AirDroid Cast vs AirServer

AirDroid Cast shares phone and computer screens with larger displays and can let users control mobile devices from a computer. Wireless connections use a QR code, a 9-digit code, or AirPlay; USB can cast mobile devices to computers. Casting works over local Wi-Fi or remotely over Wi-Fi or cellular networks, with device audio sharing and two-way audio. Wireless casting can receive up to five device screens at once on one Windows or Mac computer. The product also supports screen recording and mobile screen sharing, and can cast to Android TV running Android 5.0 or higher. It is available for Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. The web version cannot control phones; that requires the desktop client. A free account supports same-WLAN casting and one simultaneous login, but not remote-network mirroring. Paid plans add capabilities at different levels. Pricing is listed as a free plan, paid from $1.67/mo (annual), with a 3-day trial. The maker says remote sessions use end-to-end AES encryption and do not store transmitted content on its server.

AirServer turns a computer into a receiver for screen mirroring from compatible AirPlay, Google Cast, and Miracast devices. Receiver software is listed for Windows, Mac, Xbox, Surface Hub, and Embedded Linux, while the platform listing also includes Android, iOS, and Linux. AirServer Connect for iOS discovers receivers across subnets, and its Android app adds AirPlay mirroring. Connect 3 combines AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and Miracast in one receiver, supporting up to 12 simultaneous 1080p sessions at 60 FPS, with unlimited sessions beyond that. It supports Google Cast playback from DRM-protected apps including Disney+, National Geographic, and Amazon Prime. Sessions stay local, and 802.1X protection is supported. Central management, reporting, and updates require no subscription fee; offline updates can use USB. Most licenses are one-time purchases. Consumer pricing is $19.99 once, business is $39.99 once, and Surface Hub is $99.99 per year.