Cloud gaming and in-home streaming have come a long way, but the hardware you choose still affects the quality of the experience. Many people reach for a Chromecast running theSteam Link app because it is widely available and easy to set up. That approach works for casual sessions, and it is good enough for streaming older or slower-paced titles. Once you try pushing higher bitrates or more demanding games, the limitations become apparent.
A Raspberry Pi 5 running Moonlight plays in a completely different league.
A Raspberry Pi 5 runningMoonlight plays in a completely different league. It takes advantage of the Pi 5’s improved hardware and the very efficient protocol used by NVidia GameStream replacements. You can stream 4K content at higher bitrates with fewer visual artifacts, and you can do it with more consistent latency. The setup is surprisingly accessible and offers a noticeable step up in streaming quality, even when your network isn’t perfect.
How to install and use Moonlight on Steam Deck
Moonlight is a great way to make more games playable on your Steam Deck, and it only takes a few minutes to set up.
Raspberry Pi 5 hardware makes streaming stronger
The Pi 5’s performance brings real streaming improvements
The Raspberry Pi 5 offers more power across the board than previous models, which makes it well-suited for smooth 4K decoding. The updated video engine handles high-bitrate HEVC streams far better than a Chromecast running Steam Link. This difference matters because higher bitrates translate directly into cleaner motion, sharper image quality, and fewer compression issues during fast gameplay. Even with similar networking conditions, the Pi 5 holds the stream together more effectively.
Another advantage of the Pi 5 is its ability to maintain performance while running lightweight software like Moonlight. There is less overhead and fewer background services that compete for resources. That helps ensure that decoding does not fall behind, which is important when streaming games that demand rapid updates. The entire experience feels more responsive, especially during action-heavy moments.
Network flexibility also works in the Pi’s favor. You can connect it via gigabit Ethernet, and you can also swap in a USB Wi-Fi dongle if you want higher-performance wireless networking than the built-in chip can provide. This is not something the Chromecast allows without workarounds. It gives the Pi 5 more room to grow as your network setup evolves over time.
Wired connections always offer more stable latency and fewer dropped frames, so Ethernet is the best choice when possible. If you need to use Wi-Fi, the Raspberry Pi 5 offers more options than a Chromecast. You can use the built-in radio, connect a USB Wi-Fi adapter, or even upgrade to an external antenna. These options help improve performance in crowded wireless environments. A stronger wireless connection keeps Moonlight smooth and responsive, even when streaming at high resolutions.
Moonlight offers better quality and smoother performance
Moonlight’s optimizations give it a significant advantage
Moonlight uses NVidia's GameStream protocol and its successors to deliver an efficient, speedy video pipeline. Even when paired withSunshine on a Windows or Linux gaming PC, the protocol excels at low-latency streaming. The result is a gameplay experience that feels closer to a wired connection, even over wireless. When playing fast shooters or racing games, that difference becomes clear.
This efficiency shows up in image quality as well. Moonlight can sustain much higher bitrates at 4K than Steam Link on Chromecast, without causing noticeable input lag. Higher bitrate streaming helps preserve the details of textures, shadow gradients, and motion.Steam Link can handle moderate bitrates, but it tends to introduce softness or macroblocking during fast scenes.
Moonlight’s encoder support also gives you more options. You can choose HEVC, AV1, or older codecs depending on your hardware and preferences. This flexibility helps you tailor the experience for the best balance of bandwidth, quality, and performance. When streaming from a powerful PC, it makes sense to unlock that potential rather than settle for the more restricted options on Chromecast.
You can customize the experience however you like
The Pi 5 setup gives you finer control and flexibility
A Raspberry Pi 5 gives you deep access to the software stack, allowing you to optimize your streaming box without limitations. You can adjust the bitrate, codec, resolution, HDR support, and frame pacing to match your display and network. Having this level of control helps fine-tune the setup for maximum quality. It also makes the device adaptable if you upgrade your hardware later.
You are not locked into a single app or store, either. If you decide to switch from Moonlight to another client in the future, you can install whatever you prefer. The Pi 5 becomes your own streaming appliance, shaped around your personal needs. This ability to adapt goes far beyond the locked-down Chromecast environment.
Another benefit is longevity. A Raspberry Pi 5 will receive long-term updates from the community, and you can easily replace components if needed. Chromecast devices receive updates, but they are tied to the product’s lifecycle and Google’s priorities. With a Pi, you maintain more control over how long your streaming setup stays relevant.
Where the Chromecast and Steam Link still have an edge
Convenience and official support remain strong advantages
The Steam Link app for Chromecast remains easier to deploy. A Chromecast plugs in, connects to your Google account, and you download the app with no extra setup. It is meant for people who want minimal steps and a predictable user experience. For many users, that simplicity will always be appealing.
There is also something to be said for official support. Valve and Google support Steam Link on Chromecast, so updates arrive automatically. It integrates well with the broaderGoogle TV environment and works reliably with standard Bluetooth controllers. If you just want to stream a game every now and then, it is hard to beat this level of convenience.
Not everyone wants to configure hardware or tweak advanced streaming settings. The Pi 5 with Moonlight requires more involvement, even if the steps are not complicated. Some users prefer an appliance that stays out of the way and never needs maintenance. Chromecast fits that category far more comfortably than any DIY solution.
Why the Pi 5 still comes out ahead
Image quality and responsiveness make the difference
For anyone who cares about visual fidelity and consistent performance, the Raspberry Pi 5 is the better platform. Moonlight’s protocol delivers cleaner motion, sharper visuals, and lower latency than Steam Link on Chromecast. When paired with a capable PC, it becomes a powerful way to enjoy modern games in the living room. Those improvements become apparent as soon as you start moving around in a demanding title.
The Pi 5 also scales better for enthusiasts. You can push it harder, customize it deeply, and keep improving your setup over time. Chromecast is designed for mass-market streaming rather than hobbyist-level tuning. That means it will hit its limit sooner when pushing higher resolutions and bitrates.
If you want the best possible 4K streaming with minimal compromises, the Pi 5 earns that spot. It delivers a more refined, responsive experience, though it takes a little more effort to set up. Once it is running, the benefits are worth the investment. It proves that small hardware can outperform big-name streaming platforms when well optimized.
Moonlight gives the Pi a real advantage over Chromecast
A Raspberry Pi 5 paired with Moonlight outperforms the Steam Link app on Chromecast in both quality and responsiveness. The stronger hardware, better codec support, and deeper customization options make it a compelling upgrade for anyone who wants serious 4K in-home streaming.
For anyone who cares about visual fidelity, the Raspberry Pi 5 is the better platform.
While Chromecast still wins on simplicity, the Pi 5 offers a richer and more reliable experience once everything is in place.
Moonlight
This free project runs on a Raspberry Pi 5 and proves itself superior for 4K game streaming to a Chromecast with the Steam Link app.
