Watching your favorite content on your computer is fun, but why not move over to the big TV screen? The ability to mirror Macbook to TV allows you to watch movies, play games, or deliver a presentation. And there are various ways to do so depending on your preferences and needs. You can stream Mac to TV using an HDMI cable, or you can mirror Mac to TV wirelessly via an app. Whichever method you prefer, read below to learn more about how it works.
Quick pointers:
Using a third-party app is a very convenient way to mirror Mac to TV wirelessly. But do you know which solution to choose from all the available options out there? Worry not, we’ve compiled a list of the best third-party apps for you to consider. Keep reading below to see how they compare based on factors such as price, features, user-friendliness, etc.
JustStream is our top choice in this category because it perfectly combines versatility and functionality. You can mirror Mac to Smart TV via Airplay, Airplay 2, or DLNA, but also to Chromecast, Apple TV, etc. You don’t need a complicated setup or specific hardware, no HDMI or USB cables whatsoever. The app will play a wide variety without conversion. It can mirror videos, audio files, images, and even software.
JustStream supports a range of popular TV brands, such as LG, Samsung, Roku, Panasonic, Sony, among others.
AirbeamTV offers several different app options. For example, you can purchase an app that’s been specifically designed for your TV brand, or get a bundle with apps to screen mirror Macbook to various TV brands. It also supports Chromecast, Amazon FireTV, or Roku. Conveniently, AirbeamTV has a solution for both macOS or iOS devices, so you can install it on your laptop, iPhone, or iPad and directly stream from Macbook to TV without any cables or extra hardware.
The AirParrot2 app is yet another good option to consider if you’d like to stream to TV from Mac, iPhone or iPad. The app requires no cables or complex setups, it works completely wirelessly. You can share various content from your macOS, Windows device, and Chromebook. That includes presentations, movies, or audio files, whether you’re at home, at work or in a classroom. You can also mirror your screen as a whole or only a specific program. To make things even easier, the app automatically searches for any available receivers on your network as soon as it’s installed.
The AirPlay protocol is a widely used method of mirroring Mac or Macbook to large TV screens and other AirPlay-compatible devices. This stems from the fact that AirPlay usually comes pre-installed in most macOS devices. The technology can be used for educational purposes, work-related activities, or for various media. The only thing you need to do is open AirPlay, select the target device and you’re ready to enjoy your content.
However, note that all devices involved need to be compatible, in order to use AirPlay. Take a look at the list below to find out which devices support AirPlay to stream from Macbook to TV:
And:
If you want to mirror Mac to TV without Apple TV because you don’t own one, you can do so as well. Use another compatible TV screen which comes with built-in AirPlay2. Luckily, the options include AirPlay-enabled TV sets from Samsung, Sony, and LG.
To stop steaming, click on the AirPlay button and select “Turn AirPlay off.”
While AirPlay is undoubtedly a convenient technology, it does have its limitations when it comes to device and file format compatibility. A full-fledged Macbook like JustStream offers a lot more versatility. And the best part is that you can try it with 20 minutes of uninterrupted streaming before deciding on whether to upgrade to the paid Pro version.
If you want to mirror Mac to TV, wireless solutions are not the only option. You can also establish a connection using a cable.
HDMI (short for High Definition Multimedia Interface) is a cable that allows you to share HD audio and video files between two devices. It works with various types of devices, e.g. TVs, DVD players, projectors, as well as Xbox, PlayStation, and more.
First of all, make sure that both your TV and MacBook are equipped with an HDMI port. Note that HDMI ports come in different sizes, so you need to note which particular ones you have on your devices. If your MacBook doesn’t come with an HDMI port, then you need an HDMI display port adapter. Here is how to connect the cables properly:
Instead of doing a screen mirror on Mac to TV, you can opt to mirror your iPhone or iPad. Whether you wish to watch videos or play games, you don’t need to be confined to a small screen. Mirror your iOS device without the need for an Apple TV. You just need a reliable app which supports the functionality. We’ve selected some of the most popular iOS apps you can use. Take a look below and take your pick:
Mirroring your screen means showing exactly what is on your computer, tablet, or phone on another bigger screen. It can also be referred to as screen sharing. It’s widely used in conferences, classroom presentations, and video calls in order to share your display with a larger audience.
To mirror Mac to Smart TV, you can go one of two ways. You can either use a cable to link your device to a TV screen, or install an app. Wired mirroring has some limitations, namely, you’re not able to freely move around with your device. On the other hand, apps don’t use cables and give you greater mobility. We’ve outlined both approaches below, to make it easier for you to choose the one that works best for you.
As the name suggests, wired mirroring involves cables. It needs an HDMI cable to connect devices to TV screens. If your device has an HDMI port, simply connect one end of the cable to your device and the other end to the TV screen. However, if your device lacks such a port, you will need to purchase an HDMI display cable adapter. Don’t forget to check whether your devices are compatible with the cable or adapter you’re planning to buy.
Mirroring your display wirelessly delivers the similar results as wired mirroring without the need for cables. As a matter of fact, most devices nowadays come with wireless display technologies built in (under the name Miracast). All you will need is a compatible TV or a wireless adapter.
Frequently asked questions:
You’re going to need AirPlay2. Follow the steps below to mirror your iPhone to TV:
NOTE: You might be asked to enter a passcode to confirm that you’re connecting to the right TV.