The gaming landscape is becoming increasingly saturated with captivating games, many of which are resource-intensive. This means that to enjoy the gameplay of some games fully, you may require a high-end PC, which can be costly for some individuals.
Besides, gaming directly on our devices can be resource-intensive, leading to a solution that addresses this issue: cloud gaming. Cloud gaming is a helpful solution for individuals who want to game extensively but don’t want to overwork their devices or don’t have the resources to enjoy the game perfectly.
Although the term “cloud gaming” has been around in the gaming industry for some time, it has recently gained popularity due to its ability to enable the seamless play of demanding games on low-end devices. The technology basically processes games on remote servers and streams the gameplay to your device, thereby offloading gaming processing strain.
The cloud gaming protocol operates in a manner that enables gaming on your computer, and likewise, your smartphones can be utilized to play games, including PC titles. If you’re in search of cloud gaming apps for Android, you’re in the right place. This article will explore the top 10 options, so stay with us as we delve into the topic!
What are the Best Cloud Gaming Apps for Android?
We’ve compiled a list of the top cloud gaming apps for Android, considering factors like performance, game library size, available features, pricing, and more. Let’s explore the top 10 cloud gaming apps for Android below:
1. Xbox Cloud Gaming
Xbox Cloud Gaming is a cloud gaming service offered by Microsoft as part of its Xbox ecosystem that leverages cloud computing technology to stream games directly to your Android device over the internet.
The reason why Xbox Cloud Gaming is one of the best cloud gaming apps for Android is because it supports using touch control, and you can use touchscreens for many games on the service. Microsoft developed a “touch input overlay” that allows you to play games directly on a smartphone or tablet screen without the need for a controller.
With a well-designed UI, you can seamlessly stream and play a wide selection of Xbox games on your Android device, such as Batman: Arkham Knight, Battlefield V, DOOM Eternal, Halo Infinite, Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition, Wasteland 3, and many more. Your game progress and saves are synchronized on your Android device as well, allowing you to pick up where you left off.
To access Xbox Cloud Gaming and the Game Pass library, you’ll need an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, which costs $16.99.
You get to enjoy gaming at 1080p 60fps, but you’ll need a minimum internet speed of 7-10Mbps. You would probably want to try a wired connection. So, on your Android, open the Xbox Game Pass app and tap Play on supported titles, and you’re good to go!!!
2. GeForce Now
NVIDIA GeForce Now is a popular cloud gaming service that will allow you to enjoy well over a thousand PC games directly streaming from your Android device. With its user-friendly interface, you can easily browse the game library and play a bunch of games. Because of its Android TV app that works on devices like the NVIDIA Shield TV or Chromecast with Google TV, NVIDIA GFN is one of the best cloud gaming services for Android TV.
It gets even better!! With its huge catalog of video games, more than a hundred free titles are included, so you can easily test the waters without needing to make any purchases. Also, GeForce NOW integrates with various game stores, allowing you to install and play games you own from those stores without purchasing them again.
So yes, you can use NVIDIA GeForce Now for free, but you can only game for an hour at a time. What’s better than free, if not premium? NVIDIA also offers a premium subscription for $9.99 per month (or $49.99 for six months), which raises the limit to six hours.
GeForce Now also offers cloud save storage for your game progress, so you can seamlessly transition between devices without losing your in-game data.
You don’t need to do much to get all set. Just ensure that your Android device, whether it is a phone or a tablet, supports OpenGL ES 3.1 and has at least 1.5 GB of free memory. It is also very important to have a stable and powerful Internet connection, with at least 15 Mbps. Before I forget, you might need a Bluetooth gamepad to fully enjoy an amazing gaming experience.
3. Amazon Luna
Luna runs on Amazon’s powerful cloud computing platform, Amazon Web Services (AWS), which makes it easy to stream games without lengthy downloads or updates.
Amazon’s cloud gaming service, Luna, is available on Android. However, there’s no separate Luna app to download. Instead, you’ll access the service through the Chrome web browser.
Your gaming experience is amplified with the Luna Controller, and it connects to your device via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The Luna Controller has an ergonomic design, feels comfortable in the hands. You can also download the free Luna Phone Controller app from the Amazon, iOS, and Android app stores
For a monthly fee, the Luna+, Ubisoft +, and Jackbox Games subscription packages feature a variety of additional games:
You can subscribe to Luna + and get access to titles like Beach Buggy Racing 2: Hot Wheels Edition and Resident Evil 2.
With the Ubisoft+ subscription, you can access a large library of Ubisoft titles, including Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Far Cry 5, and many more.
With the Jackbox Games subscription, you can play games like Drawful 2
Amazon recommends an internet speed of at least a sustained 10Mbps for the best gaming experience, and similar to Xbox Cloud Gaming, Luna has a video quality capped at 1080p and a maximum frame rate of 60fps.
