Is Screen Mirroring the Same as Airplay: A Comprehensive Guide

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, screen mirroring and AirPlay have become very popular. More and more users are exploring these features to share and project content. However, there are still users who frequently search online for information and comparisons related to screen mirroring and AirPlay. This is why we created this comprehensive guide to help you better understand the similarities and differences between these two technologies.

This guide will provide useful insights for those interested in learning more about screen mirroring or AirPlay, and help you figure out the problem of whether is Screen Mirroring the same as Airplay. Even if you already know something about these topics, here will provide you with the extra information you might have missed while researching. Let’s take a quick leap to learn more information immediately.

Part 1. Screen Mirror vs. Airplay - What It Is, Differences and Advantages

1What is Screen Mirroring and Airplay?

Screen mirroring is a widely used technology that works with many different devices and platforms, such as Android, iPhone, Windows, Chromebook, Mac, TV, etc. It lets users share their screen activities with others, which means they can show everything on a larger screen, including videos, images, web pages, and apps. Also, it can work over a wireless connection or with a USB cable, giving users more options and convenience. However, sometimes you may need to download a third-party screen mirroring tool to cast your screen to another device.

AirPlay, on the other hand, is a wireless screen-sharing protocol developed by Apple for its devices, such as the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. It allows users to stream content like videos, music, and photos wirelessly to compatible devices. AirPlay is mainly used for streaming media, and it offers a high-quality playback experience. However, if you’re using a non-Apple device, you won’t be able to use AirPlay.

2What are the Differences between Screen Mirroring and Airplay?

In the previous part, you’ve learned the definition of screen mirroring and AirPlay. And now quickly look at the below comparison chart if you want to know more about their differences.

Feature	Screen Mirroring	AirPlay
Technology Type	Includes various technologies and methods	Developed by Apple
Device Compatibility	Supports more devices, including Windows, Android, and iOS	Designed for Apple devices and compatible receivers
Main Features	Duplicate and share the entire screen content and activity	Emphasizes multimedia content streaming (audio, video, photos)
User Interface	The interface may vary depending on the specific developer used	Provides a user-friendly interface within the Apple ecosystem
Streaming Experience	Performance are different depending on the technology and devices used	Offers a smooth and low-latency experience for media streaming
How to Use	Can be operated via a wireless connection or USB connection	Supports wireless connection only
Latency	Medium	Low

3Which is Better? Screen Mirroring or Airplay?

When it comes to screen mirroring or AirPlay, which one is better? the answer depends on your needs and the devices you have. AirPlay is particularly designed for Apple devices. If you are using an iPhone now, AirPlay is convenient as it is directly integrated into iOS and macOS. But what you need to know is its limitation, which only works with Apple devices and requires a stable Wi-Fi connection.

Screen mirroring is a more flexible solution that supports a variety of devices and platforms, including Android and Windows devices. With this tool, you can share screens between different devices, or if AirPlay is not working well, you can use third-party software like Kingshiper Screen Mirroring to get a lasting and no laggy mirroring experience.

To conclude, if you mainly use Apple devices, AirPlay is a good choice for a smooth connection. However, if you need more compatibility and flexibility, screen mirroring may be the better option.

Part 2. How to AirPlay iPhone to PC

If you're using an iPhone, you can transfer files or screen share phones to your PC using the built-in AirPlay feature. Here are the detailed steps to Airplay iPhone to Windows computer:

Step 1. Go to your iPhone and swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to open the Control Center.

Step 2. Tap on the “Screen Mirroring” option. And a list of available devices will appear.

Step 3. Find your device name and tap on it to connect. Then you can view your iPhone screen on your computer.

Part 3. An Easy Alternative Way to Mirror iPhone to PC - Fast

To your surprise, Kingshiper Screen Mirroring as an Airplay alternative lets you mirror your iPhone and runs iPhone apps on PC with no laggy. Kingshiper Screen Mirroring supports both iOS and Android devices, Offering clear and stable mirroring between different devices.

Here is how to use Kingshiper Screen Mirroring to run iPhone apps on PC:

Step 1. Download and install Kingshiper Screen Mirroring on your computer.

Step 2. Start Kingshiper Screen Mirroring and select “iOS Mirror”. Remember your device name at the top.

Step 3. Take out your iPhone and make sure your phone and your PC are connected to the same network. Then go to the control center and tap on the “Screen Mirroring” icon.

Step 4. Pick your device name and tap on it to cast your phone to PC. Then, you will successfully screen share your phone to your computer.

Part 4. FAQs about Screen Mirroring and Airplay

1Is Airplay the Same as Screen Mirroring?

To some extent, AirPlay are similar to Screen Mirroring, but they work in different ways. Screen mirroring aims to duplicate your device screen onto another device, while AirPlay streams your screen content over the network.

2Can Airplay Work Well on Windows Computer?

Yes, you can use AirPlay on Windows by using some third-party software to turn your PC into an AirPlay receiver. Then you can cast videos, audio, or files from your iPhone to Windows.

3What Should I Do if My Device doesn’t support Airplay?

If you can not use AirPlay on your device, you can use some screen mirroring apps as an alternative tool. Kingshiper Screen Mirroring is a screen mirror application, that lets you screen share your iPhone or iPad with other devices.

Final Words

It is fair and square, Screen Mirroring vs. AirPlay review that we did. As you can see, when it comes to airplay the same as screen mirroring, both technologies have their unique advantages, allowing you to choose based on your needs. If you would like to screen mirror your iPhone to different devices, screen mirroring is a great choice since it works with various platforms and devices. On the other side, if you're an Apple user looking for higher audio and video quality, AirPlay also can do a good job.