What Is Better xCloud?

Better xCloud is a free, open-source browser extension and Android app that improves the Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud) experience on xbox.com/play. It adds higher visual quality, Remote Play support, and extra control options across Windows, macOS, Linux, SteamOS, Android, iOS, iPadOS, and LG TVs. It is not an official Microsoft product, but the xCloud developers have endorsed it and confirmed they "don't ban people for using a third party client or extension."

What It Does

Better xCloud works on top of the existing xbox.com/play website rather than replacing it. You still sign in with your own Xbox account, and the tool never sends your account or token to another website.

Its main additions:

• Higher visual quality — enables 1080p resolution and a high-quality codec profile on supported devices.
• Clarity boost — applies several methods to make the stream look clearer and sharper.
• Remote Play support — despite the name, it lets you use Remote Play on the xbox.com/play website at 1080p, including Xbox 360 games.
• Mouse & keyboard support — native or virtual, on desktop browsers and in the Android app.
• Touch controls everywhere — adds touch controls to games that don't normally support them, plus custom touch controller layouts.
• Local co-op — allows local co-op play in some xCloud games.
• Stream stats and screenshot capture — for monitoring and saving your stream.

Supported Platforms

The site also offers guidance on picking the best client for your device, since the experience differs between the browser extension and the Android app.

Is It Safe?

According to the project, yes. Better xCloud is free and open-source, ad-free, and tracking-free (aside from trackers that come from the xCloud website itself, which you can disable). The xCloud developers endorsed it before release and stated they don't ban users for third-party clients or extensions. The project still notes you use it at your own risk.

Who It's For

Better xCloud suits anyone who already uses Xbox Cloud Gaming in a browser and wants better image quality, Remote Play on the web, or keyboard-and-mouse and touch input options that the standard site doesn't provide. If you only play through the official Xbox app or console and don't need those extras, it adds little. If you play on a Steam Deck, an Android device, or an LG TV and want a sharper 1080p stream with more control choices, it's aimed directly at you.