6 Cloud Gaming Services to Try in 2025

Want to get more out of your home Internet?

Gone are the days of saving up money to buy a pricey gaming console. With cloud gaming, you can play all your favorite video games via the Internet without having to buy a console or download games to your computer, cell phone, or tablet. The only thing you need is a fast, reliable Internet connection.

Here, we’ll explain in depth what cloud gaming is and introduce you to six of the most popular platforms with free and paid subscriptions. Find it all in our guide to cloud gaming, below.

How does cloud gaming work?

Cloud gaming is a method of streaming video games—you can think of it as similar to video streaming. Unlike traditional gaming, which requires the player to buy a physical disc or download games onto a console, cloud gaming utilizes the Internet to enable players to live-stream games. Player inputs are processed and rendered through high-powered remote servers in real time, then streamed back to the device (like a phone, laptop, or tablet) instantly.

For access to any cloud gaming service, you will need a monthly or annual subscription to the platform, and a fast, reliable Internet connection so you can stream your games without interruptions. A minimum download speed of 10-20 Mbps is recommended. Low latency is also important, which means you’ll want to have plenty of bandwidth.

Optimum Internet offers various plans with speeds up to 8 Gig with symmetrical upload and download speeds for a seamless gaming experience. Keep reading to learn more about cloud gaming and discover a few of the best cloud gaming services.

Are cloud gaming services worth it?

If you’re an avid gamer, cloud gaming affords you the opportunity to play a range of titles without having to purchase separate consoles or download games onto your device. Many services also allow you to play games in real time, remotely, with other players—like your friend who lives on the other side of town, or a family member in a different country.

Cloud gaming also allows you to access your games on any device without losing your progress. And, most subscriptions offer member deals on specific titles, allowing players to enjoy certain games for a discounted price (or even free).

6 of the best cloud gaming services

There are many different cloud gaming services to choose from, each with its own set of benefits and features. Discover six of the top cloud gaming platforms below.

1. Nvidia GeForce Now

GeForce NOW provides access to a wide selection of games, with around 1,500 titles available. Access to all of these titles requires a paid subscription; however, players can opt for a free membership to gain access to roughly 100 titles (with a one-hour time limit per gaming session).

One of the biggest benefits of GeForce NOW is that it allows users to integrate games previously downloaded from other game studios (such as Steam, Epic, and Ubisoft). In fact, it’s the only cloud gaming service on our list that supports games from different studios.

Benefits of GeForce Now

• Access to over 1,500 games
• Free GeForce Now plan available with 100+ free-to-play games
• Supports games from several developers

Considerations when gaming on GeForce Now

• Need to purchase the most popular games
• One-hour playtime limit on the free plan

Most Popular Games

• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
• Cyberpunk 2077
• Baldur’s Gate 3
• Dying Light 2 Stay Human
• A Plague Tale: Requiem

2. Xbox Game Pass

With Xbox Game Pass, players can access AAA titles (high-profile games from major studios) starting on the day they are released. This includes blockbuster games that keep the overall gaming experience fresh and always on the cutting edge.

The Xbox Game Pass library has titles from Xbox Game Studios, EA Play, Riot Games, and many other popular developers. Keep in mind that although the library consists of over 400 games, not all of them are available to play via streaming—there are some games you’ll need to download to your device.

Benefits of Xbox Game Pass

• Day-one availability for new releases
• EA Play games included in library
• Many supported devices (Windows, Apple, Android phones and tablets, Xbox console, and smart TV)

Considerations when gaming via Xbox Game Pass

• Less extensive game library than some competitors
• High monthly fee
• Download required for certain titles

Most popular games on Xbox Game Pass

• Halo: The Master Chief Collection
• Avowed
• Minecraft
• Forza Horizon 5
• Starfield

3. PlayStation Plus

PlayStation Plus is a newer cloud gaming service that works on both PS4 and PS5 consoles, as well as PC. The platform’s library includes more than 800 titles, including classic PlayStation, PS2, and PS3 titles, as well as some PS4 games. Third-party games and newer PlayStation games, however, are not yet available in the cloud.

Benefits of Playstation Plus

• A 3-tier subscription model lets gamers access games across a variety of genres
• Free trials may be available
• Works on PS4 and PS5 consoles

Considerations when gaming with Playstation Plus

• No third-party games available
• Newest PlayStation releases are not available for streaming
• Runs only on Windows PCs and Playstation consoles—smartphone operating systems are not supported

Most Popular Games on Playstation Plus

• Humanity
• Sea of Stars
• Risk of Rain 2
• Tropico 6
• Banishers: Ghosts of Eden

4. Amazon Luna

Stream your favorite games to your Internet-connected devices with Amazon Luna. This cloud gaming platform (included with an Amazon Prime account) runs on Amazon Web Services and allows users to play a wide range of titles for free. Additional games can be purchased from the Amazon Luna storefront.

The platform offers a vast library of both free and paid games, making it a great option for those who like to try out new games. Plus, when you play via Amazon Luna, you can stream gameplay directly to Twitch—no additional equipment or apps needed.

Benefits of Amazon Luna

• Available to stream on Twitch
• Subscribers can play some games with unsubscribed users
• Parental controls available
• Seven-day free trial for Luna+
• Supported in Windows PC, MAC, Fire TV, Fire Tablet, iPad, iPhone, Chromebooks, select Android phones, Samsung Smart TVs, and LG Smart TVs

Considerations when gaming on Amazon Luna

• The Luna Controller is recommended for best gameplay
• Amazon Luna does not link with purchased Steam games
• The library offers few AAA titles

The Most Popular Games on Amazon Luna

• AAssassin's Creed: Shadows
• Star Wars Outlaws
• Skull and Bones
• Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
• Fortnite Festival

5. Blacknut

Blacknut is a cloud gaming service designed for the whole family. With one subscription, you can create up to five separate accounts and activate PIN-protected kid-only accounts, preventing access to games with inappropriate content.

Like other cloud gaming services, games are instantly available for streaming. You can play through your Chrome or Safari browser or through apps installed on your mobile devices, computers, smart TVs, and tablets. Keep in mind that while Blacknut's game library has over 500 games, it lacks many popular and blockbuster titles.

Benefits of gaming on Blacknut

• Simultaneous streaming on up to four screens
• Parental controls, ensuring inappropriate games are blocked and restricted
• Up to five separate accounts per subscription

Considerations when gaming on Blacknut

• A slim game library that lacks many popular titles.

Most Popular Games on Blacknut

• Assassin's Creed Odyssey
• Overcooked
• Bramble: The Mountain KIng
• Soulstice
• Double Dragon Trilogy
• Baseball Stars 2

6. Shadow

Though Shadow doesn’t offer any games of its own, the platform allows you to turn your device into a powerful and efficient computer for running games.

Shadow works like a rental computer inside a laptop, tablet, phone, PC, or smart TV. Simply download the app and connect to a Shadow server that gives you access to a PC to play games, edit videos, design web pages, code, and more. This is a great option for Mac users who want to play Windows-only games, as well as gamers who purchase titles from multiple platforms.

Benefits of gaming on Shadow

• Very low latency
• Can be used for purposes other than gaming
• 4K resolution

Considerations when gaming on Shadow

• No free trial
• Need to buy and install your own games

What to consider before gaming on the cloud

Although the accessibility of a cloud gaming service can help you enjoy high-quality games without having to invest in expensive hardware, you won’t get very far without a strong, reliable Internet connection. Optimum Internet offers plans with fast speeds and low latency, so you can play without lags or interruptions. Plus, we offer 24/7 support—so if an issue arises, we’ll work to get you back to your gaming right away.

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