Best Playit.gg alternatives in 2025

As we move through 2025, gamers and server hosts are increasingly searching for better ways to get around NAT restrictions. While Playit.gg remains popular thanks to its plug-and-play tunneling, new alternatives are offering lower latency, more features, and broader applications. Many users are now exploring options that completely eliminate the need for port forwarding or give them more control over server settings. This guide covers several categories—including game server hosting, VPN and virtual LAN solutions, port-forwarding/tunneling services, and remote play options—with this section focusing specifically on comprehensive game server hosting alternatives.

1. Port-Forwarding & Tunneling Services

For users who prefer to expose a local server to the internet without reconfiguring router settings, tunneling services are an excellent choice. These solutions create a secure “tunnel” from your local machine to a public endpoint, effectively bypassing NAT restrictions. Below are some alternatives to Playit.gg, each with unique features:

Pinggy

Pinggy offers a minimal setup that allows you to expose local servers quickly without the need for complex configurations. It supports multiple protocols including HTTP, HTTPS, and TCP tunnels, making it a versatile choice for both developers and gamers. Its CLI-based control ensures that users who are comfortable with terminal commands can manage and deploy connections efficiently, providing a streamlined and effective solution for local server exposure.

Pros

• Lightweight & Fast – Requires minimal resources, making it ideal for quick deployments.
• Custom Domains – Allows users to map tunnels to their own domain on paid plans.
• Works on Low-End Devices – Designed to run even on low-resource machines.

Cons

• Limited Free Tier – The free plan has restrictions on tunnel persistence and bandwidth.

Why Consider It?

If you’re looking for a lightweight and fast alternative to ngrok, Pinggy offers a streamlined solution for exposing local game servers with minimal setup.

Ngrok

Ngrok offers a straightforward solution for exposing local services to the internet through command-line tunneling. With a single terminal command, you can easily expose a local web server or any TCP service, making it ideal for both web applications and game servers. In addition to its core tunneling capabilities, ngrok supports both HTTP and TCP tunnels, providing flexibility for various use cases. Once your tunnel is active, a user-friendly web dashboard enables real-time inspection and monitoring of incoming traffic, enhancing both control and security.

Pros

• Ease of Use:
  The setup is straightforward, which is ideal for developers and gamers who want a quick solution without heavy configuration.
• Rapid Testing:
  It’s perfect for short-term projects, debugging, or temporary game sessions.

Cons

• Ephemeral Tunnels:
  On the free tier, tunnels have temporary URLs that change with each session. This makes it less suitable for long-term hosting.
• Limited Persistence:
  Persistent tunnels (with custom domains or reserved TCP addresses) require a paid plan, which might be necessary for continuous game server hosting.

Why Consider It?

ngrok is excellent for those looking to test or host a game server for short periods. Its simplicity and real-time monitoring are perfect for development and temporary gameplay sessions. However, if you plan to run a game server continuously, a paid plan or a different solution might be more appropriate.

Portmap.io

Portmap.io leverages OpenVPN-based tunneling to establish a secure connection between your local device and its public servers. One of its standout features is the ability to select a server region, allowing you to connect to a relay server that is geographically closer to your players, thereby reducing latency. Additionally, Portmap.io supports both TCP and UDP protocols, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of games and applications.

Pros

• Regional Control:
  By choosing a nearby server, you can achieve lower ping and improved performance.
• Custom Domain Options:
  On the premium tier, you can map your own domain, which is ideal for branding or if a game expects a specific port or hostname.

Cons

• More Involved Setup:
  Compared to ngrok’s one-command start, setting up Portmap.io may require additional configuration, especially when managing VPN settings.
• Learning Curve:
  Users unfamiliar with VPN technology might find the setup process a bit technical at first.

Why Consider It?

Portmap.io is a strong alternative if you need precise control over your tunnel’s location for performance reasons. Its flexibility with both TCP and UDP, along with custom domain support, makes it a reliable choice for gamers seeking a lower-latency experience compared to generic tunneling services.

LocalXpose & PageKite

LocalXpose

LocalXpose is a modern reverse proxy service that allows you to expose local servers to the internet with ease. It features a command-line interface, and its premium plans offer additional functionality such as custom subdomains and basic authentication.

• Pros:

  • User-friendly setup with advanced features like IP whitelisting.
  • Supports multiple protocols, similar to ngrok.

• Cons:

  • While it provides robust features, it lacks a gaming-specific focus, so certain optimizations for UDP game traffic may not be as refined.

PageKite

PageKite is a long-established, open-source tunneling solution. It can be self-hosted, giving you complete control over the configuration and data flow.

• Pros:

  • Open-source and highly customizable.
  • Works with any TCP port, making it versatile for exposing various services.

