AirPlay vs Chromecast vs Miracast
Three wireless mirroring standards that do not talk to each other. Here is what each one is, which devices send and receive it, and which to use - pick your device for a straight recommendation.
Which one should I use?
One method for every brand
Get the Screen Mirroring app
AirPlay, Chromecast and Miracast each only cover their own family. The Screen Mirroring app and receiver bridge all of them, so any phone or computer reaches any TV.
Side by side
AirPlay vs Chromecast vs Miracast vs the receiver
| AirPlay 2 | Chromecast (Cast) | Miracast | Screen Mirroring receiver | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sent by | iPhone, iPad, Mac | Android, Chrome browser | Windows, some Android | Any phone or computer |
| Received by | Apple TV, AirPlay 2 TVs | Chromecast, Google TV | Many smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Xbox | Any TV or screen with a web browser |
| Across brands | No | No | No | Yes |
| Over the internet | No | No | No | Yes, with a 6 digit code |
| Sound | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (PRO) |
| Setup | Built in on Apple | Built in on Android/Chrome | Built in on Windows | Open a web page or the app |
Common questions
AirPlay, Chromecast and Miracast, answered
What is the difference between AirPlay, Chromecast and Miracast?
AirPlay is Apple's standard (iPhone, iPad, Mac to Apple TV and AirPlay 2 TVs). Chromecast, also called Google Cast, is built into Android and the Chrome browser and received by Chromecast and Google TV. Miracast is the Windows and older-Android standard, received by many smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV and Xbox. They are separate systems and cannot reach each other.
Which is better, AirPlay or Chromecast?
It depends on your devices, not on the standard. AirPlay is best from Apple devices to Apple or AirPlay 2 screens; Chromecast is best from Android or Chrome to a Chromecast or Google TV. When the phone and TV are different brands, neither works and a browser-based receiver is the reliable route.
Can I AirPlay to a Chromecast or cast to an Apple TV?
No, the three standards cannot reach each other. To mirror across brands, open the Screen Mirroring receiver in the TV's web browser at tvee.app and connect with a 6 digit code, which works whatever each device speaks. If a connection fails, the troubleshooter can help.