How we test

Hardware

• Reference desktop: Intel Core i7-13700K · 32 GB DDR5 · integrated graphics only (forces all rendering server-side).
• Reference laptop: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (Intel Core i7-1365U · 16 GB · Wi-Fi 6E).
• Reference TV: 55" 4K 120Hz panel with HDMI 2.1.
• Reference phone: iPhone 15 (PWA streaming via Safari) and Pixel 8 (native app where available).
• Controllers: Xbox Wireless Controller (USB) and DualSense (USB), latency results are with USB to remove any Bluetooth jitter.

Network

All latency and quality numbers are measured on a wired 100 Mbps / 50 Mbpsfibre connection with a sub-5 ms ping to the nearest data center. We re-run on a 25 Mbps cap to verify each service degrades gracefully, but the headline numbers are from the unrestricted connection.

Wi-Fi numbers are gathered separately on a Wi-Fi 6E network, two rooms from the access point, and reported only when they materially differ from wired.

Latency measurement

We use a high-speed camera (240 fps) trained on the controller and the screen simultaneously. Latency is the elapsed time between an input pulse on the controller LED and the corresponding pixel change on screen, averaged across 30 trials per service per game.

Trials are run on a single benchmark title that is supported across all services we test (currently Cyberpunk 2077 in a fixed benchmark scene), so the only variable is the streaming pipeline.

Scoring weights

Our overall rating (out of 5.0) is a weighted blend of:

• 25% — streaming quality (max resolution, fps and bitrate stability)
• 25% — measured latency on a wired connection
• 20% — value (price vs what's actually included in the tier)
• 15% — game library size and how it's licensed (bring-your-own vs subscription)
• 15% — platform coverage and client quality

Re-test cadence

Each service is re-tested at minimum every 90 days, and any time the provider announces a meaningful change to plans, infrastructure or pricing. Each review's header shows the date of its last test.

Conflicts of interest

We do not accept payment for placement, ranking, or favourable treatment. Subscriptions used for testing are paid for at the standard consumer rate. See our disclosure page for the full picture.