Google’s gaming service consistently streamed titles at a high fidelity with minimal latency in my tests, to the point where I often forgot that I was playing these games from the cloud and not directly from a console or PC. If there’s one area where Google Stadia succeeds with very few caveats, it’s performance - at least on my home internet. Amazon’s Luna is also a compelling alternative for those who would rather pay a subscription, as you get a solid library of nearly 100 games for $7 per month.Ĭonsole-like performance, under the right conditions But Microsoft’s $15-per-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate service (which includes cloud streaming) offers far more games for the money, and is better for folks who also play on Xbox or PC. How it compares: Google Stadia stands out from other cloud services with some of its bigger titles, as it’s one of the few places you can buy and play the likes of Resident Evil Village or Borderlands 3 without owning a console or PC. You’ll also need solid internet speeds for the best experience. It’s free to start, but most big games will cost you $40 to $60 each, and there’s a $10-per-month subscription plan that gets you additional games and extra perks (like 4K and surround sound while streaming). What you need to know: Google Stadia allows you to stream games to pretty much any phone, computer or TV, and retain your progress no matter where you play.

Who it’s for: Google Stadia is ideal for folks who want to play blockbuster games like Marvel’s Avengers and Red Dead Redemption 2 but don’t want to shell out the cash for a console (or simply can’t find one).

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