Tobii Eye Tracker 5 Review 2026: Your Ultimate Buying Guide

You sit in front of your gaming PC. Your character moves through a virtual cockpit. But something feels missing. You want to look around naturally.

You want your gaming experience to feel more real and immersive. This is where the Tobii Eye Tracker 5 steps in to change everything about how you interact with your favorite games.

The Tobii Eye Tracker 5 brings something special to your gaming setup. It tracks both your head movements and eye position at the same time.

Key Takeaways:

• Dual tracking capability: This device tracks both your head movements and eye position simultaneously. No other device on the market offers this combination. You get precise tracking in 3D space without wearing any special equipment on your head. The technology works through infrared sensors that monitor your position and gaze direction.
• Wide game compatibility: The tracker supports over 350 games through native integration and OpenTrack support. Popular titles include Star Citizen, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Euro Truck Simulator 2, F1 22, and many more. The Game Hub software makes it easy to enable tracking for supported games. You can use it with simulation games, racing games, and even some first-person shooters.
• Easy setup and installation: The device connects through USB and installs automatically through Windows Update. You mount it below your monitor using magnetic strips or a flex mount for curved screens. Calibration takes only a few minutes. The software guides you through the process step by step. You look at several dots on your screen and the device learns your eye patterns.
• Windows Hello integration: The tracker functions as a biometric login device. You can unlock your computer just by sitting down in front of it. The device recognizes your face and logs you in without typing passwords. This feature works consistently and adds convenience to your daily computer use.
• Premium price point: The Tobii Eye Tracker 5 costs around $300 on Amazon. This makes it more expensive than traditional head tracking solutions like TrackIR. However, you get advanced eye tracking technology that other devices cannot provide. The price reflects the unique capabilities of the device.

Tobii Eye Tracker 5

The Tobii Eye Tracker 5 represents the latest generation in consumer eye tracking technology. Tobii has been a leader in eye tracking for many years. They have built tracking technology into laptops, VR headsets, and accessibility devices. This standalone tracker brings that expertise to your desktop gaming setup.

The device measures 11.3 inches wide and 1.1 inches tall. It comes in a sleek black aluminum design that looks professional on any desk. Three glossy pads sit on the front. The center pad contains the camera that tracks your eyes. The two side pads hold infrared illuminators that make tracking possible even in low light conditions.

You get two mounting options in the box. The first option uses magnetic strips that attach to your monitor’s bottom bezel. The tracker then snaps onto these strips securely.

Unboxing and First Impressions

When you open the Tobii Eye Tracker 5 box, you find everything carefully packaged. The tracker itself sits in protective foam. You also get two metal mounting strips, one flex mount bracket, and a USB extension cable. The packaging protects the device during shipping while being easy to open.

The build quality feels premium when you hold the device. The aluminum body feels solid and durable. The glossy sensor areas look modern and match well with gaming setups. The integrated USB cable measures 2 feet long. The included extension cable adds another 3.3 feet if you need more length.

Setting up the device takes only a few minutes. You peel the backing off a metal strip and stick it to your monitor’s bottom edge. The tracker magnetically attaches to this strip. Then you plug the USB cable into your computer.

Technical Specifications and Performance

The Tobii Eye Tracker 5 uses advanced infrared technology to track both head and eye movements.

The device operates at a working distance between 45 and 95 centimeters from your screen. This gives you plenty of freedom to move while maintaining accurate tracking. The field of view spans 40 by 40 degrees, which covers most natural head movements during gaming.

The tracker works best with screens between 15 and 27 inches for 16:9 aspect ratios. For ultrawide 21:9 displays, it supports up to 30 inches.

Screen size matters less for head tracking than for eye tracking. Head tracking works well even on larger displays because it monitors your head position rather than your exact gaze point.

The device requires Windows 10 64-bit or newer to function. Your computer needs at least a 6th generation Intel Core processor or equivalent AMD chip. You also need 8GB of RAM and a free USB port.

Top 3 Alternatives for Tobii Eye Tracker 5

Software Installation and Calibration Process

The Tobii Experience software handles all tracking features at the Windows level. This includes calibration, user profiles, and system features like Windows Hello login.

The software interface looks clean and guides you through each step clearly. You can adjust sensitivity, create multiple user profiles, and check tracking status from this app.

Calibration takes about two minutes the first time. You sit comfortably in front of your monitor at your normal gaming distance. The software displays circles that represent your eyes. This confirms the device has found and locked onto your eyes.

Then you look at dots that appear in different screen locations. The dots disappear when the tracker captures your gaze data. After viewing two sets of three dots, calibration completes.

Gaming Experience and Supported Titles

The Tobii Eye Tracker 5 supports over 350 games through various methods. About 170 games include native Tobii integration built directly into the game engine. These games offer the smoothest and most refined experience. Developers have specifically programmed how eye tracking enhances gameplay in these titles.

Flight simulators benefit tremendously from head and eye tracking. In Microsoft Flight Simulator, you can look around the cockpit naturally.