4. Shadow PC
Here’s how Shadow PC works: Shadow’s cloud computing service lets you access a full-fledged computer in a data center near you. You can install games on Steam and use it for gaming or computer-intensive work in general. So it’s a fast and high-spec remote PC that is easy to access from just about any desktop or your Android
When you pay $32.99 for the basic plan, you get 512GB of storage and the ability to play games in 1080p. You can also go for the power upgrade subscription for $49.98 with 28GB RAM and storage of 512GB. With a powerful internet connection, you can play games with up to 4K graphics if you have an excellent internet connection
There’s also a $9.99 activation fee when you first subscribe. If you pay three months upfront, the company waives those activation fees. Yes, it seems to be more expensive than other cloud gaming alternatives, plus the fact that there are no on-screen controls in mobile apps.
5. NetBoom
NetBoom is a game utility developed by NetBoom Ltd. It is a free online gaming platform that allows you to play triple-A PC games on your smartphone. It was primarily designed for Android smartphones and tablets, which enables you to convert your Android device(s) into gaming consoles capable of running high-end PC games.
You are guaranteed access to a variety of PC games from platforms like Steam Epic Games Store, and you can play all these games on your Android device.
NetBoom features an intuitive interface with options to search for games, access settings, and launch games. Not only that, some games on NetBoom supported cross-platform play and saved game progress synchronization, allowing you to switch between your Android device and PC effortlessly.
To play any game, you only have to tap the name or the thumbnail. Then, after a brief loading time, the game will start. You get to enjoy titles like Call of Duty, League of Legends, Grand Theft Auto, and many more.
NetBoom doesn’t allow two players on an account at the same time, but an undeniably amazing thing about NetBoom is that although it brings PC games to smartphones, it still retains the titles’ graphics. However, the specific resolution, framerate, and latency depend on your device’s capabilities and connections.
6. GameNow
Ever heard of 5G gaming? Well, you might have to be a Vodafone customer to enjoy GameNow to the fullest!!
GameNow is designed to take advantage of the performance of its expanding 5G network. It has a catalog of 90 on-demand games, including racing, action, adventure, sports, fighting, and platform titles, with brand-new titles regularly added.
Before downloading the application, make sure you have signed up for GameNow on the offers.vodafone.com/it page. After subscribing to the service on your mobile sim, you can play on your Android device even if you’re connected to WiFi.
GameNow is Native 5G and optimized for 4G networks; plus, you can play games that support multiplayer with your friends. It comes with a free month’s trial, after which users will be able to subscribe for $10 a month and no permanence clause. Vodafone even has in place an option called Power Gaming that allows subscribers to play GameNow without using up their data allowance.
7. Blacknut
Blacknut seems to be the family package. It is a unique cloud gaming service that offers a library of more than 300 games for free with your subscription. The game library might not be as grand as you want it to be, but it comes with parental control options and a four-person family plan available.
It’s just like Netflix; you can maintain as many profiles on your account as you want, although there is a limit to the number of screens that can be active at any given time. Furthermore, profiles can be customized depending on who’s using them. You can restrict the library to only games for children and even set a PIN for accounts
It has a cloud save feature, which means you can pick up your game on any device and continue — and parental control. Plus, it allows you to use multiple screens at the same time and a 14-day trial to see if it’s something you want to invest in.
There are two plans available, and they only differ in price and the number of devices you can use at one time. The Blacknut Premium is a 1-month plan and costs $12.99/month. The Blacknut Family is a 1-month plan that costs $19.99/month
Both subscriptions come with an entire library of games, unlimited access, no ads, parental control, and cloud saves. The only difference is the number of screens.
On your Android device, you can use a controller or customizable on-screen buttons. However, it seems that Blacknut doesn’t offer any adaptive resolution.
8. Nware
Without a doubt, one of the most exciting features of Nware is that it is compatible with over 20,000 video games. Yes, you read that right!!! You can play your favorite games on your Android device. With cloud machine specs of 60 FPS, 1080p, +16GB of RAM, and 4GB of VRAM, Nware ensures a seamless gaming experience.
It also has Launchers, a one-stop hub where you can boldly venture into realms like Steam, Epic Games, Ubisoft, Roblox, and Minecraft Launchers. Not only that, you’re treated to 100 GB of storage space to kick things off, and you can even increase it through Loyalty Rewards.
Signing up for an Nware account gets you a 3-day trial to test it out. There are two subscription plans: the Base Plan for $10 and a Premium Plan for $12.30, or €100. The Base Plan grants you access to synced games through your Steam catalog, while Premium adds a Launchers feature, which includes Steam, Epic Games, Ubisoft, Roblox, and Minecraft titles, all accessible through remote virtual gaming machines.
