Casting vs Mirroring: What're the Differences, Pros and Cons

The terms casting and mirroring get mixed up. And people do not recognize the distinctions between them. This confusion isn’t necessarily a bad thing. With a better understanding, you'll be able to make more informed choices.

Let's explore the differences between casting and mirroring. More, learn their pros and cons.

Part 1: Explanation of Casting and Mirroring

What is Casting?

Casting allows you to send specific content, such as videos, music, or photos, from a device (like a smartphone) to a larger screen (like a TV). The receiving device streams the content directly from the internet or local storage, meaning the source device can often be used for other tasks simultaneously. For example, you can cast a YouTube video to a TV while continuing to use your phone for browsing.

What is Mirroring?

Mirroring, or screen mirroring, duplicates the entire screen of a source device (like a phone or laptop) onto another display in real time. This means everything visible on the source device, including apps, notifications, and movements, is replicated on the receiving screen. It is often used for presentations or collaborative activities.

Part 2: Why People Get Confused?

One main reason is that mobile phone manufacturers have not standardized the naming of features. For example, Apple uses mirror to describe the feature, while Android phones almost use cast (e.g. Pixel) or screen cast. Another example is that Samsung has renamed its casting feature multiple times, and the names used on smartphones and TVs are also different.

Second, technologies that used also causes confusion. Google Cast, AirPlay, and Miracast are three major technologies to achieve content transmission. Some devices and apps allow for both.

From the perspective of user experience, both screen casting and mirroring involve transferring content from a smaller screen (phone or laptop) to a larger one (like a TV), which makes them seem like the same thing.

Part 3: Casting vs Mirroring

Here’s a table that clearly illustrates the difference between Casting vs Mirroring.

	Casting	Mirroring
Common Protocols	Google Cast, AirPlay, Miracast	Miracast, AirPlay, DLNA
Connection Type	Typically wireless through Wi-Fi	Wireless or wired (HDMI)
Content Type	Specific audio/video	Entire screen (apps, photos, videos, etc.)
Use Cases	Streaming movies/shows	Presentations, sharing apps, gaming, live demos
Performance	Generally smoother, but can depend on internet speed.	May experience latency
Control	No control once the content is cast; you can use your device for other tasks.	Full control of the device during mirroring

Take a deeper dive into the key differences.

1Performance Characteristics

Screen casting generally offers better performance for audio/video streaming due to optimized protocols that prioritize smooth playback and reduced latency. While screen mirroring can display high-quality visuals, it may experience latency issues. This is due to the need to capture and transmit the entire screen in real-time, which can be affected by network bandwidth and processing power.

2Internet Usage

Most casting options rely on an internet connection to send media content. If you're using apps like Netflix or YouTube to cast, your phone or tablet needs to be connected to Wi-Fi. As for mirroring, you can use a wired connection.

3Use Case

Casting: Great for entertainment purposes, like watching movies or music videos, where you can start the content and then be free to do other things on your device.

Mirroring: Best for real-time activities such as presentations, gaming, or showcasing content where you want complete control and interactivity.

Part 5: Pros and Cons of Casting vs Mirroring

Casting

Pros of Casting:

• Saves Battery: Since you're not keeping your device's screen on, casting usually saves battery life.
• Multitasking: Users can continue using their source device for other tasks.
• Wider Compatibility: Many streaming apps support casting, making it easier to stream content from various platforms without needing specific device compatibility.

Cons of Casting:

• Dependency on Internet: Casting typically requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
• Limited Control: Users have less control over playback on the receiving device.

Mirroring

Pros of Mirroring:

• Real-Time Display: Screen mirroring shows everything happening on the source device in real-time.
• No Internet Required: Mirroring can often work without a Wi-Fi connection.
• Full Control: You can do anything on your device, and it will show up immediately on the screen.
• No Dependency on Apps: It doesn’t matter if an app supports casting or not; as long as the device allows mirroring, you're good to go.

Cons of Mirroring:

• Battery Drain: Since the entire screen is being mirrored, it can drain your device's battery pretty quickly.
• Lag Issues: If you’re mirroring over a wireless connection, there might be slight delays, especially with high-intensity content like gaming.
• Security Risks: Screen mirroring can pose security risks, as unprotected connections may be vulnerable to unauthorized access or hacking attempts