If you’re a Mac user who enjoys gaming, you’ll know that many of the biggest PC games still don’t offer native macOS support.
Fortunately, cloud gaming has become one of the easiest ways to play Windows-only games on a Mac. Instead of relying on your Mac’s hardware, cloud gaming services run games on powerful remote servers and stream them directly to your device.
This means even older Intel Macs and entry-level Apple Silicon Macs can play demanding games such as Cyberpunk 2077, Call of Duty, Microsoft Flight Simulator, EA FC 26 and Fortnite without needing a dedicated gaming PC.
We’ve tested most of the major game streaming platforms on macOS and found that the best cloud gaming service for Mac users in 2026 is NVIDIA GeForce NOW thanks to its excellent performance, huge game library support and native Mac app.
Here are the best cloud gaming services for Mac right now.
| Service | Best For | Free Tier | Native Mac App | Own Games Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GeForce NOW | Overall performance | Yes | Yes | Usually |
| Xbox Cloud Gaming | Large game library | No | Browser only | No |
| Shadow PC | Complete Windows gaming PC | No | Yes | Yes |
| Boosteroid | Affordable cloud gaming | No | Yes | Usually |
| Amazon Luna | Casual gaming | Limited | Browser-based | No |
Contents
- 1. GeForce NOW For Mac (Best Overall Cloud Gaming Service For Mac)
- 2. Xbox Cloud Gaming (Best Value If You Don’t Own Games)
- 3. Shadow (Best For Full Windows Cloud PC)
- 4. Boosteroid (Best GeForce Now Alternative)
- 5. Amazon Luna (Best For Casual Gamers & Prime Subscribers)
- Is PlayStation Plus Available For Macs?
- FAQ
1. GeForce NOW For Mac (Best Overall Cloud Gaming Service For Mac)
NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW For Mac is one of the most popular game streaming services available for macOS from one of the biggest companies in processing technology.
GeForce Now links to your personal game libraries, including those from Steam, Ubisoft Connect, Xbox, Epic Games, and more.
The service supports over 2,000 games, including major titles like Battlefield 6, Cyberpunk 2077 and Fortnite, and the only game streaming service that offers 4K resolution (depending on your subscription tier).
Why GeForce NOW is one of our favorite gaming platforms:
- It has a native Mac app for desktop access and optimization for macOS.
- Free tier available (with session limitations).
- Works with most major game stores, making it easy to access your games.
- Allows you to connect to game libraries from Steam, Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect, Xbox and other supported storefronts.
- Up to 4K resolution and 120 FPS streaming
- RTX ray tracing support DLSS upscaling
- Excellent controller and keyboard support
The main downside we’ve found is:
- The waiting times to join the GeForce Now servers, especially on the free tier.
- Most games must already be owned.
- You need the more expensive plans for powerful cloud servers for faster gaming.
You can read our full review of NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW if you want to learn more.
Pricing: Free ad supported tier but faster servers with no limits starts at $99.99/6 months. Day Passes and monthly plans available.
2. Xbox Cloud Gaming (Best Value If You Don’t Own Games)
Xbox Cloud Gaming, remains one of the easiest ways to start gaming on a Mac because you don’t need to purchase individual games.
While there’s no native macOS app, the browser-based streaming is well-optimized with minimal lag.
We’ve used it many times to play games like Microsoft Flight Simulator and Fortnite.
Popular titles regularly available include:
- Halo Infinite
- Forza Horizon 5
- Microsoft Flight Simulator
- Fortnite
- Starfield
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
- EA Play titles
Why Xbox Cloud Gaming stands out:
- Access to hundreds of high-quality Xbox games, including exclusive titles.
- No need to download or install games, saving space on your Mac.
- Supports cloud saves and cross-platform play with Xbox consoles.
The main downside is that:
- Cloud gaming requires the most expensive Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan.
- You need a compatible controller (ideally an Xbox controller) for most games.
- It’s more expensive than other Cloud gaming solutions.
- Doesn’t match GeForce NOW for visual quality or performance with streaming generally limited to 1080p.
After controversy following a price hike, Microsoft has however lowered Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to $19.99/£16.99 per month.
You can read our full review of Xbox Cloud Gaming here.
Pricing: Free Tier available. $19.99/m / £16.99 for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
3. Shadow (Best For Full Windows Cloud PC)
If you’re looking for a virtual gaming PC experience, Shadow offers another powerful cloud-based Windows PC that you can access from your Mac.
Shadow doesn’t just stream games; it gives you access to an entire Windows environment, letting you install any game or software as if you were using a high-performance PC.
The best points of using Shadow on a Mac are:
- Full access to a high-performance Windows PC.
- Ability to run any game or software that works on Windows.
- Customizable hardware settings based on your subscription.
- Native macOS desktop app available.
On the downside:
- Shadow requires a lot more configuration than Cloud game streaming services.
- It’s one of the most expensive gaming solutions with a high monthly cost.
Shadow is a great option if you want more than just game streaming and access to a full Windows installation.
It’s not as user friendly though as other game streaming services like GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud and Amazon Luna.
