The best alternative devices for PlayStation Remote Play depend on where you want to play: a phone with a controller grip is the easiest portable setup, a tablet gives you a larger screen, a Windows handheld works like a compact PC, and supported Android TV devices bring your console to another room. A Steam Deck can also stream PS5 and PS4 games, but it needs a community client rather than Sony’s official app.
Every option streams from a PS5 or PS4 connected to the internet; the handheld, phone, or tablet does not run the console game itself. That means your network and controller support matter more than a screen’s advertised refresh rate. Here is how the main choices compare, including what is official and where extra setup is involved.
Start with the device you already own. Sony’s free PS Remote Play app supports compatible iPhone and iPad devices, Android phones and tablets, Windows PCs, Macs, and selected Android TV or Google TV devices. You need a PS5 or PS4, the same PlayStation account on the console and client, a compatible game, and an internet connection. Sony lists 5 Mbps upload and download as a minimum and recommends 15 Mbps for a better experience. Those figures are connection requirements, not a promise of a particular response time.
Also check how you will control games. On a phone or tablet, you can use on-screen controls, pair a supported PlayStation controller, or attach a mobile controller grip. On PC and Mac, Sony’s setup instructions call for a supported PlayStation controller connected by USB. Some controller features, including haptics and adaptive triggers, vary by device and operating system.
This is the most compact option and often the best value if you already own a compatible phone. Install the official PS Remote Play app, then use touch controls, pair a DualSense or DUALSHOCK 4 where supported, or connect a phone-sized controller such as a Backbone One or Razer Kishi model that fits your device. The controller grip is an accessory; your phone runs the app and displays the stream.
Before buying a grip, check the exact connector, phone dimensions, case clearance, and whether the controller model works with your phone’s operating system. Sony lists Backbone One PlayStation Edition compatibility for supported iPhone models on iOS 15 or later and Android phones on Android 10 or later. A standard controller is more flexible if you also want to play on a tablet or PC.
A tablet makes game text and menus easier to see than a phone, while remaining lighter and simpler to carry than a laptop. Stand it on a desk, lap tray, or tablet stand and pair a compatible controller. Sony’s compatibility page lists DualSense support on iPhone and iPad running iOS 14.5 or later, and on Android phones and tablets running Android 12 or later; support can still vary by device.
This setup is especially practical at home when someone else is using the TV. Its trade-off is simple: you carry a separate controller, and the tablet-and-controller combination takes more space than a phone grip. Use a stand and keep the controller charged for longer sessions.
If you want an officially supported client and already have a computer, install Sony’s PS Remote Play app on Windows or macOS. A laptop offers a larger screen and is easy to connect to a wired network; a desktop is a good choice for playing in a fixed room. Sony’s PC and Mac instructions support DualSense, DualSense Edge, and DUALSHOCK 4 controllers over USB, and let you adjust video settings such as resolution and frame rate in the app.
This is a dependable pick for players who value a familiar setup over handheld portability. The computer is only the streaming client, so it does not need to match the PS5’s gaming performance. Confirm that the operating system meets Sony’s current requirements and that the controller works with your exact computer before relying on a wireless pairing.
A Windows gaming handheld combines a built-in screen and controls with access to the Windows version of the Remote Play app. Models such as the ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go are examples of this category, but their screens and refresh rates do not determine the stream’s quality. Sony documents its app for Windows PCs and lists PlayStation controllers connected by USB. It does not promise that every handheld’s built-in controls will work automatically with the official app.
If you already own one, test the official app and controls before buying anything else. You may need a separate DualSense controller or additional configuration for the handheld’s built-in buttons. This route suits players who also use the device for PC games; it is usually excessive if you only want to stream PlayStation games.
The Steam Deck is a capable handheld with integrated controls, but it runs SteamOS rather than Windows and does not have Sony’s official PS Remote Play app. A popular route is Chiaki-ng, an open-source community client for PS4 and PS5 Remote Play. Its maintainers describe it as an independent project and state that Sony does not endorse or certify it.
Choose this option if you already own a Steam Deck and are comfortable following community setup instructions. Account registration, client updates, and console firmware changes can affect setup, so the experience may require troubleshooting. If you want Sony’s supported app and a straightforward first connection, choose a phone, tablet, Windows PC, or Mac instead.
For a living-room or second-room setup, Sony supports PS Remote Play on Android TV devices running Android TV OS 12 or later, including certain Chromecast with Google TV devices. Pair a DualSense or DUALSHOCK 4 controller and use the TV as the display. This is useful when the main television is occupied, though it is not a portable alternative.
Check the exact TV or streaming device and app-store availability before planning around it: “Android TV” on the box alone does not guarantee support. Sony also notes that some DualSense features, such as haptics and adaptive triggers, are not supported in Remote Play on Android TV.
| Setup | Remote Play route | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone plus controller grip | Official mobile app | Lightweight portable play | Small screen; check phone and controller fit |
| Tablet plus DualSense or DUALSHOCK 4 | Official mobile app | Larger screen at home or while traveling | Separate controller and stand add bulk |
| Windows laptop or Mac | Official desktop app | Supported setup using a computer you own | Less convenient to carry; controller setup matters |
| Windows handheld PC | Official Windows app, with controller caveats | One device for PC games and streaming | Built-in controls may need configuration |
| Steam Deck | Chiaki-ng community client | Owners comfortable with extra setup | Not a Sony-supported client |
| Android TV or Google TV | Official app on supported devices | Playing in another room | Limited portability and some controller features |
For setup details, use PlayStation’s PS Remote Play compatibility and requirements page, its mobile setup guide, and its PC and Mac setup guide. Steam Deck owners can review the Chiaki-ng documentation before installing the community client.
For most people, the best first choice is a compatible phone or tablet they already own, paired with a controller that fits how they play. Choose a Windows PC or Mac for Sony’s official desktop app, a Windows handheld if you also want PC gaming, or Android TV if you want to play in a second room. Pick Steam Deck when you value its handheld controls and are willing to maintain an unofficial client. The best alternative is the one that fits your current hardware, supports your controller, and has a stable connection to your console.
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