Razer Remote Play vs Steam Link: Which Is Better?

Razer Remote Play can be better than Steam Link for some users, but it depends on your hardware and priorities. Razer Remote Play offers lower latency and better visual quality when you own a Razer phone or a compatible Android device, while Steam Link excels in game library integration and works across more platforms.

Background: What Are These Services?

Both Razer Remote Play and Steam Link let you stream games from your PC to another screen, typically a phone or tablet. The PC does the heavy processing, and the remote device receives a video feed while sending your inputs back. This lets you play demanding PC games on hardware that could not run them locally.

Steam Link, launched by Valve in 2015, was originally a hardware box and later became an app for Android, iOS, and smart TVs. It streams games from your Steam library, and it also supports non-Steam games if you add them to your library. Razer Remote Play, introduced around 2019, is a feature of the Razer Cortex app for Android. It focuses on streaming from a Windows PC to a Razer phone or other Android devices, with a strong emphasis on low latency and high frame rates.

How Each Service Works

Steam Link works by pairing your PC and client device over your local network. The Steam client on your PC captures the game output, encodes it (usually using hardware encoding on your GPU), and sends it to the client. The client decodes the stream and sends your controller or touch inputs back. You can also stream over the internet, but that requires good upload bandwidth and a stable connection.

Razer Remote Play is built into the Razer Cortex app. You install Cortex on your PC and the companion app on your Android device. The app scans for your PC on the same network, or you can connect via a Razer ID for remote access. It uses the same general principle of encoding and streaming, but Razer has tuned it for their own phones, particularly the Razer Phone and Razer Phone 2, which have 120Hz displays and low-latency touch input.

Latency and Performance: The Core Difference

The biggest advantage of Razer Remote Play is lower latency. Razer claims their solution can achieve as low as 15-20ms of latency on a local network, which is competitive with dedicated streaming hardware. This is partly because Razer Remote Play uses a custom protocol that prioritizes speed, and it takes advantage of the 120Hz refresh rate on Razer phones to show more frames per second.

Steam Link, on the other hand, typically runs at 60fps and has a slightly higher latency, often in the 30-50ms range on a good network. For casual games, this difference is not noticeable, but for fast-paced shooters or fighting games, the lower latency of Razer Remote Play can be a real advantage.

However, latency also depends heavily on your network hardware. Both services require a strong 5GHz Wi-Fi signal or an Ethernet connection for the PC. If your router is old or your phone is far from it, you will see stutter and input lag regardless of which software you use.

Device Compatibility and Ecosystem

Steam Link is far more versatile. It runs on Android, iOS, Apple TV, and some smart TVs. You can also use it on a Raspberry Pi. This makes it the obvious choice if you own an iPhone or a non-Razer Android phone.

Razer Remote Play is exclusive to Android, and while it works on any Android device, it is optimized for Razer phones. The app is no longer actively developed, and Razer has not updated it for newer Android versions in recent years. This means it may not work on the latest phones, and there are reports of compatibility issues with Android 12 and later.

Game Library and Integration

Steam Link integrates directly with your Steam library. You can browse your games from the client, launch them, and even access Steam’s Big Picture mode. It also supports Steam’s remote play together feature, which lets you share your screen with a friend for local co-op games.

Razer Remote Play does not have a built-in game launcher. You have to add your games manually to the Cortex app, and it only streams the desktop or a specific application. This is less convenient, but it means you can stream any game from any store, including Epic Games, GOG, or even emulators.

Cost and Setup

Both services are free. Steam Link is a free app, and Razer Cortex is also free. You do not need a subscription for either.

Setup is straightforward for both. For Steam Link, you install the app on your client device and sign in with your Steam account. The app will automatically find your PC on the same network. For Razer Remote Play, you install Cortex on your PC and the app on your phone, then pair them via a code or QR scan.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Both services can suffer from common streaming issues:

• Stuttering: Often caused by Wi-Fi interference. Move closer to the router or use a 5GHz band.
• Input lag: Check if your TV or phone has a game mode that reduces processing delay.
• Blurry image: Lower the bitrate in the settings, or increase it if your network can handle it.
• Connection drops: Disable power saving on your network adapter and phone.

If you have a powerful PC but still experience issues, make sure hardware encoding is enabled in your GPU drivers. Both services use NVENC (Nvidia) or AMF (AMD) to encode video, which is much faster than software encoding.

How to Choose Between Razer Remote Play and Steam Link

Here are the key factors to consider:

• Your device: If you have an iPhone or a smart TV, Steam Link is your only option. If you have a Razer phone, Razer Remote Play is worth trying.
• Game type: For competitive games where every millisecond matters, Razer Remote Play has the edge. For casual or story-driven games, Steam Link is fine.
• Library: If you mostly play Steam games, Steam Link is more convenient. If you play games from other stores, Razer Remote Play lets you stream any executable.
• Future support: Steam Link is actively updated. Razer Remote Play is not, so it may break on newer Android versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Razer Remote Play on an iPhone?

No, Razer Remote Play is Android-only. For iOS, you would need to use Steam Link or another streaming app like Moonlight.

Is Razer Remote Play still supported?

Razer has not released major updates for Remote Play in years, and it is not listed as a flagship feature on their website. It still works for many users, but you should not expect new features or official support for the latest Android versions.

Does Steam Link work with non-Steam games?

Yes, you can add non-Steam games to your Steam library and then stream them via Steam Link. This includes games from Epic Games Store, GOG, and even emulators.

Which has lower latency, Razer Remote Play or Steam Link?

Razer Remote Play generally has lower latency due to its custom protocol and optimization for high-refresh-rate displays. However, the difference is often not noticeable on a good network.

Can I stream over the internet with either service?

Yes, both support internet streaming. You will need a fast upload speed (at least 10 Mbps) and a stable connection. Steam Link also has a feature called Remote Play that can automatically optimize for internet connections.

Is there a monthly fee for either service?

No, both are free. You only need to own the games you want to stream.

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