• Cons:

  • The free tier comes with limitations, such as bandwidth restrictions.
  • Setup can be more technical, and it is primarily designed for web services rather than gaming.

Why Consider Them?

Both LocalXpose and PageKite offer flexible tunneling solutions that can be tailored to your needs. They are excellent alternatives if you value control and customization over a plug-and-play experience. However, for strictly gaming-centric features, you might need to tweak settings or combine them with other tools.

2. Game Server Hosting Alternatives

For users who prefer to avoid the challenges of NAT altogether, hosting a game server on a public IP is an attractive option. This not only simplifies connectivity for players but also allows for dedicated resource allocation and improved performance. Below are three main alternatives:

Aternos (Free Minecraft Hosting)

Aternos offers a host of features that make it an ideal choice for hosting a Minecraft server. Its one-click setup allows even beginners to create and manage their servers effortlessly, thanks to an intuitive interface that streamlines the entire process. Operating on an ad-supported model, Aternos provides a fully functional server without any subscription fees, although you may encounter occasional ads in the web panel. The platform also emphasizes full customization, enabling users to install mods and plugins to tailor the gaming experience to their liking—from custom game modes to performance tweaks—ensuring a unique server environment. Additionally, built-in basic DDoS protection helps safeguard your server against potential attacks, promoting uninterrupted gameplay under most circumstances.

Pros

• Cost-Free:
  Aternos is completely free, making it accessible for hobby gamers and small communities.

• User-Friendly Interface:
  The platform is designed to be straightforward, which is perfect for users who may not have technical expertise.

Cons

• Limited Resources:
  Servers typically come with around 2 GB of RAM. While this is sufficient for smaller groups or Minecraft’s default settings, it may struggle under high-demand mods or large player counts.

• Auto-Shutdown Feature:
  To conserve resources, Aternos automatically shuts down servers when they are idle. This means that for 24/7 availability, you might need to manually restart the server or use the platform’s scheduling features.

Why Consider It?

Aternos eliminates the need for manual port forwarding by hosting your server on their own infrastructure, which already has a public IP address. It’s an excellent choice for casual Minecraft players or small groups who don’t require constant uptime and are comfortable with occasional downtime due to the auto-shutdown mechanism.

Paid Game Server Hosts

Paid game server hosts offer dedicated infrastructure, ensuring that your game runs on hardware reserved exclusively for your use, resulting in consistent performance, lower latency, and higher uptime. Unlike free services that may shut down during inactivity, these hosts guarantee 24/7 uptime, making them ideal for gaming communities that require round-the-clock access. Additionally, they provide user-friendly control panels, allowing seamless server management through web-based dashboards where users can modify settings, install updates, and monitor performance in real-time. With scalability and customization options, paid hosting services offer flexible plans that can be adjusted based on player count and resource requirements, making them suitable for both small private servers and larger public ones.

Example: Exaroton, Apex Hosting, Nitrado

Pros

• Reliable Performance:
  With dedicated resources, the performance is generally more predictable and stable compared to free hosting.

• Professional Support:
  Most paid services include technical support and detailed documentation to help resolve any issues quickly.

Cons

• Recurring Costs:
  Monthly fees usually start around $5–$10, which can add up over time, especially for larger servers.

• Less Flexibility with Cost:
  While these services provide robust features, the recurring fees might not be suitable for everyone, particularly if you’re experimenting or have a tight budget.

Why Consider Them?

If you’re looking for a professional-grade environment with guaranteed uptime and improved performance, paid game server hosts are the way to go. Their lower ping, consistent performance, and professional support make them particularly attractive for competitive gaming or when hosting servers for a larger community.

Cloud VPS

Renting a Virtual Private Server (VPS) from providers like AWS, DigitalOcean, or Linode gives you complete control over your game server, allowing you to install any software, customize firewall settings, and tweak performance parameters to meet your exact requirements. This setup offers remarkable flexibility in configuration, enabling you to choose your operating system, install the game server software of your choice, and even run multiple game servers on a single VPS if resources permit. Furthermore, VPS servers come with their own public IP addresses, ensuring direct connectivity that often results in lower latency—a significant advantage for fast-paced, competitive gaming. Example: DIY Hosting

Pros

• Full Customization:
  You’re free to set up your environment exactly as you like, optimizing performance for your specific game and player load.

• Scalability:
  As your server grows, you can easily upgrade your VPS plan to allocate more resources (CPU, RAM, storage) as needed.

• Potential for Cost Savings:
  For tech-savvy users who are comfortable with Linux and server management, a VPS can be a cost-effective solution compared to managed game server hosts.

Cons

• Technical Complexity:
  Setting up and maintaining a VPS requires a solid understanding of server administration, including installing and configuring software, managing security patches, and troubleshooting performance issues.

