Introduction
Cloud gaming services (also known as game streaming services) is a way to play modern games that doesn’t require you to own powerful hardware. The actual game runs somewhere on a server, while the user’s computer simply serves as a display and a controller. Because of this, cloud gaming can be used to play any game regardless of its system requirements. This means you can play Windows games on Mac, for example. But there are still limitations. The service provider needs to include the game in their game library, while you need to have a very good internet connection. So what are the best cloud gaming services for Mac? Read our article to find out.
What is the best cloud gaming service for Mac?
Boosteroid
Boosteroid is probably the best cloud gaming service currently available on Mac. It offers a large library of games of all genres; most popular games (and even some obscure ones) are included. Its numerous servers are located in the United States, United Kingdom, as well as in many European countries. The game client is available on many different platforms, including Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. However, you can also play right from your browser without downloading anything. All paying clients can play their games for as long as they want and have access to 24/7 customer support. Despite this, the subscription prices are fairly reasonable; it will cost you around €10 ($11) per month. If you’re willing to pay annually, the cost is even lower: €7.5 or $8.35 per month.
PLAYKEY
PLAYKEY is a fairly decent cloud gaming service for Mac as well. It has servers in the UK, Germany, Russia, and United Arab Emirates. Though its game library is no match for Boosteroid, it’s still pretty expansive and includes many popular games. It also features a flexible payment scheme which allows you to pay per hour. Though these payments will quickly add up if you play a lot, it might appeal to people with busy lives who don’t play all that much.
AirGPU
Shadow is not exactly a cloud gaming service – it’s a remote desktop service. Unlike its competitors, it doesn’t have a library of games at all. Instead, it simply provides you with a Windows PC in the cloud, so that you can install any game you want. And you’re not limited to games either. Productivity apps, CAD software, anything that runs on Windows can also run on Shadow cloud computers. This flexibility comes at a price, however; one month of subscription will cost you 33 dollars per month, with a modest discount available if you pay for six months upfront.
NVidia GeForce NOW
GeForce NOW features more than 1500 games, and is available in most countries on Earth. Even Latin America, Middle East, and Australia are covered (though Africa is not). Thanks to NVidia’s expertise, the graphic fidelity is extremely high, and comes with no sacrifice in performance. For example, games that support it have RTX enabled by default – and run incredibly smoothly despite that. However, you cannot play for as long as you want; the session length is limited. The subscription will cost you $10 for month, or $50 for 6 months. Notably, there’s also a free tier available, restricted in terms of graphics and session length.
Parsec
Parsec is another remote desktop service like Shadow; it allows you to install any game or application. However, the service has been optimized for gaming to ensure that it always delivers consistent performance, never dipping below 60 FPS. It also has other gaming-oriented features; for example, it supports split-screen multiplayer and has Discord integration. There is a free tier available, while the subscription will cost you ten dollars per month.
Conclusion
The best cloud gaming service for Mac is undoubtedly Boosteroid, but there are others available as well. Sometimes, they even have features that Boosteroid doesn’t provide. For example, NVidia GeForce NOW offers a free subscription tier, while AirGPU lets you install any game or application as long as it runs on Windows.
Though cloud gaming services are useful, they require a fast internet connection and come with a subscription fee. One alternative is installing Windows on your Mac. The best application for this purpose is Parallels Desktop, but you can also try VirtualBox if you don’t have money to spare.