Chromecast Vs. Miracast – What’s The Difference?

Miracast and Chromecast are two different technologies, despite the tendency to compare them as competitors. Their biggest difference is Miracast is actual a standard Wi-Fi feature or protocol in supported Android devices while Chromecast is a streaming device that plugs into HD monitors.

At face value, or maybe due to the similarity in their names, Chromecast and Miracast are thought to be similar. While they do share certain aspects like the screen mirroring function, the two operate in different ball games. To best understand this, you would first need to understand what each technology is and what it entails.

About Chromecast

Chromecast is one of the best streaming devices available, produced by Google. Its function is to wirelessly connect your phones, tablets, or PC to an HD monitor like your television. By plugging into the HDMI port of your TV, Chromecast can transform your original TV into a smart TV.  Chromecast allows you access to the numerous Streaming Apps and services on your phone, or the google browser content on your laptop or computer, while using your phone or PC as a remote control.

How Does Chromecast Work?

Chromecast primarily works by having a display device(TV or monitor) it’s plugged into, and a Casting device (phone, tablet, laptop, or computer).

To use Chromecast, you need a TV with an HDMI port, a power outlet, a stable internet connection, and a phone. Ensure that Chromecast is connected to the same Wi-Fi connection as your phone or PC. Once that is set, you can now set up Chromecast through your phone by following theseinstructions.

Once Chromecast is set up, all you need is to open a Chromecast enabled streaming app on the phone or PC and cast it to the TV. Alternatively, you cast your entire android screen (screen mirroring), by tapping on the device you wish to cast to on Google Home App and select Cast My Screen>CastScreen.

Note that casting only works for Chromecast-enabled applications, you will know the App is enabled if it has the Cast icon displayed somewhere. Also, ensure that the TV is tuned to the right HDMI cable Chromecast is plugged into.

When to Use Chromecast?

If you’re looking for a better streaming experience, then Chromecast has you covered. Thanks to it, you can have a better experience streaming your favorite movie on a higher resolution screen like your TV. You no longer have to settle for the smaller screens of your PC and phone, plus you get to enjoy Smart TV features even on your normal TV.

The best part is, it’s all at no extra cost. Once you purchase the Chromecast device and pay for your streaming service subscription, casting and streaming from your phone to your TV is free.

About Miracast.

Existing before Chromecast, Miracast is a wireless standard display protocol, established by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Its function is to mirror the screen of one Miracast enabled device to another that has been wirelessly connected. Today, most android and windows devices support Miracast, including tablets, PCs, and smartphones. Even streaming devices like Roku have also started using Miracast.

How Does Miracast Work?

Miracast applies the principle of Wi-Fi direct service, by establishing a P2P connection between two devices without the need for a router. This ends up forming a Wi-Fi network of its own that is secured by WPA2 encryption and a vendor-neutral wrapper is then applied to support streaming of up to 1080p HD and surround sound of 5.1. Within this network-connected devices can mirror their screens to each other directly without an internet connection.

Please note that for Miracast to work, both devices should be Miracast-enabled. The device with content to be mirrored must also have wireless chipset support, OS support, and driver support for Miracast. Lack of these three things would require you to purchase a Miracast adapter that you can plug into your device.

When to Use Miracast?

As a screen-mirroring technology, Miracast has proven useful in the business, education, and entertainment sectors. It is a great way of sharing heavy files without the need for an internet connection. It is also secure and can allow devices to be connected to an existing Wi-Fi network while simultaneously being connected to the display directly. Because of this Miracast is great if you have a presentation you would like displayed on a bigger screen, or content you would like to view.

Chromecast Vs. Miracast – A Comparison

As mentioned before, Chromecast and Miracast are different technologies. Now that you understand what each is about, you can, however, differentiate them more easily based on the following aspects:

Aspect	Comparison
	Chromecast	Miracast
Function	A media player that can direct cast streaming services from your phone to your TV	Can only mirror the display of one screen onto another
Operation	Works by plugging into the display devices HDMI. Can have one display device.	Works based on Wi-Fi direct principle, no need for HDMI. Can have two display devices.
Internet connection	Need an active wireless connection to function	Can function offline without the need for an internet connection
Resolution	720p HD, 1080p HD and 4K	1080p HD
Device compatibility	Windows, MAC, Android, and Smart TV OS	Windows, Android, and smart TV

Conclusion

Miracast and Chromecast are different as demonstrated, but they do share certain similarities like screen –mirroring. At the end of the day, there isn’t one that’s better than the other per se. Although when it comes to screen display, Miracast would be better for office use and Chromecast for home use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.    Which is better between Miracast and Chromecast?

One is not better than the other as they’re different technologies, although, forscreen display, Miracast would be better for office use and Chromecast for home use.

2.    Can Chromecast allow PC to PC casting?

No. Chromecast can only allow PC to cast to the TV.