• Time Investment:
  Managing your own server can be time-consuming, particularly if you encounter issues that require troubleshooting or optimization.

Why Consider It?

For users with technical expertise or those who are willing to invest time into learning server management, a Cloud VPS offers unmatched flexibility and control. It’s ideal if you want to optimize your server’s performance, experiment with different configurations, or run multiple services on a single machine without the constraints of pre-packaged hosting plans.

3. VPN & Virtual LAN Solutions

When it comes to bypassing NAT restrictions, VPNs and virtual LAN (VLAN) tools can create a secure, direct connection between players by forming peer-to-peer networks. These solutions not only help to eliminate the need for manual port forwarding but can also reduce latency by connecting devices directly. Let’s explore these alternatives in detail:

ZeroTier

ZeroTier establishes a virtual network that functions like a local Ethernet network, seamlessly connecting devices ranging from PCs and mobile devices to NAS systems across different platforms. Its broad cross-platform compatibility ensures that users on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android can all join the network without encountering compatibility issues. Furthermore, ZeroTier employs advanced NAT traversal techniques that facilitate direct peer-to-peer connections, significantly reducing the need for centralized relays and enhancing overall network performance.

Pros

• Direct Connectivity:
  By establishing a direct connection between devices, ZeroTier minimizes latency, which is crucial for fast-paced gaming.

• Ease of Network Creation:
  Creating and managing virtual networks is straightforward with a web-based dashboard, allowing you to add or remove devices easily.

• Flexibility:
  Suitable for both casual gaming sessions and more technical deployments where you might want to integrate additional services.

Cons

• Client Installation Required:
  Every player must install the ZeroTier client, which might be a barrier for those looking for a completely plug-and-play solution.

• Learning Curve:
  While the interface is user-friendly, some users might need a bit of time to understand network configuration and management, especially for advanced settings.

Why Consider It?

ZeroTier’s ability to simulate a local network over the internet makes it an excellent choice for gamers who want to experience low-latency, LAN-like performance without complex router configurations. Its flexibility and cross-platform support ensure that it can serve a variety of gaming setups, from casual multiplayer sessions to competitive gaming tournaments.

Tailscale

Tailscale leverages the high-performance WireGuard protocol to deliver robust security with minimal overhead through encrypted connections. Emphasizing ease of use, it streamlines the onboarding process by allowing users to log in with their existing Google or Microsoft accounts. In addition to these features, Tailscale adopts a mesh VPN architecture that enables direct communication between every device, bypassing the need for a central server and often resulting in lower latency.

Pros

• Low Latency:
  The direct mesh architecture ensures that traffic takes the shortest route possible, which is ideal for real-time gaming.

• Secure and Modern:
  With WireGuard’s state-of-the-art encryption, Tailscale ensures your data remains secure, all while being easy to configure.

• Scalable for Small Networks:
  Tailscale is perfect for small groups or private networks, making it ideal for home LAN-style gaming sessions.

Cons

• Peer Client Requirement:
  Similar to ZeroTier, every participant needs to install the Tailscale client. This might not be ideal if you’re inviting non-technical friends.

• Limited for Larger Networks:
  While great for small setups, Tailscale is optimized for private, small-scale networks rather than large public gaming communities.

Why Consider It?

Tailscale offers a modern, secure solution for gamers looking to build a private network with minimal fuss. Its ease of integration, combined with the performance benefits of WireGuard, makes it an attractive option for anyone wanting to reduce lag and simplify network management without extensive technical configuration.

SoftEther VPN (Free, Open-Source)

SoftEther VPN is a highly versatile VPN solution that supports multiple protocols including L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, SSTP, and EtherIP, giving you the flexibility to choose the best protocol for your specific needs. It is designed with robust security features such as strong AES-256 encryption and the capability to tunnel VPN traffic over HTTPS, allowing it to bypass restrictive firewalls and maintain reliable connections even in challenging network environments. Additionally, SoftEther VPN offers cross-platform functionality, making it adaptable to a wide range of operating systems and various setup requirements.

Pros

• Full Control:
  Being open-source, SoftEther allows for extensive customization. You can configure it to meet your precise security and performance needs.

• High Flexibility:
  Its support for multiple protocols means it can be used in virtually any network environment, whether for gaming, remote work, or secure browsing.

• Cost-Effective:
  As a free tool, SoftEther provides enterprise-level features without the associated costs.

Cons

• Complex Setup:
  The powerful features come with a steeper learning curve. Setting up SoftEther VPN can be challenging for users who are not familiar with network configurations.

• Self-Hosting Required:
  You need to host your own VPN server, which means additional infrastructure or a dedicated VPS is required. This adds maintenance overhead and potential security responsibilities.

Why Consider It?

