Are you looking for a Mac-compatible VR headset?
Apple-compatible VR headsets are a rare find, and most Mac users struggle to find one that won’t break their wallet. After all, VR gear usually has specific connectivity requirements, and Mac comes with its own unique features. The two might not always match.
And when both these things are combined, they are bound to stress you out while shopping.
So, what should you do? Lucky for you, we have already done the research and put together a comprehensive list of the best VR headsets that are compatible with Macs. These virtual reality goggles can give you the best gaming experience possible.
Keep reading to know all about it!
Best VR Headset For Mac
1. Meta Quest 2
Meta Quest 2 has a combination of a super-fast processor and a high-resolution display. This provides a seamless experience as high-speed action unfolds in front of you. Its haptic feedback, hand-tracking capabilities, and 3D positional audio work together to make the virtual world seem real. The headset comes with two storage options – 128 GB and 256 GB, with the latter being more expensive.
Thanks to its large memory, you can explore a universe of more than 350 titles across social, gaming, fitness, and entertaining VR experiences. Additionally, you can either buy the headset alone or choose from three other cost-effective bundles, namely – the starter bundle, streamer bundle, and pro bundle. You can visit the website to find out which bundle would suit you the best.
Drawback
These VR goggles come with a hefty price tag and won’t fit a tight budget.
Verdict
Meta Quest 2 has a lightning-fast processor and high-quality display. You can select from two storage space options and four different bundles.
2. Meta Quest Pro
Our next recommendation is also from the house of Meta Quest, but this one is loaded with even more features than the last one. Meta Quest Pro offers new perspectives on creativity, work, and collaboration. First of all, it has a sleek and ergonomic design, and one can wear it for a long time without discomfort. Secondly, you will get to experience high-resolution mixed reality with full-color sensors.
You can engage with your surroundings using the Touch Pro motion controllers that translate your instinctive gestures and detailed actions. Meta Quest Pro’s precision controls and self-tracking cameras make this possible.
It will let you see virtual reality with a whole new perspective, as it comes with a combination of pancake lenses, local dimming, increased pixel technology, and quantum dot technology. Furthermore, it has a storage of 256 GB and a RAM of 12 GB.
Drawback
Meta Quest Pro is the most expensive VR headset on this list, so you will have to shell out a lot of cash if you wish to buy it.
Verdict
Meta Quest Pro offers all the advanced features one would want in a VR headset. From life-like resolution to an insanely fast interface, you can have it all with this model.
3. HTC Vive Cosmos Elite
Want to enjoy crystal-clear graphics? Then the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite is what you need. This VR headset lets you see the virtual world through a 2880 x 1700 pixel resolution. It has brand new LCD panels, which have closely-placed pixels to minimize the screen door effect. Designed especially for gamers, HTC Vive is equipped with external tracking and allows precise movement control.
Furthermore, you can switch between the real and the virtual world seamlessly, as the headset has an easy flip-up design. It is a VR system Mac users can rely on, and PC users can also enjoy. HTC Vive works smoothly with MacBook Pro and can be equipped with an external graphics card. If you are on a budget, you can buy a standalone VR headset. But those who want to take the experience up a notch can invest in the whole gaming system.
Drawback
One drawback is that the HTC Vive standalone headsets require external base stations and Vive controllers, which everyone can’t afford.
Verdict
This headset is the best fit for Mac users who are pro gamers. Loaded with hi-tech graphics and providing one of the highest resolutions, the VR gaming experience on HTC Vive is one of its kind.
4. Sharper Image VR Headset
Sharper Image produces the best VR headset for Mac equipped with Bluetooth technology, a touchscreen button, and speakers. So, you won’t need to connect a remote control or headphone jack separately while playing VR games. Its V4.1 Bluetooth offers maximum compatibility and can be used with all iPhones ranging from 6 to 13. You can also connect it to all Android phones with 6.7-inch screens.
Furthermore, the headset has a 120° field of view and a 42mm objective lens that provides an excellent VR experience. With an interpupillary adjustment of 2.28 to 2.68 inches, the headset allows you to have a clear view without straining your eyes. Its powerful speakers take augmented reality to the next level, giving you an immersive viewing experience. Lastly, you can conveniently control the headset, thanks to its touch screen button.
Drawback
The headset won’t accommodate your phone if you don’t remove its cover, so that might scratch your phone over time.
Verdict
The Sharper Image VR headset comes with built-in headphones and interpupillary adjustment. It can be a treat to your eyes when you use the headset to watch movies.
