GNOME Remote Desktop as a Linux alternative to Parsec
Updated
Our verdict
GNOME Remote Desktop is not a good replacement for Parsec if you need low-latency streaming, gaming support, or responsive input. It uses standard VNC, which is designed for desktop access, not performance. Audio streaming is not supported, and frame rates rarely exceed 30 FPS, making it unsuitable for gaming or real-time use. However, for basic remote access over a local network—like managing files or desktop tasks—it works out of the box on GNOME systems without extra setup. It’s only viable for users who prioritize convenience over performance.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 51.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both allow remote access to a desktop session
- Support cross-platform clients (Linux, Windows, macOS)
- Enable mouse and keyboard input from remote devices
- Work over local network and internet (with configuration)
- Use direct connections without mandatory middleman servers
What is different
- GNOME Remote Desktop uses VNC, which has higher latency and lower frame rates than Parsec’s custom protocol
- No audio streaming support in GNOME Remote Desktop
- Parsec supports 60+ FPS and gamepad input; GNOME Remote Desktop does not
- Parsec has NAT traversal for easy internet setup; GNOME Remote Desktop requires manual port forwarding
- GNOME Remote Desktop lacks user interface for connection management—basic settings only
Opening your Parsec files
GNOME Remote Desktop does not use or import any files from Parsec. Parsec does not generate files for export in the usual sense—it handles streaming sessions in real time. There is no file-based workflow to migrate. Connection settings and access are managed independently in each tool, so no compatibility or conversion process exists.
Switching from Parsec to GNOME Remote Desktop, step by step
- Install GNOME Remote Desktop if not already present (available in most GNOME-based distros by default)
- Enable it in Settings → Sharing → Screen Sharing
- Set a password and allow connections in the same panel
- Use a VNC client like TigerVNC or RealVNC on the client machine to connect
- For internet access, configure port forwarding on your router for port 5900 and use your public IP
Key features of GNOME Remote Desktop
- Native VNC server integration
- Works with standard VNC clients (RealVNC, TigerVNC, etc.)
- Password-based authentication
- Supports multiple simultaneous connections
- Integrated into GNOME Settings
- No additional software installation required on the host
- Compatible with most Linux distributions
- Uses standard port 5900 by default
How to install GNOME Remote Desktop on Linux
sudo apt install gnome-remote-desktopsudo apt install gnome-remote-desktopsudo dnf install gnome-remote-desktopsudo pacman -S gnome-remote-desktopsudo zypper install gnome-remote-desktopFrequently asked questions
Can I stream audio with GNOME Remote Desktop like in Parsec?
No, GNOME Remote Desktop does not support audio streaming. You’ll need a separate audio solution like PulseAudio over network or a VoIP call.
Is input lag worse with GNOME Remote Desktop?
Yes, especially over the internet. VNC is not optimized for responsiveness like Parsec, so keyboard, mouse, and gamepad input will feel delayed.
Can I use GNOME Remote Desktop for gaming?
Not realistically. It doesn’t support high frame rates or low latency well. Expect choppy visuals and input lag, even on a local network.
5 other alternatives to Parsec
RemminaRemmina is a Linux remote desktop client supporting RDP, VNC, SSH, and X2Go for connecting to remote systems…Open sourceFreeFlatpakRemmina vs Parsec
TigerVNC ViewerTigerVNC Viewer is a GPL‑licensed client for connecting to remote VNC desktops on Linux.Open sourceFreeFlatpakTigerVNC Viewer vs Parsec
NoMachine PlayerNoMachine Player is a proprietary remote desktop client that connects to Linux, Windows, or macOS hosts…FlatpakNoMachine Player vs Parsecx11vncA VNC server for X11 that lets you control your Linux desktop remotely from any VNC client.Open sourceFreex11vnc vs ParsecFreeRDPFreeRDP is an open-source implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol, allowing you to connect to Windows…Open sourceFreeFreeRDP vs Parsec