What’s the Difference Between DLNA and AirPlay? A Complete Guide to Choosing Screen Mirroring Protocols
When mirroring your phone screen, you may encounter two options: DLNA and AirPlay. What’s the difference between them? Why do they work sometimes but not others? This article thoroughly explains the distinctions between these two mainstream wireless screen mirroring protocols to help you make the right choice.
AirPlay: Seamless Experience for Apple Ecosystem
- Developer: Apple Inc.
- Core Features:
- Closed ecosystem: Primarily used between Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac) and Apple TV or AirPlay-supported smart TVs.
- Comprehensive functions: Supports full-screen mirroring and media streaming. You can cast any content from your phone—including games and desktop—exactly as it is to the large screen.
- High integration: Low latency, excellent audio-visual synchronization, and a smooth experience.
DLNA: Cross-Platform Media Streaming
- Developer: An open standard jointly developed by multiple manufacturers.
- Core Features:
- Open and universal: Supported by most smart TVs, Android phones, and video apps.
- Specific functionality: Cannot mirror the entire phone screen—only “streams” media files (videos, music, images) from the phone to playback devices.
- App-dependent: Usually powers the “TV” button in apps like Tencent Video and iQiyi.
Core Differences at a Glance
| Features | AirPlay | DLNA |
|---|---|---|
| Main Functions | Screen mirroring + Media streaming | Media streaming only |
| Ecosystem | Apple’s closed ecosystem | Cross-platform open standard |
| Smoothness | High | Dependent on network and app |
| Typical Scenarios | Mirroring games, presenting PPTs | Streaming online shows, listening to music |
Simple Summary
If you want to mirror your entire phone screen (and you’re an Apple user), use AirPlay. If you only want to stream online videos to your TV, use DLNA. Understanding this will significantly increase your wireless screen mirroring success rate.