5. FEEBZ VR Headset
FEEBZ virtual reality headset is made for cell phones with 4.7 to 6.5 inches screens. It is compatible with iPhones and all other major Android brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, etc. The goggles offer wireless connectivity and don’t need a remote control like other options on the market. They come with a 100%-reliable built-in action button instead, which is enough to operate most of the apps.
Speaking of which, the headset comes with a list of VR videos and apps for both beginners and pro users. It has a decent battery life that lasts up to 20 hours on a single charge. Its adjustable straps and lens provide superior comfort and clarity to the user. Moreover, the headset comes with a carrying case, cleaning cloth, and manual, so no worries if you are new and want to explore VR.
Drawback
You will have to wear your specs if you are myopic while using this headset, which can be a little uncomfortable. It also doesn’t come with built-in headphones.
Verdict
FEEBZ can be a good choice if you are on a tight budget. Available in two vibrant colors, this headset is easy to use and doesn’t need a remote control.
6. DESTEK V5 VR Headset
Next up, we have a VR headset from the brand DESTEK, which has been on the market for almost a decade. DESTEK strives to enhance optical performance and product structure for a larger field of view and comfortable wearing. And both these features stand out in its V5 VR headset. They have gyro sensors, which measure the rate of rotation around the smartphone’s horizontal and vertical axes.
The hi-tech gyro sensors allow seamless movement in different directions without any glitches. Furthermore, the VR headset comes with a Bluetooth remote for maximum compatibility. And unlike most other goggles, this set can accommodate correcting specs, as it comes with universal glass spaces to suit customers’ needs.
It has a viewing angle of 110° that provides great immersion balance and viewing clarity. Lastly, the headset is very comfortable because of its lightweight and compact design.
Drawback
The headset doesn’t fit iPhone 13 Pro Max, 14, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max.
Verdict
Destek V5 VR headset is perfect if you are buying VR goggles for the first time, as it is the only VR headset in this price range. It is beginner-friendly and lets you explore different virtual reality domains with its large field view and superior clarity.
7. LONGLU VR Goggles
On top of our list, we have VR goggles from the house of LONGLU. These 3D VR headsets can turn your iPhone or Mac into a 3D IMAX movie theater or a gaming station. Its immersive experience is unique, thanks to its panoramic view of 720°. And no worries if you wear specs, as myopic people with up to 400° distortion can use the headset without their glasses.
This easy-to-use headset can be connected to your phone through Bluetooth without the hassle of any cord or adapter. It is fast charging and has sufficient battery life. You just need to charge it for two and a half hours to use it for up to 25 hours. Furthermore, the headset’s strap is breathable and skin-friendly, so it won’t feel uncomfortable even during prolonged use.
Drawback
It isn’t suitable for smartphones with screens larger than 6.7 inches.
Verdict
LONGLU VR goggles are one of the best options on the market for Mac. They offer an immersive VR experience and have good battery life.
Buyer’s Guide
Simply discussing all the top VR models and accessories isn’t enough to make a smart choice. To buy the best headset, you need to know what features to look at and understand which one would be the right pick for your needs. So, here are a few things you must pay attention to while buying virtual reality gear:
1. Design
The most important thing to look at while buying a VR headset is the design. Mid-range ones look like smartphone cases, while the high-end ones only connect to VR gaming consoles and external computers. Phone-powered VR headsets are generally equipped with sophisticated built-in controls, tracking sensors, focus wheels, etc. These headsets are excellent if you are buying them for recreational purposes and simply want to amp up your viewing experience.
If you are a professional gamer or programmer, these smartphone models might not be enough for you. You will need high-end VR headsets that can connect to gaming consoles. These designs offer better graphics, higher resolution, and better motion tracking. So, you need to decide what you are looking for exactly, take your budget into account, and decide which design to go for.
2. Interpupillary Distance
Interpupillary distance, or IPD, is a measure of the distance between your two pupils. It can be altered in most VR headsets through software or hardware adjustments. While software IPD adjustment shifts the pixels that are being used, hardware one physically changes the lens position so that your eyes always stay at the center.
Physical IPD adjustment offers a much better viewing experience. They also significantly decrease the risk of eye strain, inaccurate depth perception, and headaches. So, we suggest choosing VR headsets offering hardware IPD adjustment over those offering software adjustment.
3. Tracking
Tracking is the method through which you control your movements in virtual reality. Trackers are the main components of VR, as they interact with the processor and adjust the orientation according to the user’s point of view.
Generally, there are two types of tracking – outside-in tracking and inside-out tracking. Let’s understand what they mean and which one is better.
A. Outside-In Tracking
Outside-in tracking is used to track the position of the user and the VR headset in a fixed space. And it relies on base stations and external trackers to create boundaries for the play area. This type of tracking provides better accuracy and an immersive viewing experience.
