Cookie
Electronic Team uses cookies to personalize your experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our cookie policy. Click here to learn more.

How to Stream from Mac to TV: Best Methods

Olga Weis Olga Weis Oct 21, 2022

This article describes all the methods you can use to stream and mirror Mac to TV. It outlines each solution’s most prominent features, so you can choose the best option for your needs without getting lost in trial and error. You will also find step-by-step guides on how to stream from Mac to TV for each solution featured in the article.

How to Stream from Mac to TV with Third-Party Apps

Third-party streaming apps are very versatile. Most of them allow you to connect to various Smart TVs regardless of the brand or built-in protocols they come with. Below you will find an overview of the best solutions you can try.

Best Way to Stream Video from Mac to TV - JustStream

JustStream
4.6 Rank based on 438 + users Reviews(227)
Requirements: macOS 10.12
Version: v2.7(531), Released 29 Nov, 2022 Release notes
Category: Video

JustStream is a prominent application when it comes to how to stream video from Mac to TV. The tool is packed with various useful features like real-time conversion, as well as supports practically any popular media file type. JustStream also guarantees an uninterrupted experience with the help of its playlist feature. You can compile playlists consisting of numerous files, regardless of their size. It can load both external and embedded audio, and the same goes for subtitle files.

JustStream comes with full native M1 and M2 support and works with all popular TV brands including Samsung, Roku, LG, and Sony, plus Apple TV, Chromecast, and other DLNA-certified devices. You can test the app for free and upgrade to Pro for $9.99.

Stream your content from Mac to TV using JustStream.

How to Stream from Mac with JustStream

1
Turn on your Smart TV.
2
Install JustStream on your Mac and expand the icon on the toolbar to launch the app.
3

Click on the "+" symbol to find the video or movie you’d like to stream.

 Add the video or movie you’d like to stream
4

Click on the signal icon and choose which device to stream to.

 Choose device which you want to stream
5
Tap "Start Streaming" to begin.

Note: JustStream only permits 20 minutes of free streaming from your Mac to your TV, before you need to upgrade to Pro.

Stream from Mac to TV with Elmedia

Elmedia Player is another way to stream local videos from Mac to TV. The app comes with advanced streaming options, giving you full control over the process. For example, you can change your video resolution as you go or create playlists. Elmedia’s subtitle support is also on point. Using Elmedia, you can adjust your subtitles, add external ones, or even search on OpenSubtitles.

The app also does great in terms of file compatibility. While AirPlay only works for several specific video formats, Elmedia can play a very wide range. And any file types that your TV does not recognize will be transcoded in real time. The player conveniently supports both AirPlay and DLNA. To unlock Elmedia’s full streaming capabilities, unlock the PRO version at $19.95.

Stream from Mac to TV wirelessly with Elmedia Player

How to Stream from Mac to Smart TV

Follow these easy steps to stream local videos from macOS devices to your smart TV:

1
Turn on your TV.
2
Download the free Elmedia Player on your Mac and upgrade to the PRO version. You can also purchase Elmedia from the Mac App Store.
3
Find the video file that you’re looking to stream to your TV.
4
Open the file by dragging and dropping it into the Elmedia Player app.
5
Press the streaming icon in Elmedia Player’s Control Panel and select which device you wish to stream to.

Note: The free Elmedia Player app grants you 5 minutes of streaming to assess the app. Once you do, you can purchase the PRO version to unlock unlimited streaming.

Stream Movies from Mac to TV with AirBeamTV

AirBeamTV is an app which allows both mirroring and streaming to TV from Mac. It is compatible with a wide range of TV brands - from Samsung, Philips, Sony, and Panasonic, to Roku, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more. AirBeamTV is not a one-size-fits-all solution, meaning you need to download a separate version of the app for each particular TV manufacturer. There is also an app bundle you can purchase, which contains a total of 9 apps. AirBeamTV offers a free trial, as well as a paid full-fledged option.

AirBeamTV can stream and mirror from Mac to TV

How to Stream from Mac to TV Wirelessly

1
Connect your TV and computer to the same WiFi network.
2
Install AirBeamTV and open the app.
3
Select your TV as the receiving device.
4
If you want to mirror your display, choose your laptop screen or another attached monitor as the source. Click "Start Mirroring".
5
To stream a video, drag and drop it onto the app - this will play it automatically.
6
To enable audio, you’ll need to install a separate audio driver.

Stream Videos from Mac to TV with MirrorMeister

The MirrorMeister app supports both streaming and mirroring. With this app, you can enjoy your movies, apps, photos, presentations and music on your TV screen. MirrorMeister also works with online videos from websites like YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, and Dailymotion. Furthermore, it is compatible with iPhone and iPad, so you can easily mirror and stream from your iOS devices.

The app doesn’t require any adapters or additional cables. Note that while streaming, you will be notified that your screen is being recorded. This is the way the MirrorMeister operates, but the data is only temporarily stored in memory and then promptly removed. To unlock all the app’s features, you need to pay a subscription fee after the free trial.

