Menu
SteelSeries wireless gaming headsets are the best wireless headsets on the market. The Arctis range of wireless headsets offer the ultimate PC gaming experience. However, SteelSeries wireless gaming headsets are also compatible with PS4, Mac, VR and mobile. So if you want the absolute best wireless gaming headset out there, with a professional microphone and top sound quality, choose a gaming. Best Buy customers often prefer the following products when searching for Wireless Headsets For Mac. JLab Audio - Play Gaming Wireless Headset - Black/Blue. Model: GHBPLAYRBLKBLU4. (34 reviews) ' The sound is good.Audio quality is. Plantronics - CS500 Wireless Headset System. Enjoy premium sound quality or create music with ease. Shop headphones and microphones for Mac from Apple. Buy online with fast, free shipping.
Buying Tips For Webcam Headsets
There are many different kinds of Mac compatible mic headsets in the marketplace with various functions and widely differing levels of quality. Picking which headset to buy for your Apple voice and webcam video conferencing setup depends upon how long, where and when you'll make use of the headset during any given voice or video chat session.Digital USB *or* 4-Pole 3.5mm Connectivity
Headsets can be utilized to conduct and manage Skype, Zoom and FaceTime calls from your Mac, as well as enjoy streaming computer audio, iTunes music playback and for Apple speech recognition. A headset can be either wired or wireless and can vary greatly in size and shape. They may be lightweight (such as ear buds or single on-ear Bluetooth headsets) to larger over or behind the head headset designs. Most gamers and music lovers will prefer a stereo headset, but single-sided mono headsets for business use may be more practical and preferred in an office call-center setting.
Recommended Mac USB Headsets
For simple plug-n-play convenience and full-fidelity sound reproduction, these Apple compatible USB headsets with microphone are ideal for use at your Macintosh desktop setup. Some feature long cords, often around 8-10 feet long to let you kick-back in your office chair or roam a bit even though you're still tethered to your computer.Creative Quality Headset | Dictation Headset w/Mic |
---|---|
Creative Labs Headset Adjustable Mic 30mm Drivers | Plantronics USB Stereo On-Ear Controls 40mm Drivers |
Best-Selling Headset | Great-Sounding Headset |
---|---|
Logitech Quality On-Ear Mute + Vol | USB Koss Headset Excellent Bass Response |
USB-C Headsets For Mac
A new generation of USB-C mic headset connectivity is needed for new iMac, Mac mini or MacBook models with Type-C Thunderbolt 3 ports (which are USB 3.1 compatible.) There are a few native USB-C headsets with mic reaching the market worth review. You can optionally use a rectangular USB-A to USB-C adapter to use conventional USB headsets with if needed.Native Type-C Interface
How Will You Use The Headset?
When considering which Apple compatible headset to purchase, first ascertain exactly what you primarily intend to utilize it for. Think about whether you'll be using your headset for pleasure or business, for gaming, for music playback, for Mac webcam conferencing, or for OSX speech recognition and Apple dictation. Headsets can be USB, USB-C, wired, wireless with a 2.4GHz RF transmitter, or via a Bluetooth connection to your Mac.Wireless Headsets For Webcam Chat On A Mac
Headset For Macbook
RF Wireless | Combo Wireless |
---|---|
Plantronics Headset USB RF Transciever | Logitech Premium Headset RF AND Bluetooth |
Wireless headsets obviously provide the advantages of more mobility which Apple users increasingly prefer. RF models have higher-fidelity audio and a more reliable operating range up to 50 feet, while Bluetooth typically craps-out within 30 feet or less. Bluetooth headsets also compress the audio signal and make some tradeoffs in speech and music quality. That makes them 'okay' for casual video and voice chat, but less than optimal for speech recognition and Apple dictation where precise interpretation of the audio signal is required. Both types of wireless headsets incorporate rechargeable batteries that may recharged via USB or a dedicated AC power supply. One advantage of Bluetooth headsets is that they don't require a USB port and can be switched between multiple gadgets when needed, for example an iPhone, Mac laptop or desktop, a home stereo, or a video gaming console after being paired with each gadget.
If you intend to use your headset primarily for webcam video chat or Skype on a Mac, a hard-wired USB headset is typically the most reliable and highest fidelity headset to buy. After all, you're not likely to be wandering far from the external webcam or built-in Apple iSight's view. If you have the urge to roam, wireless is a better choice.
