Parsec — The Complete Guide: Smooth Remote Desktop for Graphics Work, and What Is Free
Parsec is a remote desktop tool originally built for gaming, so it delivers smooth 60 fps video with very low latency. When you need to rotate a large 3D model or watch a simulation on a powerful computer remotely, the difference from ordinary tools is obvious at once.
Parsec
Parsec Cloud (Unity Technologies)
Very low-latency remote desktop suited to heavy graphics work, free for personal, non-commercial use only.
Get it from the vendorWhat you get
- Low latency — quick response to mouse and keyboard.
- Smooth image — rotate and pan a model without stutter.
- Use the graphics card — work remotely on a powerful workstation from your laptop.
- Connect from many systems — Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and the browser.
- Windows or macOS host — the shared computer must run one of them.
What is free and what is not
The free Personal plan is allowed for personal, non-commercial use only, and a Parsec account is required. Working on office or client projects needs a paid Teams or Enterprise licence. Features such as multiple monitors, 4:4:4 colour and Wacom pen support are also reserved for paid plans. In short: excellent for a student connecting from campus to a powerful home PC, not for paid work.
Security tip
Do not approve connection requests from users you do not know, protect your account with a strong password and two-factor authentication, and never give your login details to someone who contacted you.
Related tools
For open-source remote control that is allowed for work too — RustDesk. For free access from the browser — Chrome Remote Desktop. For a remote desktop on a Linux server — TigerVNC.
RustDesk
RustDesk (Purslane Ltd. and community)
Open-source remote desktop tool, an alternative to TeamViewer and AnyDesk, with the option to run your own relay server.
Get it from the vendor
Chrome Remote Desktop
Remote access to your own computers and one-off support for a colleague from the browser, free with no paid tiers.
Get it from the vendor
TigerVNC
TigerVNC project
Fast open-source VNC implementation with TLS encryption, widely used for remote desktops on Linux servers.
Get it from the vendor
AnyDesk
AnyDesk Software GmbH
Fast, lightweight remote control between computers and mobile devices, free for personal use only.
Get it from the vendorThe bottom line
The smoothest experience for remote graphics work, but free only for personal use. Professional work needs a subscription.