Games like The Sims on Mac
4 of the 5 modern alternatives to The Sims (2000) run on Mac. One of them is free, and the cheapest paid option is Tiny Life at € 14,99. One is made by independent developers.
Mac support for classics is patchier than PC, and Apple's move away from 32-bit software broke a lot of older re-releases. What works well: games sold through Steam or GOG with native Apple Silicon builds, cross-platform open-source engine ports, and browser-based versions. Many remaining gaps can be closed with an emulator or a compatibility layer.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
The Sims 4
Free + in-app purchasesThe free-to-play current entry with huge (paid) expansion content.
The Sims 4 is also an alternative to 1 other classic
The Sims 4 runs on PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Switch, Steam Deck.
Tiny Life Indie
€ 14,99A pixel-art indie life sim clearly inspired by the classic Sims.
Tiny Life runs on PC, Mac, Linux. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Paralives
€ 29,99An indie life-sim with flexible building tools and a cosy art style.
Paralives is also an alternative to 1 other classic
Paralives runs on PC, Mac. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Steam Deck.
inZOI
€ 39,99A photoreal life simulator with deep character creation, positioned as the first real Sims rival in years.
inZOI is also an alternative to 1 other classic
inZOI runs on PC, Mac. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Unsupported.
Not on Mac
These alternatives to The Sims are listed on the main page, but do not run on Mac:
All 5 games like The Sims