Headsets For Apple Dictation & Speech Recognition
Because accurate capture from a headset's built-in microphone is critical for speech recognition accuracy, a wired headset (either Analog or USB) or RF wireless headset is generally preferred over Bluetooth. There are some exceptions as some of the latest generation of Ultra-Wideband Bluetooth 4.0/5.0 headsets don't rely on heavy audio compression as in the past and perform better for Mac dictation and speech recognition.Headset Comfort And Convenience During Use
Comfort and wearability is also a consideration to take into account when buying a headset for Mac and iGadget use. Comfortable, pivoting ear pads and padding on the headband can make long chat sessions alot more enjoyable. Many quasi-portable headsets have folding headbands and ear-cups that pivot so they can lay flat when not in use: They're more convenient and less space-hogging for travel or storage. Wired or Bluetooth earbud headsets with Apple compatible microphone integrated into the cord are most portable of all.Headsets For Mac Music And Gaming Too
If you're leaning in your purchase a headset to primarily improve Apple iTunes music experience or for gaming needs, think about headsets that explicitly brag about deep bass and full-range 20Hz-20KHz response. These types of headsets have the tendency to feature big 40mm, 50mm or larger internal sound drivers for rich bass and hi-fi audio, and well-padded ear cups for enduring comfort and fully-immersive sound. Because gamers typically put on these headsets for long gaming sessions, these are typically wired to connect to a computer or console. RF-Wireless gaming headsets are also a popular choice. With the former, players don't need to futz batteries or deal with periodic recharging issues, with the latter they get some freedom to roam at a distance from their TV or Mac computer screen.
Consider Your Surrounding Environment
When deciding on your purchase of a headset, take into account the surrounding environment where you'll be using it. If it's a noisy environment, as in an office or a residence with roomies, in-ear or full-size earcups help block out ambient noise. Many lightweight headsets have open-air foam ear-coverings to also allow hearing what's going on around you - which can be important in a business environment. Some headsets feature noise-canceling mics, or ambient noise-cancellation to block unwanted enviromental and background sounds.Apple Headset Compatibility
Think about headset compatibility with Apple hardware when you're deciding to buy a headset. If the headset has a USB or USB-C plug, you're all set since OSX has standard USB audio drivers built into the OS. Some vendors like Logitech or Creative Labs MAY provide specific Apple support for sound control with SELECT models of higher end headsets. Sadly many of the more elaborate 5.1 surround-sound gaming headsets only work in 2.0 stereo mode when plugged into a Macintosh.Apple's use of non-standard signal voltages in analog microphones was problematic in the past. Another problem is most PC headsets have TWO separate 2 and 3-conductor 1/8' 3.5mm plugs: One for the microphone, the other for the stereo headset. Macs have a combined audio port. More recently Apple introduced a 4-conductor (4-Pole) TRRS audio jack that combines speaker and mic into one. Macs since 2010 and iPads, iPhones and iPod touch support the TRRS 4-pole plug CTIA standard, as do most cell-phone manufacturers as well.
As such, the latest generation of 4-conductor analog microphone headsets are now both Mac and PC, iPhone and Andriod / Samsung / etc compatible. Some come with both separate dual plugs (for older computers) and a interchangeable 4-pole plug for more modern devices. In short, many more analog headsets are now appropriate for Mac OSX / iOS use.
Get all best apps via Setapp
Replace Mac defaults and discover new gems in one suite.
VR is a big trend, again. Recent advances in VR development prove that mass-market VR is near. Experts say 2020 might actually be the time of virtual reality's breakout. Also, it seems like self-isolation has something to do with it.
In spring 2020, the COVID-19 quarantine forced the whole world into a lockdown. Like a dip in ice-cold water, it hurt. But it also helped us rethink the routine of work and the tools we use to connect with each other. The new reality of social distancing caused a huge spike in video conferencing, content streaming, gaming, and…VR? If you think about it, VR might be a great way to think outside the Zoom box. Instead of seeing your friends' or colleagues' faces in small squares on a screen, you could actually get everyone into one room.
Prepare Mac for VR with CleanMyMac X
Get rid of all the clutter and optimize your Mac’s performance. This will give you a VR experience you’ll enjoy. Give it a try!
Apparently, VR manufacturers and tech companies got the gist. On September 16, at their annual Connect event, Facebook announced the long-anticipated Oculus Quest 2. It’s a flagship VR headset uniting all of the Oculus VR hardware owned by Facebook. Rumor has it Apple is working on something in the domain of virtual reality, too.
In fact, lots of cool VR tech has been available for some time now. Whether you’re an avid VR believer or simply enjoy gaming, let's make sure you use the best tools available. In this article, we'll explore VR on Mac — from choosing the best VR headset to making your computer VR-ready.
