Top 7 AirPlay Alternatives for Android - Wireless Streaming & Screen Mirroring Solutions

"Is there really no equivalent to Airplay on Galaxy Tabs? Something that simply and easily mirrors the tablet screen over Wi-Fi to a non-Samsung television?"

- From Reddit

AirPlay is a widely used wireless technology developed by Apple that allows users to stream content and mirror their device's screen to compatible devices like smart TVs, speakers, and other Apple products. However, Android users may encounter compatibility issues with AirPlay or prefer alternatives that suit their specific needs. Whether you want to cast media to a TV or mirror your Android screen to a larger display, there are plenty of alternatives available. In this article, we will explore the top 7 AirPlay alternatives for Android users.

Top 1. Phone Mirror

Is there something better than AirPlay? Phone Mirror offers an excellent solution for Android users to mirror their device screen to a computer or smart TV with ease. The best AirPlay alternative allows you to stream videos, share photos, and display apps directly on a larger screen. It's perfect for presentations, movie nights, or even gaming.

Key Features:

• Stream videos and mirror apps with high resolution.
• Works with both Android and iOS devices.
• Supports both wired and wireless connections.
• Enjoy media content in full-screen mode with audio.
• Capture 1080P screen recordings and screenshots.
• Easily transfer files between Android and PC.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface and simple setup.
• Allows you to mirror both Android and iOS devices.
• No additional hardware is required, works over a Wi-Fi or USB connection.
• Maintains good quality even for videos and games.

Cons:

• Some advanced features are only available in the paid version.

How to use Phone Mirror to control your Android phone from the computer?

01Download and install Phone Mirror on your PC or Mac.

Free Download for PC

 

Free Download for Mac

02Run the Android AirPlay equivalent and choose "Android" from the homepage.

03Choose whether to connect via USB or Wi-Fi. Then, on your Android phone, enable USB debugging (for wired connection) or ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network (for wireless).

04Once connected, your Android screen will be mirrored onto your computer or TV, and you can click on the "mouse" icon in the sidebar to enable mouse control and take control of your Android from your PC.

Top 2. Google Chromecast

Google Chromecast is a well-known and widely supported device that allows you to cast content from your Android device to any TV with an HDMI input. It's especially useful for media streaming and supports a broad range of apps.

Key Features:

• Works seamlessly with apps like Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and more.
• Allows users to cast their phone screen to a TV.
• Can sync audio across multiple Chromecast devices.

Pros:

• Broad app support: Works with most major streaming platforms.
• Easy to install and use with the Google Home app.
• Relatively inexpensive compared to other streaming devices.
• Offers smooth streaming for video and audio.

Cons:

• Works only with devices that have HDMI input or a built-in Chromecast.
• Not as versatile for device mirroring as other options like Phone Mirror.

Top 3. Miracast

What can I use instead of AirPlay? Miracast is a wireless display standard supported by many Android devices. It allows you to mirror your Android device's screen directly to a compatible TV or projector without needing Wi-Fi.

Key Features:

• Uses Wi-Fi Direct for connection, so you don't need a router.
• Mirrors your entire screen to a larger display.
• Supports most Android phones and smart TVs.

Pros:

• Wi-Fi Direct allows for a reliable connection.
• Minimal setup required.

Cons:

• Not all devices support Miracast, especially older TVs or phones.
• Does not offer the flexibility of streaming content from apps.

Top 4. AirDroid

AirDroid is a multi-functional app that offers Android users the ability to mirror their screen, transfer files, and manage their devices remotely. It's great for users who need more than just screen mirroring, as it also enables device control.

Key Features:

• Mirror Android screen to PC or TV.
• Share files between Android and compute devices wirelessly.
• Control your Android device remotely via a web browser or app.

Pros:

• Provides a variety of functions beyond mirroring, such as file management and device control.
• Works with both Android and iOS devices.
• Basic features are free to use.

Cons:

• Screen mirroring can be slow or laggy, especially on larger displays.
• Limited to file transfer and management, not as optimized for seamless media streaming.

Top 5. ApowerMirror

Is there something similar to AirPlay for Android? ApowerMirror is a powerful screen mirroring app that allows Android users to cast their screens onto computers or smart TVs. It offers both wireless and wired connections and supports screen mirroring with sound.

Key Features:

• Supports both wired and wireless connections, flexible for different setups.
• Can mirror your Android screen to a PC or TV in full-screen mode with sound.
• Can mirror multiple devices at once.
• Allows users to control their Android phone from a computer.

Pros:

• Smooth streaming and high-resolution video support.
• Straightforward process to get started.

Cons:

• Requires a paid version for full features, the free version has limited functionality.
• Some older devices may not support all features.

Top 6. DLNA

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a standard for sharing media between devices on a home network. It works well for streaming photos, videos, and music to devices like smart TVs, but it lacks the ability to mirror your screen.

Key Features:

• Share photos, videos, and music between devices.
• Uses your home network to connect devices.
• Works with many smart TVs and Android devices.

Pros:

• Supports a variety of devices and platforms.
• Once devices are connected, media sharing is straightforward.

Cons:

• Only supports media sharing, not full-screen mirroring.
• Can only work if devices are connected to the same network.

Top 7. Samsung Smart View

Samsung Smart View is an app designed for Samsung users to mirror their Android screen to a Samsung Smart TV. It's a seamless solution within the Samsung ecosystem.

Key Features:

• Works exclusively with Samsung devices.
• Allows you to cast photos, and videos, and mirror your screen.
• Easy integration with Samsung devices.

Pros:

• Effortless integration with Samsung devices.
• Smooth media casting to Samsung TVs.

Cons:

• Only works with Samsung devices.
• Lacks some of the advanced features of other AirPlay alternatives.

FAQs About Android AirPlay Equivalent

1. Can I use AirPlay on Android?

No, AirPlay is exclusive to Apple devices. However, the alternatives listed here offer similar functionality for Android users.

2. Can Android devices stream to non-Android devices?

Yes, many AirPlay alternatives allow Android devices to stream content or mirror their screens to non-Android devices, including smart TVs, computers, and other devices. Compatibility depends on the specific technology or app used.

3. Do I need any extra hardware to use AirPlay alternatives?

Some AirPlay alternatives may require additional hardware, such as a streaming device or an adapter, depending on the technology used. Others work directly with compatible devices or through existing Wi-Fi connections without extra equipment.

4. Are AirPlay alternatives compatible with all Android phones?

Most AirPlay alternatives support a wide range of Android phones, but compatibility can vary based on the specific model, operating system version, and hardware capabilities. It's important to check the system requirements of the alternative before use.

Final Thoughts

Each AirPlay alternative has its own strengths and weaknesses, making it important to choose based on your specific needs:

• Phone Mirror: Ideal for high-quality screen mirroring with both wired and wireless options, but requires installation on the device.
• Google Chromecast: Best for media streaming and compatible with a wide range of apps, but requires additional hardware.
• Miracast: Great for wireless screen mirroring without internet, but has limited app support and device compatibility.
• AirDroid: A multi-purpose solution for remote device management and mirroring, but may suffer from lag during screen mirroring.
• ApowerMirror: A versatile and high-quality option for both mirroring and device control, but requires a paid subscription for full features.
• DLNA: Perfect for media sharing within a home network, but does not support real-time screen mirroring.
• Samsung Smart View: Best for Samsung users, but limited to Samsung devices.

Choose based on your device compatibility, functionality needs (whether you need screen mirroring or media streaming), and budget (considering some solutions require premium versions for full functionality).

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