Cloud gaming has revolutionized the way we play video games, allowing you to stream high-quality titles directly to your devices without the need for expensive hardware. With the rise of cloud gaming platforms, enjoying your favorite games on the go has never been easier. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 18 best free cloud gaming apps available today. From well-known services like Nvidia to up-and-coming platforms, we’ll explore the features, game libraries, and performance of each app.
18 Best Free Cloud Gaming Apps
Cloud gaming represents a gaming innovation, enabling players to enjoy their favorite games hassle-free, eliminating the need for complex installations. There are several apps that allow you to enjoy free Cloud gaming on Android. Keep reading to find out about these apps in detail!
What is Cloud Gaming?
Cloud gaming is a method of playing video games using a remote server in data centers. To make it more simple, there is no need to download and install a game like you typically do on a PC or a console, instead, streaming services require a reliable internet connection to send gaming information to an app or browser installed on the recipient device.
With this in mind, we will take a look at the best free Cloud gaming apps on Android, so that you can enjoy the latest games without having to spend a lot of money on expensive gaming hardware.
1. Nvidia GeForce Now
Nvidia’s GeForce Now is perhaps one of the most popular Cloud gaming services available right now. The Android app allows players to stream games at 1080p/60FPS, and the service is compatible with over 1,000 games. The best part about GeForce Now is that it’s completely free to use, and you can play games for up to 1 hour per session. After that, you will have to wait in a queue to start another session.
First, you will need to register on the platform. If you have used NVIDIA GeForce NOW before, you won’t need to change or create a new account. The developers also recommend using Bluetooth gamepads for a comfortable gaming session as greatly simplifies the control in the game. It requires a stable connection to the network and without sharp shutdowns, you simply cannot resume the game from the same moment at which you stopped during the previous session.
2. XCloud
Microsoft’s XCloud is another app that allows players to stream a variety of Xbox games directly to their Android smartphones. The app is available for free, but you will need an Xbox Game Pass subscription to use it. The service is still in beta, but it’s already impressing users with its smooth performance and low latency. The app also includes a feature that allows players to use their Xbox controller with their phones.
3. Netboom
Another app that allows players to play whatever games that cannot be played on the computer is Netboom. It lets you play in the mobile mode in games that are not supported on smartphones. The high graphics performance of the service can be played in a resolution up to 4K which is unattainable for most computer monitors. All you need to do is install the game or other application on your smartphone and update it further. Unfortunately, Netboom is a paid service but it does offer its users discounts.
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4. Shadow PC
Shadow is a bit different from the other Cloud gaming services on this list as it provides users with a full Windows 10 environment that they can remotely access from their Android device. This means you can use your phone or tablet as a full desktop computer, with complete access to your favorite games. The app is free to download, but you will need to purchase a Shadow subscription to use the service. This app is one of the best free Cloud gaming apps on Android.
5. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is a subscription-based Cloud gaming platform that allows users to play their favorite games on their Android devices. The app is free to download, but you will have to pay for the subscription. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has a wide variety of games available for users to choose from, including some of the biggest titles in the gaming industry.
Some of the popular games on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate include Halo 5, Gears 5, and Forza Horizon 4. It also allows users to play games with their friends over the internet.
6. Vortex Cloud Gaming
Vortex Cloud Gaming is a popular Cloud gaming platform that allows users to play their favorite games directly on their Android devices. The app is free to download, but you will have to pay to access some of the games. Some of the popular games on Vortex Cloud Gaming include PUBG, Fortnite, and Minecraft. The app provides a smooth gaming experience and is easy to use. Thus, it is one of the best free Cloud gaming apps on Android.
7. PlayStation Now
PlayStation Now is a Cloud gaming platform that allows users to play their favorite PlayStation games on their Android devices. Some of the popular games on PlayStation Now include The Last of Us, God of War, and Uncharted 4. The app also allows users to play games with their friends over the internet.
8. Stadia
Google’s answer to Cloud gaming is Stadia. With Stadia, players can stream games up to 4K resolution and 60FPS on their Android devices. The app is free to download, but you will need to purchase games to play on the service. Stadia also offers a Pro subscription that gives players access to free games and discounts. It is one of the most popular Cloud gaming platforms available.
You don’t need to download a game to your device with Stadia, all you need is an internet connection and you can start playing your favorite games instantly. Some of the popular games on Stadia include Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Cyberpunk 2077, and Red Dead Redemption 2.
This was a great app but unfortunately, the app was shut down on 18th January 2023.
9. Torque Pro (OBD 2 & Car)
Torque Pro can be called one of the most inexpensive gaming platforms are affordable even for a student. Since platforms for Cloud gaming are often paid, we know that users are looking for the most affordable and if possible free Cloud gaming app. Enjoy the game at really low prices, which are difficult to find on other services.
It is one of the free Cloud gaming services on Android which is simple and friendly to use, so you can immediately understand what you need and have fun gameplay.
