For a long time, Mac users often felt left out when it came to video games, as it seemed like gaming was not designed for them. You might hear people say that Macs are only meant for work and not for play. If you ask me, they were not wrong because most of the games were designed for Windows only, and even the most powerful Macs struggle to keep them running.
Cloud gaming has finally erased the hardware barrier because this technology allows any modern macOS device to instantly play a high-powered game without the need for a dedicated graphics card or even massive internal storage. This system is straightforward: it runs your game on a remote server that handles all the heavy tasks, allowing your Mac to stream the video output simply.
This revolutionary shift means that any Mac can easily deliver a perfect high graphics setting experience, and the only requirement is a stable internet connection. Cloud gaming makes the performance of your machine irrelevant; thus, the experience depends entirely on the service, or rather, the subscription you choose.
Can you really play games on MacOS
You can easily play games on macOS with cloud gaming; it is one of the simplest methods to run the game on a remote server, while your Mac can only stream the visuals. You just have to send a command, and the server will do all the heavy work by itself.
This means that the Mac does not need to process those heavy game files or even use a lot of memory. Even with a MacBook Air and stable internet, you can smoothly play top games like Cyberpunk or Fortnite without overheating.
How we tested
To find the best cloud gaming option for a Mac, we have tested popular platforms on our two devices.
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MacBook Air M1
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MacBook Pro M2
Our internet fiber connection had a speed of approximately 150 Mbps. We played games like GTA, Cyberpunk 2077 and Fortnite for several hours, testing the smoothness of gameplay, connection time, and even graphics clarity.
Best cloud gaming options for Mac
NVIDIA GeForce Now
NVIDIA GeForce Now cloud gaming can be used on a Mac by downloading the app.
This is one of the most trusted names in cloud gaming. It allows you to play games from your own game library without the need to download them.
This app works well on macOS, and the visuals remain sharp even on a standard connection. The free plan is suitable for gamers who want to play casually. The paid version offers the best speed with RTX graphics, making it stable and straightforward, perfect for gamers who want a plug-and-play experience.
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Pros. It gives access to high-end hardware with its ultimate plan, which includes NVIDIA’s latest GPUs for high frame rates and ray tracking.
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Cons. You have to own the game on supported stores like Steam and Epic separately, which makes it a bit expensive.
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Best for. It is best for gamers who own large libraries of PC games and want high-end performance.
Xbox Cloud Gaming
You can use Xbox Cloud Gaming on a Mac by just visiting the Xbox Cloud Gaming website through your browser.
If you already have an Xbox Game Pass, then everything is set because Xbox Cloud Gaming runs directly from the browser, so there is no need to install anything.
You can open Safari or Chrome and log in to start playing at any time. The interface is so smooth, and the loading time is even shorter.
It is ideal for those gamers who just want to jump into the game with minimal setup.
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Pros. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate provides an extensive, rotating library of games that can be accessed on many devices.
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Cons. In this library, they are organized by Microsoft, so there is no “bring your own games” option like GeForce Now or Boosteroid.
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Best for. It is ideal for casual, slow-paced gaming and even for playing games that do not require high-speed input.
Boosteroid
Boosteroid is a cloud gaming service that works for Mac by running games on powerful remote servers and streaming the video to your computer.
It is another solid option that runs straight from the browser. You don't even need to install any app. It supports a wide range of games and runs so well on M-series macOS.
The only issue with this is input delay on Wi-Fi, but a wired connection easily fixes that. Boosteroid is fast to start and easy to use, making it perfect for beginners.
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Pros. It is more affordable than NVIDIA GeForce Now because it offers 4K streaming at 120FPS, and it allows you to play many games without a time limit.
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Cons. It is newer and less proven than some of its competitors.
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Best for. It is for budget-conscious gamers who just want to play a wide variety of games they already own.
Amazon Luna
Amazon Luna is a newer option that runs straight from your browser. In this, you don’t need to install any app. You just need to log in and start playing from the available channel.
It has a growing library of games and offers a Luna+ subscription with access to popular titles. The interface is smooth, and the streaming quality remains consistent even with a medium internet speed.
It is excellent for players who like a simple browser-based experience with a mix of casual and mid-range games.
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Pros. It has a very affordable monthly subscription with access to a library of games.
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Cons. It is not ideal for hardcore gamers as the performance is not the best, and it has a more limited and less compelling library compared to other top service providers.
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Best for. It is for casual gamers who are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use service with different content channels.
Shadow PC
It gives you a complete Windows computer experience in the cloud. Here you can install games, apps, or even mods. It is a bit more expensive than others, but the flexibility it offers is worth it. You will not get limited access to specific game libraries.
If you want complete control and high performance, then Shadow pc is the best option.
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Pros. It provides a complete virtual Windows PC, so you can play virtually any game you own without any limitations.
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Cons: It can be expensive than other services.
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Best for. It is best for running any Windows application or game on your Mac.
Tips to improve your gaming experience on a Mac
When you choose cloud gaming services, there are a few minor changes you should keep in mind to enhance your playing experience by making it smoother and safer.
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A wired Ethernet connection is always a top recommendation instead of Wi-Fi.
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Background Running apps should be closed.
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Keep your browser or cloud gaming app up to date.
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If the video starts lagging, just lower the resolution.
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In macOS, multi-authentication needs to be enabled because it helps us protect our gaming accounts and other sensitive information.
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You must use a trusted antivirus software that helps you keep your Mac secure while gaming online.
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If the gaming platform is not available in the country or feels slow, try using a VPN for Mac to connect with a nearby private server
These steps can enhance the speed, reduce the lag and even help you keep your system safe while gaming.
Future of cloud gaming on MacOS
Cloud gaming is growing fast among Mac users. Apple’s new M-series chips have made streaming games much easier.
More services are now optimizing for macOS, and the number of supported titles continues to increase annually. Gaming on Mac is no longer a challenge- it's becoming a trend now.
If you want the best mix of performance, quality, and reliability, then GeForce Now stands out as the top cloud gaming option for Mac in 2025.
While for a quick and casual play, Box Cloud Gaming is perfect, and if you want total freedom, then Shadow Pc gives you that power. Cloud gaming has finally made Mac gaming feel natural, with no extra setups and no limits. It’s just you, your Mac, and your favorite games while streaming in real time.
These steps can enhance the speed, reduce the lag, and even help you keep your system safe while gaming.
Header image: AppleInsider