Your view follows your head movements and eye direction. This creates an incredibly immersive experience that makes you feel like you are really sitting in the pilot seat. The same applies to combat flight sims like DCS World and IL-2 Sturmovik.

Racing simulators also gain major advantages from tracking. In Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator, you can check your mirrors by glancing toward them. In racing games like F1 22, you can look into corners before turning. This natural view control helps you drive more smoothly and react faster to track conditions.

Eye Tracking Accuracy and Responsiveness

The accuracy of the Tobii Eye Tracker 5 impresses most users. Research studies show the device tracks gaze points within approximately 30 pixels or 1 degree of visual angle.

This level of accuracy works well for gaming applications where precise pixel-perfect tracking is not necessary. The tracking remains stable even when you wear glasses or contact lenses.

The device handles different lighting conditions effectively. The infrared illuminators allow tracking to work in dark rooms and bright environments.

You do not need to adjust room lighting to use the device. However, extremely bright backlighting from windows behind your monitor can sometimes affect tracking quality.

Response time matters for gaming applications. The Tobii Eye Tracker 5 shows latency between 20 and 25 milliseconds. This response time feels acceptable for most gaming scenarios.

You notice very little delay between moving your eyes or head and seeing the in-game view change. For comparison, TrackIR 5 offers slightly lower latency at 15 to 18 milliseconds.

Head Tracking Features

Head tracking works independently from eye tracking on the Tobii Eye Tracker 5. The device monitors your head position in three-dimensional space.

This allows for three degrees of freedom tracking: looking left and right, up and down, and tilting your head. Some users note that six degrees of freedom tracking would provide even more natural movement.

Games that support OpenTrack can use the Tobii Eye Tracker 5 as a head tracking source. OpenTrack integration expanded compatibility to over 350 games.

This makes the device useful for many simulation games that were originally designed for TrackIR. The setup process through OpenTrack is straightforward. You select Tobii as your input source and configure sensitivity curves to your preference.

The head tracking feels smooth and natural during gameplay. Small head movements translate to larger in-game view changes based on your sensitivity settings.

Windows Integration and Productivity Features

Beyond gaming, the Tobii Eye Tracker 5 offers several Windows productivity features. The Windows Hello facial recognition works reliably for password-free login.

The device recognizes your face when you sit down and unlocks your computer automatically. This convenience adds value for users who frequently lock and unlock their computers.

The device can automatically dim your screen when you look away. This saves power and reduces eye strain during breaks. When you return your gaze to the screen, it brightens back to full intensity. Similarly, the tracker can lock your computer when you step away for extended periods.

Mouse warping represents another interesting feature. When enabled, your mouse cursor jumps to the general area where you are looking. You still need to use your physical mouse for precise positioning.

Limitations and Considerations

The Tobii Eye Tracker 5 has some limitations you should consider before purchasing. The most significant limitation involves multiple monitor setups. The device only tracks your gaze on the monitor it is mounted under.

This means several Windows features stop working when you use multiple displays. Mouse warping, auto-dimming, and auto-lock features all disable with multi-monitor configurations.

The price represents another consideration. At around $300, the Tobii Eye Tracker 5 costs significantly more than competing head tracking solutions. TrackIR 5 bundles cost between $150 and $175. You pay a premium for the dual tracking capability that combines head and eye tracking in one device.

Game support continues to improve but remains limited compared to traditional input methods. While 350 supported games sounds impressive, this represents a small fraction of available PC games.

Many popular titles do not support eye tracking. Developers must specifically implement tracking features for each game. This means you cannot simply enable tracking for any game you own.

Streaming and Content Creation

Content creators find unique value in the Tobii Eye Tracker 5. The Tobii Ghost software creates a Twitch extension that shows viewers where you look during gameplay.

This feature works particularly well for strategy games and MOBAs where decision-making depends on visual information. Your audience can see what draws your attention during crucial moments.

The heat map feature records where your eyes focus over time. You can review these heat maps to analyze your own gameplay patterns. This helps identify bad habits like tunnel vision or missing important information. Competitive players use this data to improve their awareness and decision-making.

Recording your eye tracking data for video content adds an interesting visual element. Viewers enjoy seeing where you look during intense gaming moments.

The overlay shows a subtle indicator that follows your gaze around the screen. This creates engaging content that differentiates your streams and videos from competitors who lack this technology.

Comparing Tobii Eye Tracker 5 to Alternatives

The main competitor to the Tobii Eye Tracker 5 is the TrackIR 5 system. TrackIR offers pure head tracking without eye tracking capability. However, TrackIR provides lower latency and supports six degrees of freedom rather than three.

Many simulation enthusiasts prefer TrackIR for its mature software and precise tracking. The TrackIR system requires you to wear a clip on your headset or hat, which some users find intrusive.

Budget alternatives include webcam-based tracking solutions. Apps like SmoothTrack and AITrack use your smartphone or webcam for basic head tracking.