10. Parsec
Parsec is another app that is one of the best free Cloud gaming apps on Android. The app does allow you to play online with your friends but this can cause some issues and you need to sit at a single computer. To solve this issue, Parsec allows you to display the screen while playing games and play together. It also allows players to stream games from their PC to their Android devices. This means you can play the games you already own without having to purchase them again. The app is also great for playing local multiplayer games, as it supports up to 4 players.
If you want to play games with your friends, you need to register in Parsec and add them to your trusted list. Similar to any social media’s following list, there should be a host who has a good and stable internet connection.
11. Steam Link
Steam Link is another best free Cloud gaming app on Android that positions itself as one that can transfer your games from your PC to your Android devices. All you have to do is tie the Bluetooth Gamepad or the Steam controller to your device and you will be able to connect to your PC while this team software is already in active mode. As you might have already guessed, it offers free Cloud-gaming on Android.
Note that this all should be happening in the same network because that is how you will be able to play your Steam games on your Android device. Of course, your Wi-Fi should be of decent speed so that the transfer works fast.
Also Read: Top 9 Popular Free New Game Releases on Steam
12. JoyArk Cloud Gaming
JoyArk Cloud Gaming claims that it has gathered the most popular and high-quality games, however, its library is quite limited. JoyArk provides quite a stable network connection and bugs or hang-ups are quite rare cases. However, this app doesn’t provide the initial guide when you start using it. This can be troublesome for new users but you will figure it out anyway.
13. Mogul Cloud Game
Mogul Cloud Game has a relatively low rate of users in digital stores. However, it provides quite a decent diversity of PC games that it makes possible to play on your Android device which is an advantage. With Mogul, you will be able to transfer your PC games right from the server to your Android device and play any video game you want to play. It offers a collection of games from Steam, Origin, and Epic of multiple genre. In addition, the app costs way less than its competitors so it is a win-win situation.
14. Rainway
Another app that is popular for streaming games is Rainway. This service has captured the attention of many large investors who are interested in new features and offers. With this app, you can create a virtual lobby with friends which will allow all of you to play the same game at the same time but on different devices.
The app is free to install and download. The service catalog contains games from Steam, Uplay, and other services. The good news is that Rainway supports all services. This makes it one of the best free Cloud gaming Android.
Also Read: 20 Best Android Gaming Consoles
15. Sora Stream
One of the most reasonable streaming gaming apps is Sora Stream. The app offers a free trial period and the price for the app is also quite reasonable compared to other apps. What makes Sora Stream different from all is it allows players to create up to 4 different profiles and play various games at the same time. Here you can play online with your friends in the Virtual room.
If you are a parent and don’t want your child to play certain games that can be inappropriate, Sora provides a parental control option too. Probably the only drawback of the app is that its library is not as wide as in the case of other Cloud gaming apps and the quality of the gaming connection is also questionable.
16. Ztream- Cloud Gaming
Ztream is a new app that has recently gained attention as it is a free Cloud gaming app. The app allows users to play a wide range of games including some of the most popular ones, without having to download them on their devices. Ztream doesn’t require you to have the perfect internet, 100 Kbps is more than enough and you can already start playing.
It provides players with more than 30 different games and can even get hands-on exclusive games that are hard to find on the internet, let alone play them. Users can play games that require high-performance hardware, without actually owning one. All that is required is a decent internet connection and an Android device.
One of the significant advantages of using Ztream is that it saves storage space on the user’s device. As the games are not downloaded, the device’s storage space is not taken up by game files, which can often be large. You can take full advantage of Ztream’s free-to-use model and play games at no cost, without sacrificing your gaming experience.
17. Moonlight Game Streaming
Moonlight Game Streaming is designed to broadcast the game from your computer to your Android smartphone over the internet. This app is a great way to guarantee a happy and fun gaming session on your phone. It supports all games that are already purchased on any of your devices. You can also play the free options offered in the application.
All you need is your mouse, keyboard, and any controllers you already have. The plus point is Moonlight Game Streaming also supports the Stylus and can simultaneously work with less than 4 different controllers. The key is having an NVIDIA graphics card on our computer to use this service.
18. Nware
Nware is a new Cloud platform that will allow you to play games without the necessity of having other gadgets, such as a PC or a gaming console. It is attempting to be presented as the Cloud game service app of a new generation, trying to change the world of Cloud games. It lets you play your favorite games in real-time with a stable internet connection. If you already have games purchased in other digital stores, you can continue playing those games for free, here, making it one of the best free Cloud gaming apps.
The app offers a digital space that is reserved especially for you. Although, to run the app you will need to have quite a powerful device. However, the app is still under development despite its uniqueness.
Take your gaming experience anywhere with Cloud gaming, and the apps we’ve mentioned allow you to do this for free. Tell us which of the top free Cloud gaming apps for Android you enjoyed the most. If you have any questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to share them in the comments section below.
i love this app soo much