Parsec

Best Self Hosted Alternatives to Parsec

A curated collection of the 4 best self hosted alternatives to Parsec.

Parsec offers low-latency remote desktop and cloud gaming software that enables users to stream and remotely access high-performance PCs for gaming, development, and creative collaboration across devices.

Alternatives List

#1
Sunshine

Sunshine

Sunshine is a self-hosted game/desktop streaming server that works with Moonlight clients, enabling low-latency remote play with hardware-accelerated encoding.

Sunshine screenshot

Sunshine is a self-hosted game and desktop streaming host designed to work with Moonlight clients. It streams your PC over the network with low latency using hardware-accelerated video encoding, and provides a web interface for configuration.

Key Features

  • Works with Moonlight clients using NVIDIA GameStream-compatible protocols
  • Hardware-accelerated encoding support (varies by platform/GPU), with software fallback
  • Web-based administrative UI for configuring apps, inputs, and streaming settings
  • Host-side “apps” launcher concept (define games/programs to start via the client)
  • Multi-platform host support (commonly used on Windows; also available on Linux)
  • Supports gamepad/controller input passthrough from client to host

Use Cases

  • Stream games from a powerful desktop to a low-power device (TV box, laptop, handheld)
  • Remote desktop-like access for personal use with high frame rate and low latency
  • In-home LAN streaming as an alternative to proprietary vendor streaming stacks

Limitations and Considerations

  • Client side is typically Moonlight (Sunshine is the host); feature set depends on client capabilities
  • Best performance requires a supported GPU/driver stack for hardware encoding; otherwise quality/latency may degrade

Sunshine is a popular choice for users who want a modern, actively developed GameStream-compatible host with a convenient web UI. It is especially suitable for low-latency in-home streaming and remote play when paired with Moonlight on the client side.

33.4kstars
1.6kforks
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#2
Neko

Neko

Self-hosted shared virtual browser (Firefox/Chromium) with synchronized viewing, multi-user control, chat, and WebRTC streaming for watch parties and remote collaboration.

Neko screenshot

Neko is a self-hosted “shared browser” that streams a real browser running in a container to multiple participants, keeping everyone in sync. It’s commonly used for watch parties and collaborative browsing, where users can see the same tab and optionally take turns controlling it.

Key Features

  • Streams a full browser (Firefox/Chromium) from a container to users via WebRTC
  • Multi-user rooms with shared, synchronized session state (everyone sees the same page)
  • Remote control support (mouse/keyboard) with configurable permissions/turn-taking
  • Built-in chat for coordinating during sessions
  • Audio/video streaming suitable for watch parties and shared media playback
  • Designed to run behind reverse proxies; configurable networking and security options via environment variables

Use Cases

  • Watch parties for streaming sites where participants need a synchronized shared browser
  • Remote collaboration for pair browsing, demos, or guiding non-technical users through web flows
  • Quick “disposable” browser sessions for testing websites in an isolated container

Limitations and Considerations

  • Requires WebRTC-capable clients and network paths; NAT/proxy setups may need additional configuration
  • Performance and responsiveness depend on server resources and available uplink bandwidth

Neko is a practical way to host a real browser centrally and share it live with a group. It fits teams and communities that need synchronized viewing and lightweight collaborative control without installing client software beyond a modern browser.

16.6kstars
1.1kforks
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#3
MeshCentral

MeshCentral

Web-based remote management server for computers and IoT devices with remote desktop/terminal, file transfer, user/device groups, and auditing.

MeshCentral screenshot

MeshCentral is a web-based remote device management (RMM) and remote access platform that you host yourself. It provides a centralized server for enrolling devices and securely administering them through a browser, including interactive remote control and automation.

Key Features

  • Browser-based remote desktop/control for Windows, macOS, and Linux (agent-based)
  • Remote terminal/command execution and background device management actions
  • File transfer and file system browsing between admin and managed endpoints
  • Device inventory and status (hardware/software info, connectivity, last seen, etc.)
  • Multi-user management with roles, groups, and device “meshes” (organization)
  • Built-in relay for connectivity across NAT/firewalls; supports LAN discovery modes
  • Two-factor authentication options and detailed event/audit logging
  • Extensible via plugins/modules and integrates with Intel AMT for out-of-band management (where available)

Use Cases

  • Helpdesk/IT support for remote troubleshooting and user assistance
  • Managing fleets of servers, kiosks, lab PCs, or distributed endpoints
  • Remote administration of compatible Intel AMT/vPro devices for out-of-band access

Limitations and Considerations

  • Some advanced RMM functions (patching, AV/EDR, ticketing) are not a core focus compared to full commercial RMM suites
  • Intel AMT features depend on specific hardware/firmware support and correct network provisioning

MeshCentral is well-suited for teams that need a single, web-accessible console to enroll devices and perform secure remote support and administration. Its agent-based approach and optional AMT support make it flexible for both standard endpoint management and certain out-of-band scenarios.

5.9kstars
776forks
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#4
Apache Guacamole

Apache Guacamole

Web-based remote access gateway that provides clientless RDP, VNC, and SSH sessions via a browser, with centralized authentication and connection management.

Apache Guacamole screenshot

Apache Guacamole is a clientless remote desktop gateway that provides access to machines over standard protocols like RDP, VNC, and SSH directly from a web browser. It centralizes connection management and authentication, allowing users to reach remote desktops and terminals without installing native client software.

Key Features

  • Browser-based access (“clientless”): no plugins or local clients required
  • Supports RDP, VNC, and SSH through the guacd proxy/daemon
  • Central connection management (organize, share, and control access to connections)
  • Multiple authentication options via extensions (e.g., LDAP/Active Directory, RADIUS, SSO options)
  • Database-backed configuration (commonly MySQL/MariaDB or PostgreSQL via the web app)
  • Session features typically expected of remote access portals: clipboard integration, file transfer (protocol/extension dependent), and in-session controls
  • Auditing/visibility features via logs and extension ecosystem (deployment dependent)

Use Cases

  • Provide a secure, browser-based jump host for admins to reach servers/desktops
  • Offer helpdesk/IT remote access to internal machines without distributing VPN/RDP clients
  • Enable BYOD access to lab/VDI resources through a controlled web portal

Limitations and Considerations

  • Some capabilities (SSO methods, advanced auditing, storage integrations) depend on installing/configuring specific extensions and external identity systems
  • Performance/UX is workload- and network-dependent (especially for graphics-heavy desktops), and tuning (RDP settings, compression) may be required

Guacamole is widely used as a remote access gateway because it is protocol-focused, browser-native, and extensible through an established server/webapp architecture. It fits organizations needing centralized, controlled remote access while keeping endpoints lightweight.

3.7kstars
731forks
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Why choose an open source alternative?

  • •Data ownership: Keep your data on your own servers
  • •No vendor lock-in: Freedom to switch or modify at any time
  • •Cost savings: Reduce or eliminate subscription fees
  • •Transparency: Audit the code and know exactly what's running