Parsec

parsec.app
IT Service Management
Weekend Project

Remote desktop reimagined – a seamless 4k experience at up to 60 frames per second with near-zero latency

How to Replace Parsec

Overview

Parsec is a remote desktop streaming application that enables secure, low-latency access to computers from anywhere. It supports gaming, creative work, and team collaboration with crisp 4K visuals, high frame rates up to 240 FPS, and peer-to-peer connections. The platform offers consumer gaming features as well as enterprise-grade security and team management capabilities.

Features

33 features across 11 categories

Administration(8)

Admin PanelPremium

Centralized admin panel for managing team access and settings

Audit LogsPremium

Access logs to track team activity and connections (7 days for Teams, full logs for Enterprise)

Centralized BillingPremium

Manage billing for entire team from admin panel

Granular Permissions ManagementPremium

Fine-grained control over team member access and permissions

Role-Based Access ControlPremium

Create granular admin roles with specific permissions

SCIM ProvisioningPremium

SCIM support for automated user provisioning

Team Managed ComputersPremium

Make computers available to team members on-demand with assignment to individuals or groups

Team Managed GroupsPremium

Organize team members into groups for easier management

Also in: Notion, Airtable, Smartsheet

Collaboration(3)

Guest AccessPremium

Invite external users to connect for up to five days with temporary access credits

Instant Collaboration

Share a session with team members to capture over-the-shoulder or on-the-couch feel for real-time review and co-op gameplay

Link Sharing

Share a single link to allow friends or team members to connect

Also in: Notion, Airtable, Obsidian

Compatibility(2)

Multiplatform Play

Play games on PC, Mac, tablet, laptop, or phone

Windows and macOS Hosting

Host connections on Windows 10+ and macOS 10.15+

Display(2)

Multi-Monitor SupportPremium

Support for streaming up to 3 monitors simultaneously

Virtual MonitorsPremium

Support for virtual monitors for extended display configurations

Ease of Use(1)

Quick Installation

Stress-free install that takes seconds, with teams getting up and running in less than a day

Input(3)

Gamepad Support

Full gamepad/controller input support with customizable keyboard mapping

Keyboard and Mouse Support

Full keyboard and mouse input support for remote control

Wacom Tablet SupportPremium

Pressure and tilt sensitive Wacom tablet support for professional creative work

Also in: Things

Integration(2)

Discord Integration

Seamless Discord integration for chat and collaboration

Teams APIPremium

API access to automate Parsec deployment and manage team access programmatically

Also in: monday.com, Notion, Airtable

Performance(3)

High Frame Rate Streaming

Frame rates up to 240 FPS (up to 60 FPS at 4K) for smooth experience

High Performance RelayPremium

High-performance relay server for added performance, security, and connection reliability at scale

Low Latency

Proprietary technology and direct peer-to-peer connections mean virtually no latency

Also in: Jira Service Management, Hugging Face, WordPress.com

Reporting(1)

Usage AnalyticsPremium

Access team usage logs and analytics

Security(7)

App-Level Access ControlPremium

Host can control exactly which apps connected guests are approved to see and interact with

Encrypted Connections

All connections are encrypted for data security

Multi-Factor AuthenticationPremium

MFA support to keep password and login locked down

Peer-to-Peer Connections

All connections are peer-to-peer and never pass through Parsec infrastructure

Privacy ModePremium

Privacy mode to hide sensitive information during sessions

Single Sign-On (SSO)Premium

SAML SSO integration for centralized authentication

SOC 2 Type 2 CertificationPremium

SOC 2 Type 2 certified for comprehensive security and data protection

Video Quality(1)

4K StreamingPremium

Resolutions up to 4K with 4:4:4 color mode for near-flawless visual fidelity

Pricing

Personal Use

Free
  • Low latency, 60 FPS desktop capture
  • Single link desktop sharing
  • Keyboard, mouse, and gamepad support
  • Encrypted peer-to-peer connections
  • Hosting available for Windows 10+ and macOS 10.15+

Individuals (Warp)

$8.33/mo (annual)
  • Low latency, 60 FPS desktop capture
  • Single link desktop sharing
  • Keyboard, mouse, and gamepad support
  • Encrypted peer-to-peer connections
  • Hosting available for Windows 10+ and macOS 10.15+
  • Multi-monitor displays (up to 3)
  • 4:4:4 color mode
  • Privacy mode
  • Full Wacom tablet support with pressure + tilt

Teams

Popular
$30/mo (annual)
  • All Individuals features
  • Secure access to team's computers
  • Enforce single sign-on through SAML
  • Granular permissions management
  • Adjust app features and settings
  • Team computer management
  • Audit logs (last 7 days)
  • Admin panel
  • Centralized billing
  • Team managed groups
  • Guest Access for external users ($25 per invitation)
  • Submit product support tickets
  • 24hr first response SLA

Enterprise

$45/mo (annual only)
  • All Teams features
  • High performance relay server
  • Teams API access for automation
  • Role based access control
  • Full audit logs via Teams API
  • SCIM Provisioning
  • Usage logs and team analytics

Cost Calculator

Keep Paying Parsec

Monthly$9.99/mo
Yearly$120/yr
5-Year Total$599

Build It Yourself

Est. Build Time~2 hrs
Hosting$20/mo
DifficultyVery Easy

Total Cost Comparison

1 Year
SaaS
$120
DIY
$240
3 Years
SaaS
$360
DIY
$720
5 Years
SaaS
$599
DIY
$1.2k

DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 33 features at very easy complexity.

Build vs Buy

Should you build a Parsec alternative or buy the subscription? Estimate based on 33 features.

Buy Parsec

Better Value
Monthly cost$99.9/mo
3-year total$3,596.4
Time to deployDays

Build Your Own

Development cost$24,000
Maintenance$360/mo
3-year total$36,960
Dev time~2 months

Buying Parsec saves ~$33,363.6 over 3 years vs building.

Estimates based on 33 features and a BuildScore of 5/5. Actual costs vary.

Integrations

3 known integrations

DiscordSAML SSOSCIM