Chiaki-ng vs PSPlay – Free Open Source vs Paid Remote Play
Phone-first players: PSPlay is worth its price. Desktop and Steam Deck players: chiaki-ng does the job free. PSPlay — by independent developer Florian Grill, a one-time purchase of about $6 on Google Play (check the store for the live price) — is a polished, closed-source Android client built for phones. Chiaki-ng is a free, open-source client built for desktops and handheld PCs.
Chiaki-ng vs PSPlay: Side-by-Side
| Dimension | Chiaki-ng | PSPlay |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, forever (AGPLv3) | Paid — about $6 one-time on Google Play (check the store for the live price) |
| Developer | Community project (streetpea/chiaki-ng) | Florian Grill (independent developer) |
| Source code | Open source — auditable by anyone | Closed source |
| Primary platform | Desktop & handheld PCs: Windows, macOS, Linux, Steam Deck, Switch | Android: phones, tablets, Android TV |
| Android experience | No official Android build | Purpose-built: touch controls, on-screen layout customization, mobile-data streaming, multi-profile support |
| Desktop experience | Full client: HDR, Vulkan/OpenGL renderers, upscalers, deep tuning | Not its target — no desktop builds |
| Third-party controllers | Extensive remapping database | Strong Android-side support incl. button mapping |
| Update cadence | Active — v1.10.0 (2026) | Active — recent 8.x builds (2026) |
| HDR | Yes, with custom scalers | Not documented — check the store listing |
“If you decide on PSPlay, search it on Google Play yourself — prices and availability vary by region.
The Verdict
- Buy PSPlay if: your main remote-play device is an Android phone or tablet. It’s the most polished mobile experience — touch layout customization and mobile-data support that no free client matches.
- Use chiaki-ng if: you play on a PC, Mac, Steam Deck, or Linux box. It’s free, open-source, and stronger than PSPlay on every desktop dimension (HDR, renderers, tuning).
- On a budget with an Android phone? Try the original Chiaki’s free Android app first (Google Play / F-Droid) — see our Android status page. If you outgrow it, PSPlay’s ~$6 is a fair upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PSPlay better than chiaki-ng?
For Android phones and tablets, yes — PSPlay is purpose-built for mobile with touch controls, layout customization, and mobile-data streaming. For desktops, Macs, Linux, and Steam Deck, chiaki-ng is the better tool and it’s free. They target different devices.
How much does PSPlay cost?
PSPlay is a one-time purchase of about $6 on Google Play — check the store for the live price in your region, as it can vary. There is no subscription. (This page contains no purchase or affiliate links; search Google Play directly.)
Is PSPlay open source like chiaki-ng?
No. PSPlay is closed-source software by independent developer Florian Grill, while chiaki-ng is fully open source under the GNU AGPLv3. If code auditability matters to you, that difference is decisive.
Can I use PSPlay on iPhone or PC?
PSPlay is an Android app (phones, tablets, Android TV). It has no desktop builds. For PC/Mac/Linux/Steam Deck, use chiaki-ng or Sony’s official client instead.
I don't want to pay — what's the best free remote play option on Android?
The original Chiaki project’s free Android app (Google Play / F-Droid) is the honest free answer. Sony’s official Remote Play app is also free. See our Android status page for the full rundown of what chiaki-ng does and doesn’t offer on mobile.
Chiaki-ng.com is an independent, unofficial resource site. Chiaki-ng is free and open-source software (GNU AGPLv3) built by its community contributors. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Sony Interactive Entertainment.