upgrades needed.
2. Why does internet speed matter?
Cloud gaming needs 10–45 Mbps for smooth play. Slower speeds cause lag or pixelation.
3. Can I play cloud games offline?
No—games stream live from servers. Exception: Some services (like Xbox) let you download games locally too.
4. What devices work best?
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Phones: Android/iOS with Xbox/GeForce Now apps.
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TVs: Samsung Gaming Hub or Amazon Fire Stick.
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VR: Meta Quest headsets with Xbox Cloud Gaming.
5. Are there regional limits?
Yes. PlayStation Plus Premium isn’t available in Brazil, but GeForce Now and Boosteroid are.
6. Will cloud gaming replace consoles?
Not yet—hardcore gamers still prefer local 4K/120fps. But for casual play, it’s a game-changer.
Read More: Helldivers II: Prepare for Intense Multiplayer Combat
The Future of Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming is accelerating with 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and AI-driven compression 2. By 2030, expect:
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Netflix-style subscriptions dominating over hardware.
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AR/VR integration: Play Fortnite on AR glasses via the cloud.
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Global access: Africa and Southeast Asia expanding servers
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