9. Steam Link
Unlike Xbox Game Pass, Amazon Luna, Blacknut, and other Android cloud gaming apps, Steam Link doesn’t include a library of titles you pay to stream. Instead, similar to NVIDIA GeForce Now, you purchase games–either from Steam or other PC gaming services–then you can stream from a gaming desktop or laptop to your Android phone and tablet.
Because Steam Link relies on your hardware–gaming PC–and home internet connection, streaming quality may vary. In my experience, Steam Link works well over an Ethernet connection. But the better your home internet, GPU, and CPU on your Steam host machine, the greater quality your games will look. Notably, Steam Link runs on several other platforms, including iOS, Raspberry Pi, Android TV boxes (like the NVIDIA Shield TV or Google Chromecast), Linux, Samsung smart TVs, and macOS.
10. PS Remote Play
Sony’s PlayStation Remote Play allows you to stream games from your PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 game console to other devices, like Android phones/tablets, iPhones, iPads, and macOS or Windows PCs. For instance, you can start playing titles such as Spider-Man: Remastered on your PS5 console in the living room, then switched over to playing on my Android phone when your partner needs the TV to watch an HGTV show or a Buffy the Vampire Slayer re-run.
Aside from Android, PS Remote Play also works swimmingly on iOS mobile devices. Since you can play games you’ve purchased and own or Sony PlayStation Plus titles, PS Remote Play is free–aside from the cost of any games you buy or a PS Plus subscription.
11. AirGPU
Let’s start with the money!! Airgpu is billed hourly, which makes it very attractive, especially if you’re a casual gamer. It essentially helps you pay for exactly what you use. Instead of a monthly or annual subscription, you buy credits. You’re only charged while your machine is running, but there’s also a monthly fee of $3.50 for every 50 GB of SSD cloud storage.
To connect your local device to the server, it makes use of Parsec, a highly-praised free remote connection tool specifically designed for gaming. After creating an account, you start by setting up your cloud machine on their website. Afterward, you can select your hardware setup. The hourly price you pay varies greatly depending on your hardware setup.
What’s cool is that you can change your settings, even after creating your machine. This way, you save money when playing less demanding games while still getting the best performance when you need it. You can also boost it through the website.
One fun thing you should know is that you can run your AirGPU machines in “spare capacity” mode. With this setting, you agree to be kicked from your gaming session if the data center runs out of capacity. In exchange, you get about a 50% discount per hour.
AirGPU recommends at least 5 Mbit/s download speeds for 720p up to 40 Mbit/s for 4K. You’ll also need a controller to play on your phone and enjoy your gaming experience!!
Another great thing about AirGPU is that you can install mods and 3rd party software. With AirGPU, you get full control over what you want to install, including third-party apps.
Not to end on a slightly sour note, but AirGPU doesn’t provide any games within its pricing. You have to bring your library by installing a platform on a virtual machine. This means you need to bear the cost of the titles you want to play on top of paying for credits.
Does Cloud Gaming Work on Android?
Yes, cloud gaming works on Android. Cloud gaming operates through web browsers; thus, if your device can run a browser, you should enjoy cloud gaming.
In addition, cloud gaming provides a solution for devices that might lack the necessary hardware to efficiently run certain games, enabling them to play those games smoothly.
This underscores the point that cloud gaming is a means to ensure that devices are not limited by their hardware when it comes to running games, making it a suitable option for Android devices as well.
However, some cloud gaming platforms include games that are only compatible with a controller; thus, if you just have access to touch control, you will be limited from playing such games.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cloud Gaming Apps For Android
Is there any free cloud gaming apps for Android?
Yes! There are some free cloud gaming apps for Android. For instance, some services including NVIDIA GeForce offer access to free tiers, although you’ll need to purchase games to play and deal with limitations like a maximum of a one hour-long play session. Steam Link is totally free, but you’ll need to own a gaming PC and games. PS Remote Play is also free, but you’ll need to own a PlayStation 5, PS4, and games or a PlayStation Plus subscription. Most cloud gaming platforms that feature a game library, like Amazon Luna, Blacknut, or Xbox Game Pass are paid.
What do I need to run cloud gaming apps on Android?
A key requirement for smooth cloud gaming on Android phones is a strong internet connection, as it’s essential for lag-free game streaming to your Android device. Additionally, having a handheld device and a controller can greatly enhance your overall experience when enjoying cloud gaming on your Android phone.
Best Cloud Gaming Apps for Android: Final Thoughts
With the cloud gaming apps for Android that we’ve discussed in this article, you can indulge in cloud gaming on your Android device anytime you want. These apps enable you to access games that might not typically run on your Android phone or run smoothly. We hope that our roundup helps you select the cloud gaming app that best fits your gaming preferences for your Android phone.
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