Some many years ago, you could only stream media content via cables and wires. But now, wireless display technologies like Miracast and AirPlay allow you to access and stream diverse content without physical cables.

Miracast and AirPlay have similar features that make them great for wireless streaming, but they aren't the same. So, what's the difference between AirPlay and Miracast?

1. Brand

Miracast is a tool created by the Wi-Fi Alliance designed to govern wireless connectivity between devices. Several brands, including Samsung, LG, and Sony, support this technology. Miracast-enabled devices can connect wirelessly, allowing for screen mirroring and video and audio content streaming.

Meanwhile, AirPlay is a proprietary Apple technology allowing wireless streaming between devices. AirPlay is supported mostly by Apple devices, like iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

A hand holding an iPhone showing AirPlay controls, with a smart TV in the background
Image Credit: Apple

2. Requirements

Miracast and AirPlay require compatible devices and a stable network connection. If you want to transmit media from your smartphone to a TV using Miracast, the two devices must support Miracast.

In the case of AirPlay, all devices must be Apple devices. If you want to transmit content from an iPhone to a TV, the TV must be AirPlay compatible. You'd also require a Wi-Fi network if the content you want to stream isn't saved on your device.

Miracast and AirPlay aren't directly compatible with each other. For example, you can't use a Miracast-compatible smartphone to stream content to an AirPlay-compatible monitor.

3. Features

While Miracast and AirPlay serve a similar purpose—wireless streaming—they have unique features.

Miracast allows you to extend your desktop, enabling you to move content between two screens. However, some of Miracast's advanced features, like extended desktops or multiple displays, are not universally supported by all Miracast-compatible devices.

AirPlay, on the other hand, supports multi-room audio playback. This means you can stream audio to multiple AirPlay-enabled devices simultaneously, allowing synchronized playback throughout your home.

4. Compatibility

Miracast is compatible with more devices than AirPlay. If you have a Miracast-compatible TV, you can use it with Windows devices, Android phones and tablets, and many more.

Image Credit: cunaplus/Shutterstock

AirPlay, however, is limited to Apple devices. This has led prominent TV manufacturers, like Samsung, Sony, and Vizio, to incorporate AirPlay into their TVs. So you can easily mirror or share content from your iPhone to an AirPlay-enabled Samsung TV.

5 Similarities Between Miracast and AirPlay

Miracast and AirPlay are wireless display technologies by different companies that allow users to stream content from their devices to compatible displays. Here are five ways they are similar.

screen mirror windows 11 samsung smart tv
  • Screen Mirroring: Miracast and AirPlay allow you to mirror your device's screen onto a secondary display. You can view your device's content on a larger screen using either technology. By supporting screen mirroring, both technologies offer a high degree of flexibility and convenience, making them ideal for presentations, watching movies, playing games, etc.
  • Wireless Connectivity: Miracast and AirPlay technologies utilize wireless connections, eliminating physical cables and allowing for a more flexible and convenient setup. They leverage Wi-Fi Direct, a peer-to-peer connection method that connects the source device and the receiving display. This lets you upload content from various devices to other devices, such as TVs, smartphones, and computers.
  • High Definition (HD) Video and Audio: Miracast and AirPlay feature high-definition content support, ensuring excellent audio and visual quality. As a result, they are ideal for streaming music and movies, especially when you want to see the media on a bigger screen.
  • Multi-Platform Support: Miracast and AirPlay support various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. While AirPlay is primarily designed to work with Apple devices like iPhones and MacBooks, Miracast is compatible with Windows devices, Android phones, and many smart TVs.
  • Privacy and Security: Miracast and AirPlay incorporate security measures to protect the privacy and integrity of the content being mirrored. They utilize encryption protocols to secure data transmission between the source device and the receiving display, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected.

AirPlay vs. Miracast: Choosing Between Wireless Streaming Technologies

Miracast and AirPlay stand out as well-liked choices for streaming content. AirPlay enables seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem, whereas Miracast offers a wider range of device compatibility and the ability to operate across numerous platforms.

Knowing the differences and similarities of these technologies, you can decide the best fit for your device ecosystem and streaming preferences. Whichever option you choose, wireless streaming is now easier to use and more handy than ever.