How to set up VR on Mac
Up until the release of macOS High Sierra, virtual reality has been, well, a non-existent reality for Mac users. Apple computers have not been technologically equipped to support VR, just as any advanced video editing programs. But times have changed, and there's been huge progress VR-wise over the last three years.
source: GadgetFlow
So what does it take to create the best VR setup for Mac? Apart from a good VR headset, three things: Wartune medusa.
- Powerful graphics card. If your Mac is 2015 and younger, you already have a solid internal graphics card. Recent Macs that come with Radeon Pro 555 or 560 and iMacs with Radeon Pro 570-580 are pretty powerful. Still, even your high-end Mac's graphics card is not enough for gaming. This is why it's recommended you get an external card as well.
- External graphics card. The only major requirement is it should be compatible with High Sierra or later — so make sure you check it before buying. Media server philips for mac.
- eGPU Enclosures. It's where you plug an external graphics card — a must-have if your Mac is older than 2015. To get eGPU work with Mac, make sure you upgrade macOS to High Sierra or later. Plus, your Mac should have a Thunderbolt 3 Port or an adapter for older Macs without Thunderbolt 3. Apple's registered devs can purchase a native toolkit (eGPU + Radeon graphics card + Thunderbolt 3 adapter). But you can also get it all separately. More info on eGPU compatibility and graphics cards here.
Bottom line: If your Mac isn't older than 2015 + you get a good external graphics card and an eGPU enclosure, you're good to go.
Best VR headset 2020 working on Mac
Last piece of the puzzle, VR headset that's compatible with Mac. I would love to give you a huge list of options — but the truth is you can really use only one. HTC Vive is the only VR headset officially working on Mac. Poor tech specifications in macOS are the main reason why large VR manufacturers are primarily focused on PCs. This makes HTC Vive VR the only sustainable option. It's also the best VR headset for Steam, according to PCMag review, which is awesome news for gamers. Well, it WAS awesome news.
source: PC Gamer
Until recently, SteamVR has been the only VR system Mac users could use for gaming, along with HTC Vive headset — but it seems like they are dropping support for macOS soon. So the future of HTC Vive games is pretty fuzzy.
HTC Vive versus HTC Vive Pro
If you consider getting a headset for Mac, there are two HTC Vive models you choose from — the basic one and Pro. The improved version was released in 2018 as an upgrade to the original HTC Vive. But is it really worth it? Let’s point out the main enhancements you’ll find in HTC Vive Pro:
- Dual-lens setup. An extra lens has been added to enable new tracking capabilities. Unlike the original model, HTC Vive Pro can track hand gestures.
- Built-in headphones. No need to add your own pair of headphones to have an immersive VR experience, the Pro version has it.
- Upgraded resolution. 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye versus 1080 x 1200 in HTC Vive.The 23.1.11 version of The Print Shop is provided as a free download on our website. This software is an intellectual property of Broderbund Software. This download was checked by our built-in antivirus and was rated as clean. The software lies within Photo & Graphics Tools, more precisely Viewers & Editors. The Print Shop 6.0, the newest version of America’s favorite desktop publishing software, is the most intuitive and user-friendly version to date! With a host of new features including a new and improved tool set and more images and templates than ever before, The Print Shop 6.0 will make your next design project a success! Free print shop program.
Clearly, the newer version has some top-notch design and resolution perks — but note that it’s also considerably more expensive. The HTC Vive price is $719 on Amazon. It covers the full VR system, including the headset, controllers, base stations, and cables. The pro version will cost you $1199 for the full kit or $599 if you want to buy the headset only.
Are there HTC Vive alternatives for Mac?
Not really. Some users say you can make Oculus Rift work with Mac, which is another top-rated VR system. Technically, some recent MacBook Pro and iMac models seem to have the right specs, but the GPU performance is still no good for VR. Plus, Facebook recently announced they are retiring Rift S next year. This leaves you with HTC Vive VR headset for Mac, and a bit of hope Apple will produce an alternative, maybe.
Is it possible to use Facebook’s Oculus Quest 2 with Mac?
The newest Oculus Quest 2 headsets that will start shipping on October 13 are not officially compatible with macOS. However, it’s still a widely held opinion that Oculus Quest works with high-performing Macs. To make it work, you can run Windows on your Mac via Boot Camp — which many users say will work perfectly fine with Mac Pros that have solid video cards.
If your Mac has the required specs, you can try and use Oculus Quest 2 with a Mac. It has some major performance improvements compared to the older version. Please note it’s the first Oculus product that requires Facebook authorization via an account. The price of Facebook’s brand new VR headset starts from $299.