However, it might not be the best option if you live in a small apartment, as it requires a lot of space for seamless operation.
B. Inside-Out Tracking
This VR setup relies on the headset’s in-built sensors itself instead of external ones. Its biggest advantage is that it doesn’t require expensive sensors or base stations to get started and can simply be operated on your smartphone. You can also use it in a limited space without any problem.
The only downside is this type of tracking isn’t as accurate as outside-in tracking, but some models work really well.
4. Field of View
Field of view or FOV refers to the area that a user can see around them in virtual reality. Higher FOV offers more immersive viewing and promotes a much stronger sense of presence. Racing VR games, flight simulations, etc., come to life when your headset offers a large field of view.
Furthermore, it can give you a competitive edge in multiplayer mode, as you will be able to see more areas and access more visual information compared to competitors. But if you get motion sick easily, then you should stick to lower FOV. When buying a VR headset, do look at the product description and find out the field of view before ordering.
5. Resolution
Resolution plays a crucial role when it comes to the immersive experience offered by a VR headset. It is essentially the number of pixels that can be displayed by virtual reality goggles.
If the resolution is too low, the virtual reality will seem blurry, and you won’t enjoy playing games or watching videos on such a headset. There will always be a sense of fakeness to spoil your VR gaming or viewing experience. It can further make the image pixelated.
On the other hand, if the resolution is high, the projection will be clearer, sharper, and more detailed. For a truly all-around immersive experience, you will need a resolution of 4K or higher. But some models may even require 8K to avoid pixelation. So, go through the description carefully and choose a headset with a higher resolution.
6. Space Needs
Another thing to consider is the spatial needs of your headset, as this is something that most buyers forget. You can choose from standing, seated, and room-scale options.
If you have limited space but still want to enjoy virtual reality, you can opt for seated models. Thanks to their stationary nature, you will get complete freedom to use wireless and tethered headsets. Standing options are perfect for moderate play areas.
However, if you have enough space to hop around and indulge in VR games, then you can go forward with the room-scale options. Free-roam VR headsets provide the best gaming experience. They are portable and come with twisting cables, allowing you to move about as much as you want.
7. Accessories
Some VR headsets require accessories to work properly. For example, those with outside-in tracking rely on external sensors and valve index controllers. Some don’t even come with their own headphones, so you will have to buy them separately.
Furthermore, a VR headset for Mac may also need Apple cords and cables for connecting different parts of the gaming equipment. So, you should preferably buy a model that comes with some of these accessories. Most VR manufacturers don’t provide them, and as a result, you will have to spend extra.
8. Cost
Lastly, pay attention to the price tag while buying a VR headset for Mac. Truth be told, Mac users usually need to spend more compared to Android or PC users. Any headset lying in the range of $75 to $150 would be decent. But the best VR headset would cost nearly $500, so be prepared to shell out more cash.
And if you want to buy the whole ecosystem, there’s no spending limit. But ideally, try to keep it between $1000 and $1500.
FAQs
Q 1. Can I get motion sick while using a VR headset?
Yes, you can get motion sick while using a VR headset. In the gaming world, it is known as cyber, virtual, or simulation sickness and is pretty common among beginners. That happens because your senses tell the brain that you are moving. But in reality, you are simply sitting in one position.
So, it is only natural to feel a little uneasy or nauseated when you put on a virtual reality headset. You can try a swivel chair to overcome it or use the headset while you are standing instead of sitting.
Q 2. Do any VR headsets work with Mac?
Not all VR headsets work with Mac. Although the options are limited, there are VR headsets that are compatible with Mac, like the ones mentioned on this list.
Q 3. Why does refresh rate matter in virtual reality?
If you have ever played fast reflex or first-person shooting virtual reality games, you might already know the importance of refresh rate. That’s because it drastically impacts your gameplay, as the reaction time is dependent on the frame count.
Generally speaking, a higher refresh rate provides a better experience as the frame count changes quickly. The VR would be less blurry, and your movement would be smoother, so go for a faster refresh rate when shopping for a VR headset.
Verdict
Mac users looking for Apple-compatible VR headsets might face difficulties as there are only limited options on the market. But our list can help you out.
If budget is not a constraint, then we suggest you buy the Meta Quest 2. This device can take your gaming experience up a notch with its seamless interface and 3D positional audio system. Plus, it comes in two storage options – 128GB and 256GB, so you can store tons of apps and games in this headset.
For those looking for an option that isn’t too pricey but offers a high resolution and field of view, HTC Vive Cosmos Elite is an excellent choice. It is compatible with a wide variety of Apple devices and is comfortable enough to be worn for a long period.
That said, we have reached the end of this guide. Hope you found it helpful; until next time!
