Google Cast vs. AirPlay: How to Choose a Wireless Screen Mirroring Protocol?

When deploying a wireless screen mirroring solution, Google Cast and AirPlay are two protocols that cannot be ignored. What are their differences, and how should you choose between them?

1. Comparison of Technical Principles

Google Cast: Intelligent “Casting” Mode

  • Principle: The mobile phone acts as a remote control, sending “playback commands” to devices like Chromecast. The receiving device then pulls content directly from the network on its own.
  • Analogy: It’s like you sending a video link to a friend, who then opens and watches it independently.

AirPlay: Real-Time “Mirroring” Mode

  • Principle: The screen content of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac is encoded in real time and transmitted to the receiving device via Wi-Fi.
  • Analogy: It’s like showing your phone screen to a friend via a live video call.

2. Advantages, Disadvantages, and Application Scenarios

Google Cast Advantages

  • Mobile device liberation: After casting a video, the phone can be turned off or used for other tasks without interrupting playback.
  • Stable playback: Performance is not dependent on the phone’s network status, as content is streamed directly by the receiving device.
  • Suitable scenarios: Casting online videos in smart classrooms; playing cloud-stored promotional videos in wireless meetings.

AirPlay Advantages

  • Low latency: Real-time mirroring ensures almost no delay, critical for live operations.
  • Completeness: Can mirror any on-screen content, including dynamic operations (e.g., app navigation, document editing).
  • Suitable scenarios: Demonstrating apps or PPTs in wireless meetings; showing students’ tablet operations in smart classrooms.

3. Conclusions and Recommendations

  • Primarily casting online videos? Google Cast offers a better experience.
  • Need real-time demonstrations, operations, or group discussions? AirPlay or Miracast is essential.
Best solution: Choose a wireless screen mirroring device that supports Google Cast, AirPlay, and Miracast simultaneously to cover all application scenarios.