SoftEther VPN is best for users who demand the highest levels of control and security. If you’re technically proficient and willing to invest time in configuration, SoftEther can provide a tailored VPN solution that perfectly matches your gaming needs while offering robust security and flexibility.

Hamachi & Radmin VPN

Hamachi

Hamachi is one of the pioneering solutions for creating virtual LANs over the internet. It’s simple to use and has a long track record in facilitating small-scale gaming networks.

• Pros:

  • Ease of Setup:
    Ideal for users who need a quick and straightforward way to connect up to 5 PCs.
  • Widely Recognized:
    It has been around for years, meaning there’s plenty of community support and documentation available.

• Cons:

  • Limited Peer Count:
    The free version supports only up to 5 PCs, which might not be enough for larger gaming sessions.
  • Potential Latency Issues:
    If NAT traversal fails, Hamachi may resort to relaying traffic through its servers, leading to increased latency.

Radmin VPN

Radmin VPN provides a completely free solution for creating a virtual LAN, with no limitations on the number of connected peers.

• Pros:

  • High-Speed Connections:
    It’s optimized for low-latency communication, which is crucial for gaming.
  • No Peer Limits:
    Unlike Hamachi, Radmin VPN does not cap the number of devices, allowing for larger gaming groups.

• Cons:

  • Platform Specificity:
    Currently, Radmin VPN is available only on Windows, limiting its use in cross-platform environments.

Why Consider Them?

Both Hamachi and Radmin VPN are excellent for quickly setting up a virtual LAN for gaming. Hamachi’s ease of use is great for small groups, while Radmin VPN is a better choice if you’re looking for unlimited peer connections—provided all your players are on Windows. These solutions are particularly useful for gamers who want a straightforward way to simulate a local network without the complexity of setting up a full VPN.

4. Remote Play & Game Streaming Solutions

Not every gaming scenario requires a dedicated server—sometimes sharing a game session remotely is more practical. Remote play and game streaming solutions allow one host’s computer to broadcast the gameplay, letting friends join the session with minimal configuration.

Parsec

Parsec delivers high-performance game streaming with support for up to 60 FPS and 4K resolution, making it an excellent choice for fast-paced, graphics-intensive games. Its architecture is designed to minimize latency by establishing direct peer-to-peer connections whenever possible, ensuring a smooth and responsive gaming experience. Additionally, Parsec features a simple client setup with an intuitive interface that allows both hosts and clients to easily connect to a session without the need for complicated network configurations.

Pros

• Ease of Use:
  No need to worry about port forwarding or setting up complex network configurations.
• Great for Co-Op and Local Multiplayer:
  Ideal for sharing your PC’s power with friends in cooperative or turn-based games.

Cons

• Single Host Limitation:
  Only the host machine handles rendering. This makes it unsuitable for games that require distributed processing.
• Not a Full Game Server:
  It’s meant for streaming rather than running a persistent, multi-user game server.

Why Consider It?

Parsec excels when you want to share your gaming experience directly from your PC without exposing a game server. Its high performance and low latency make it perfect for inviting a friend or small group into a real-time gaming session without dealing with complex network configurations.

Cloud Gaming Services (GeForce Now, Shadow)

Services like GeForce Now and Shadow offer cloud-based gaming solutions that let you stream games from powerful remote servers, eliminating the need for high-end local hardware. This approach offloads the heavy processing tasks to the cloud, making it an ideal choice for players using less powerful devices or those who want to experience graphically demanding games without investing in new hardware.

Pros

• Accessibility:
  Ideal for users with lower-end PCs, tablets, or even smartphones.
• Consistent Performance:
  Cloud gaming can provide a consistent experience if you have a stable and fast internet connection.

Cons

• Subscription Costs:
  Cloud gaming services typically require monthly subscriptions.
• Additional Latency:
  The extra hop to the cloud server may introduce some latency, which might be noticeable in fast-paced games.

Why Consider Them?

Cloud gaming services are perfect if you want to offload hardware requirements or if your local machine struggles with high-end games. They aren’t a direct replacement for a local game server but are excellent for streaming your games to devices that otherwise couldn’t run them.

Conclusion

Playit.gg remains a strong choice for its ease of use and gaming-centric design, but the best alternative depends on your specific needs:

• For Lower Latency:
  VPN/mesh tools like ZeroTier and Tailscale offer direct connections that often outperform relay-based solutions.
• For Professional Game Hosting:
  Consider paid hosts or a cloud VPS for reliable performance and dedicated server environments.
• For Simplicity and Quick Setup:
  Steam Remote Play Together or Parsec are excellent for casual remote play without complicated setups.
• For Maximum Flexibility:
  Open-source solutions like SoftEther VPN and FRP provide robust options if you’re willing to handle extra configuration.

Choosing the right alternative will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize cost, latency, ease of use, or the ability to fully customize your network setup.