Miracast isn’t anything new.
In fact, it has been around for longer than Chromecast has.
The two technologies are similar but not the same.
Image Credit: cunaplus/Shutterstock
So, what is the difference between Miracast and Chromecast?
Miracast is like a wireless HDMI connection, mirroring everything from one screen to another.
It works both ways too, not just as a receiver.
What Is Miracast?
Unlike Chromecast, which is a gadget, Miracast is a part of the Wi-Fi features on new gadgets.
The Wi-Fi Alliance, a worldwide consortium of companies, agreed upon Miracast as a standard protocol.
This protocol means that any Miracast equipment will work with any other Miracast-supporting gadget.
Miracast uses Wi-Fi Direct, a Wi-Fi technology you already have but don’t know about.
To learn more about this wireless technology, see our explainer onWi-Fi Direct.
Essentially, Miracast is an alternative to HDMI cables since it does the same job but without any wires.
Its job is to mirror the screen.
The video will be playing on the phone’s screen and the TV’s screen at the same time.
Does Your Phone or TV Support Miracast?
The first question you probably want to ask yourself is whether your devices support Miracast.
There is an easy way to find out.
If you bought a gadget after 2014, chances are it will support Miracast.
But don’t go by the post-2014 generalization alone.
Each Wi-Fi equipment goes through the Wi-Fi Alliance’s tests for different standards and protocols.
So if you want to find out about your gear, check their site.
TheAdvanced Product Finderhas a Miracast option among the filters on the left.
Check that, and then use the category or the search box to locate your gadget.
Miracast vs. Chromecast: Is Miracast Better?
Before continuing, it’s crucial that you understandwhat a Chromecast isand how it actually works.
Far too often in Chromecast vs. Miracast comparisons, we compare two similar technologies as competitors.
But Miracast and Chromecast aren’t exactly competitors.
It’s not that one is better than the other.
It’s all about which functions you actually need.
In Windows 10, Microsoft has included a simple guide to connecting to wireless displays.
You won’t need an HDMI cable or a Chromecast dongle for this.
The built-in nature of Miracast also makes it easy to turn any gear into a “receiver.”
For example, you cancast your Android screen to your TVor a PC.
With Chromecast, only the dongle-plugged TV is the receiver.
But perhaps most importantly, Miracast works completely offline, which Chromecast can’t do.
And that is a big win for the Miracast.
Miracast Works Completely Offline
As explained earlier, Miracast creates a closed Wi-Fi connection between the devices.
Since it’s closed, it does not require an active internet connection.
And that is its biggest strength.
From adverse weather conditions to undersea cables, our internet connections are not yet fully reliable.
On the other hand, Miracast works splendidly without the internet.
The simple reason for this is that it only does screen mirroring.
Your phone or tablet will be unusable while you cast the video running on its screen to your TV.
This also leads to a huge battery drain.
But theChromecast is a media player firstand a screen-mirroring gear second.
Miracast Doesn’t Work With Apple Devices
Oh, and one more thing.
Apple decided not to go with the Wi-Fi Alliance’s recommended protocol.
Instead, it uses the proprietary AirPlay standard, which more or less does the same thing.
It’s actually something a Chromecast can help you with.
Which Miracast Should You Get?
It costs significantly less and will work offline.
In fact, the convenience it offers for people who do presentations regularly is unparalleled.
When you are choosing a good media player, you should keep Miracast in mind too.