Are there HTC Vive alternatives for Mac?
Not really. Some users say you can make Oculus Rift work with Mac, which is another top-rated VR system. Technically, some recent MacBook Pro and iMac models seem to have the right specs, but the GPU performance is still no good for VR. Plus, the creators of Oculus Rift say they don’t intend to focus on macOS support for now. This leaves you with HTC Vive VR headset for Mac, and a bit of hope Apple will produce an alternative, maybe.
Apple VR headset: Is there hope?
Over the last couple of years, Apple has been very active interacting with AR/VR companies and acquiring related startups. The rumor has been around for some time, the company is working on its own Apple VR headset utilizing new processing chips — the so-called T288 project. Expected release: later this year. Again, Apple made no official announcements about this, but the community is hopeful.
Very possibly, we might even expect more than a native headset. On April 30, 2020, Valve announced they are dropping support for Macs. This is no surprise with only 4% of gamers using macOS. Plus, Valve has repeatedly mentioned even the latest MacBook Pros failed to meet SteamVR specification requirements. At the time of writing this post, there’s been no official response on Apple’s side. And many users assume this might mean only one thing — the company is going to release its native full-fledged VR very soon. So let’s stay tuned!
How to optimize your Mac for VR
All things considered, Macs and VR are not the best match — at least for now. This doesn’t mean you should give up on your favorite Apple computer only because it’s not the best choice for HTC Vive games. In fact, there are some great ways to bring these two closer together. By optimizing Mac’s performance for greater speed and low graphics card requirements, you definitely add some power. Think of it as biohacking for Mac gaming. No worries, we’re not gonna break anything.
Before diving into hacks, make sure you have a suitable hardware setup. Apart from Steam VR headset for gaming, you’ll also need two base stations for tracking the headset’s position and orientation, as well as a pair of Vive controllers. If you want a wireless VR headset, you’ll also need an adopter. The best choice would be to get the HTC Vive full kit instead of buying the headset separately.
Ready to roll? Let’s make the most out of your Mac’s performance.
1. Free up space on Mac
Steam games are heavy — too heavy for an average hard drive. This means your Mac’s storage has to be prepared. You can go through your folders and clear away all the clutter and stuff you don’t really need. Two reasons why it’s not the best idea: 1) Some tricky file leftovers and old caches will remain undetectable; 2) You’ll literally spend hours on every thorough cleanup. Good news is you can avoid the pain with CleanMyMac X, the best Mac cleaner out there. The app will run a smart scan on your computer, inspecting every corner for hidden junk. Next thing you know — it’s all gone.
My personal favorite is CleanMyMac’s Uninstaller. The problem with naughty apps is they often leave traces on your Mac — lots of associated files that you can’t delete simply by moving the app into the Trash folder. In Uninstaller, you press a single button to free up every gigabyte you possibly can. Plus, you can bulk uninstall apps to speed up the process.
2. Ensure perfect streaming quality
A good play takes one very basic condition. Top-notch streaming quality — which totally relies on your network connection. WiFi Explorer is a Mac utility that makes sure you don’t have to worry about it. The app works as a smart network analyzer that controls your WiFi while you stay focused on your work — or Steam games. The best thing is WiFi Explorer not only provides insights on the state of your network connection, it also helps troubleshoot it. That’s right, you can fix WiFi problems without any professional skills, simply by using WiFi Explorer’s built-in toolkit.
3. Keep your iStat Menus on the pulse
On your Mac’s pulse, to be accurate. iStat Menus is number three wonderful utility for VR fans, and pretty much anybody who wants to keep their Mac strong and fast. Working from the menu bar, iStat Menus monitors every aspect of Mac’s performance. From basic indicators like CPU load and battery life to the most advanced ones, including airflow and frames per second. With iStat Menus, you get to see disk usage and disk activity, which helps trace the real-time impact of certain processes on your Mac. It’s a perfect tool to make sure your Mac won’t get stuck or freeze while you’re playing.
All three apps mentioned here are available with a free 7-day trial on Setapp. So you’re getting the entire strategic toolkit for Mac gaming in one installation. Nice bonus, 180+ best apps you can use for other jobs on Mac will arrive with Setapp, too. Hope these tips will make your virtual reality for Mac a better reality. Just make sure you don’t move there for good, we need you here.
Setapp lives on Mac and iOS. Please come back from another device.
Meantime, prepare for all the awesome things you can do with Setapp.
Read onSign Up
Headset For Mac And Iphone
Setapp uses cookies to personalize your experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our cookie policy.