If Shadow appeals to you, you may also be interested in airGPU which is a similar Cloud PC based gaming service.
Pricing: $37.99 per month
4. Boosteroid (Best GeForce Now Alternative)
Boosteroid has grown rapidly and is now one of the largest cloud gaming platforms in Europe.
It supports many games that are unavailable on competing services and offers a straightforward subscription model without the complex tiers found elsewhere.
For Mac users in the UK and Europe, Boosteroid can provide excellent performance thanks to its expanding server network.
Why Bosteroid is worth considering:
- Competitive pricing
- Good game selection
- Native Mac support
- Simple subscription model
On the downside:
- Graphics quality doesn’t quite match GeForce NOW Ultimate
- Some games rotate in and out of availability
Pricing: €7.49
5. Amazon Luna (Best For Casual Gamers & Prime Subscribers)
Amazon Luna is Amazon’s game streaming service that offers access to various channels, each containing a curated list of games.
It works on macOS via a web browser and is rapidly expanding as Amazon adds more games and developers to its catalog.
Many games can be played for free if you already have an Amazon Prime subscription.
However, you’ll need to more expensive Luna+ or Ubisoft+ subscriptions to get access to games like Resident Evil 2, Assassins Creed and Far Cry.
Why Amazon Luna is worth considering:
- Multiple subscription tiers, including Luna+ and Ubisoft+.
- Easy-to-use interface that works well on macOS browsers.
- Supports co-op and multiplayer features for compatible games.
- Affordable and flexible subscription model with a growing game library.
On the downside:
- Ideally you need an Amazon Luna controller to get the best out of it
- Only works in Google Chrome on Macs
We have a full Amazon Luna review if you want to read more.
Pricing: Luna+ $9.99/m
Is PlayStation Plus Available For Macs?
Surprisingly, there’s no Mac compatible version of PlayStation Plus (formerly PlayStation Now). In fact, there isn’t even a browser version available.
PlayStation Plus is only available for Windows, PS4 and PS5.
This means Mac users still don’t have a direct way to stream PlayStation-exclusive titles such as the The Last of Us Part II series or God of War Ragnarök through Sony’s cloud gaming service.
FAQ
What is cloud gaming?
Cloud gaming allows you to stream video games over the internet without needing high-performance hardware. The games run on powerful servers in data centers, and the video and inputs are streamed to and from your Mac.
Are cloud gaming services compatible with Macs?
Yes, most cloud gaming services are platform-agnostic, meaning they can run on Macs as long as you have a compatible browser or app and a stable internet connection.
What are some popular cloud gaming services for Macs?
- Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta): Accessible via browsers like Safari, offering Xbox Game Pass titles.
- Amazon Luna: Available in specific regions, Luna supports macOS via web browsers.
- NVIDIA GeForce NOW: Supports a large library of games and runs on macOS via a dedicated app or browser.
- Boosteroid: A popular European based alternative to GeForce Now
- Shadow: Turns your Mac into a high-performance Windows PC for gaming.
Do I need special hardware to use cloud gaming on my Mac?
No special hardware is required. However, for the best experience, a game controller, a stable internet connection (preferably 15 Mbps or higher), and a wired Ethernet or 5GHz Wi-Fi connection are recommended.
Can I use a MacBook for cloud gaming?
Yes, MacBooks are excellent for cloud gaming due to their portability and compatibility with cloud gaming platforms. Ensure you have sufficient internet speed and keep your device plugged in during extended gaming sessions.
What internet speed do I need for cloud gaming?
Most services recommend:
- Minimum: 10 Mbps for 720p at 30fps.
- Optimal: 20 Mbps or higher for 1080p at 60fps or above.
- High-end: 35 Mbps or higher for 4K resolution (currently only supported by GeForce Now).
Are there latency issues when using cloud gaming on a Mac?
Latency depends on your internet connection and proximity to the service’s data center. Using a wired connection or reducing network congestion can improve performance.
Do I need to buy games separately for cloud gaming services?
It depends on the service:
- Subscription-based services (e.g., Xbox Cloud Gaming, Luna) include a library of games.
- Platform-based services (e.g., GeForce NOW) may require you to own or purchase games from supported stores like Steam or Epic Games.
Are cloud gaming services expensive?
Costs vary by provider. Some services, like GeForce NOW, offer free tiers with limitations, while others require monthly subscriptions ranging from around $10 to $30. Bear in mind that many of these services require you to own the game you want to play and then connect to the platform you own it on (such as Steam, Epic Games and others).
Can I play multiplayer games on cloud gaming services using a Mac?
Yes, multiplayer games are supported on most platforms. However, ensure your connection is stable to avoid lag during gameplay.
Are there any drawbacks to cloud gaming on Macs?
- Dependency on a stable internet connection.
- Potential latency issues.
- Limited offline availability.
- Compatibility varies for some games and peripherals.
How do I get started with cloud gaming on my Mac?
- Choose a service based on your preferences and game library.
- Sign up for an account (free or subscription-based).
- Install the app or access the service through a browser.
- Connect a controller or use your keyboard and mouse.
- Launch a game and enjoy!