AirServer vs Deskreen

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.

Deskreen is a desktop app that mirrors a computer screen or one application window to a device’s browser over Wi-Fi. With a Virtual Display Adapter, a browser-equipped device can serve as a second screen. It can work off-grid over local Wi-Fi without internet access, and Flip Screen Mode horizontally flips the image in a tablet or smartphone browser for teleprompter use. During sharing, users can change picture quality, with automatic quality changes also supported. Community is free, open source under AGPLv3, and supports one connected device. Pro costs $24.99 a year and supports up to five connected devices; Teams costs $139.99 a year and supports unlimited devices, with three seats included for teams of up to 20 members. Extra Teams seats cost $10 each. Custom terms are available for enterprise, education, and large organizations. Deskreen says it uses end-to-end encryption; enhanced connection security and VPN support are listed for Pro, Teams, and Custom. Its listed desktop systems are Windows, Linux, and macOS.