These solutions cost much less than dedicated hardware. However, they offer lower accuracy and higher latency compared to purpose-built tracking devices. Lighting conditions affect these solutions more significantly.

VR headsets represent the ultimate immersive solution but cost more and require compatible games. VR provides true 360-degree freedom and full six degrees of freedom tracking.

However, VR can cause motion sickness in some users and requires more space than desktop gaming. The Tobii Eye Tracker 5 offers a middle ground between traditional gaming and full VR immersion.

Long-Term Value and Future Support

Tobii continues supporting the Eye Tracker 5 with software updates. The company regularly adds new game integrations and improves tracking algorithms. The recent addition of official OpenTrack support greatly expanded game compatibility. This shows Tobii’s commitment to keeping the device relevant over time.

The build quality suggests the device will last for many years of regular use. The aluminum construction resists wear and damage.

The magnetic mounting system allows you to easily move the device between computers or take it with you when traveling. The simple USB connection means the device will work with future Windows versions that maintain USB standard support.

As more games adopt eye tracking technology, the value of the Tobii Eye Tracker 5 increases. VR gaming experiences increasingly include eye tracking features.

This technology trend suggests desktop eye tracking will become more common. Owning the hardware now positions you to take advantage of future games that implement these features.

Setup Tips and Optimization

Getting the best performance from your Tobii Eye Tracker 5 requires some optimization. First, ensure you mount the device directly under the center of your monitor. Centered placement provides the most accurate tracking. The device should sit level with the bottom edge of your screen for optimal angle.

Lighting in your gaming space affects tracking quality. Avoid positioning your monitor directly in front of bright windows. The backlighting can interfere with the infrared sensors. However, you do not need complete darkness. Normal room lighting works perfectly with the device’s illuminators providing the necessary infrared light.

Calibration accuracy depends on maintaining consistent positioning. Sit in your normal gaming position during calibration. If you adjust your chair height or distance from the screen frequently, consider creating multiple user profiles calibrated for each position. This ensures accurate tracking regardless of your current setup.

Who Should Buy the Tobii Eye Tracker 5

Flight simulation enthusiasts represent the ideal customer for this device. The combination of head and eye tracking creates exceptional immersion in cockpit-based games. If you spend significant time in Microsoft Flight Simulator or DCS World, this investment pays dividends in enhanced realism and enjoyment.

Racing simulation fans also benefit greatly from this technology. Being able to look naturally into corners and check mirrors improves both immersion and lap times. Serious sim racers find the natural view control becomes essential after experiencing it.

Space simulation gamers find tremendous value in the Tobii Eye Tracker 5. Games like Star Citizen and Elite Dangerous gain new dimensions with eye tracking. The ability to target objects by looking at them and explore your cockpit naturally makes these vast games more accessible and engaging.

Content creators who stream simulation games should consider this device. The ability to show your audience where you look creates unique content. Strategy game streamers also benefit from showing viewers their visual attention and decision-making process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Tobii Eye Tracker 5 work with glasses?

Yes, the Tobii Eye Tracker 5 works excellently with glasses. The device has built-in tolerance for eyewear and tracks your eyes accurately through most prescription lenses. You do not need to remove your glasses or create special calibration profiles. The infrared tracking technology sees through glasses without problems in most cases.

Can I use the Tobii Eye Tracker 5 with multiple monitors?

The device physically works with multiple monitor setups, but several features become disabled. The tracker only monitors the screen it is mounted under. Windows features like mouse warping, auto-dimming, and auto-lock stop working with multiple displays. However, gaming features continue to work normally on the primary monitor where you mount the device.

How many games support the Tobii Eye Tracker 5?

Over 350 games currently support the Tobii Eye Tracker 5 through either native integration or OpenTrack compatibility. About 170 games include built-in Tobii support with specifically designed eye tracking features. Popular supported titles include Star Citizen, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Euro Truck Simulator 2, F1 22, DCS World, and many other simulation games.

What is the difference between the Tobii Eye Tracker 5 and TrackIR 5?

The Tobii Eye Tracker 5 tracks both head and eye movements without requiring you to wear anything on your head. TrackIR 5 only tracks head movement but offers lower latency and six degrees of freedom instead of three. TrackIR requires wearing a reflective clip on your headset or hat. Tobii costs more but provides eye tracking capabilities that TrackIR cannot match.

Do I need good lighting to use the Tobii Eye Tracker 5?

No, the device works in various lighting conditions including complete darkness. The built-in infrared illuminators provide the light necessary for tracking. However, you should avoid positioning your monitor directly in front of bright windows as strong backlighting can interfere with tracking accuracy. Normal room lighting presents no problems for the device.

Can I take the Tobii Eye Tracker 5 to LAN parties or move it between computers?

Yes, the device is portable and easy to move. The magnetic mounting system lets you quickly remove the tracker from one monitor and attach it to another. The USB connection makes setup simple on any Windows PC. You will need to install the Tobii software and calibrate for each new user or computer, but this process takes only a few minutes.