With MirrorMeister you can stream video from Mac to TV

How to Stream from Macbook to TV with MirrorMeister

1
Connect your TV and Mac or Macbook to the same Wi-Fi network.
2
Download and install MirrorMeister on your computer.
3
Open the app and complete the initial setup process.
4
Choose your source, as well as the target device from the drop-down list.
5
Tap on the "Start mirroring" button.
6
An additional free audio driver is required to include audio.

Streaming Mac to TV with LetsView

Another tool on the list is a screen mirroring app called LetsView. It is capable of mirroring Macs to TVs and other external screens, as well as lets you share screen of your phone to PC, TV and projector. Using LetsView, you can display everything to your TV. Furthermore, LetsView comes with recording and screenshot tools.

Stream video from Mac to TV with LetsView

How to Stream from Mac to TV with LetsView

1
Make sure your devices are connected to the same network.
2
Download and install LetsView both on your Mac and TV. Once installed, launch the app on your devices.
3
Now, on your Mac, click the Screen Mirroring icon and select LetsView from the list.
4
Done! Your Mac will be mirrored to your TV.

What is AirPlay?

AirPlay is Apple’s proprietary protocol which serves for wireless communication between different devices. It allows streaming of video and audio files, photos, or mirroring of entire screens. AirPlay works with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, as well as other AirPlay-enabled devices. For example, different manufacturers have been licensed by Apple to use AirPlay in their products.

AirPlay was initially introduced in 2010. In 2017, it was updated and the newer AirPlay 2 was created. It’s an enhanced version of the protocol, which offers improvements.

Stream from Mac to TV wirelessly using AirPlay

How to Stream Video from Mac to TV using AirPlay

1
First, connect your Mac to the same network as your TV.
2
Locate the video you want to stream and play it.
3
On Mac, go to the Control Center and click the Screen Mirroring icon.
4
Select the AirPlay device from the list. Once done, your screen will be displayed on TV.

Sometimes you may face AirPlay not working issue. In that case you can try some of the following steps:

  • Check first if your device supports AirPlay.
  • Check if your devices are turned on and if they are next to each other.
  • Make sure your devices have the latest software and are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Restart the devices.

How to Stream from Mac to TV with HDMI Cable

An alternative way to stream content from your Mac to your TV is by using a cable. It’s a good solution when you don’t have the best internet connection, for example.

Learn how to stream from Mac to TV with HDMI

How to Connect an HDMI Cable:

1
Find your TV’s HDMI port. Look on the back or the side of the TV.
2
Find out what video output your Mac has.

Newer iMac models have an oval USB-C or Thunderbolt port. With a Thunderbolt 3 port, you’d need a USB-C to HDMI cable. Older Mac computers have a Thunderbolt 2, so you’d need Thunderbolt 2 to HDMI cable (or a Thunderbolt 2 to HDMI adapter and an HDMI cable).
3
Purchase the right cable - USB-C to HDMI or Thunderbolt 2 to HDMI.
4
Plug in one end of your HDMI cable in your TV and the other end in your Mac or adapter.
5
Switch on your TV and choose HDMI input as your input channel.
6
Your screen will be displayed on your TV.

Stream Content from iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to TV

Connect your iOS device to the same Wi-Fi network as your AirPlay 2-compatible Smart TV
1
Connect your iOS device to the same Wi-Fi network as your AirPlay 2-compatible Smart TV.
2
Find the video that you’d like to stream.
3
Click on the AirPlay symbol within the video.
4
Choose your Smart TV as the receiver.
5
To stop streaming, tap on the AirPlay symbol in the app you're streaming from, then tap your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from the list.

Notes: To stream to a device other than your TV, tap on the AirPlay symbol again and choose another device.

If your device automatically streams a video to your TV, tap on the AirPlay symbol and choose your iPhone.

Conclusion

Above are the best ways to stream Mac to TV. If you want to mirror your Mac to your TV wirelessly, use JustStream or any of the other apps on the list. If you don't have a reliable internet connection, you can connect Mac to TV with an HDMI cable. All methods are useful, so choose the one you need and start streaming.

FAQ

You can do so by using a third-party app such as Elmedia Player or JustStream. You just need to open your video in the app, choose your Samsung TV as the target device, and start streaming. Alternatively, you can use Apple’s AirPlay technology. For more detailed information, take a look at our dedicated article on how to stream from Mac to Samsung TV.

One way to do this is by using AirPlay. You simply need to open the video, tap the AirPlay icon, and then choose your Apple TV. This works for TV shows on the Apple TV app, local videos, or online videos. Or you can use a good third-party app as well. If you have more questions on how to stream from macOS to Apple TV, feel free to read our additional resources.

You can stream to TV from Mac wirelessly as long as you have an internet connection. You can get a third-party app to easily link the two devices. Apps like JustStream let you stream Mac to LG TV and other Smart TVs without the need for cables or additional hardware. Depending on the model of your TV, you could also use AirPlay.

You can use an HDMI cable to connect Mac to TV. Just start your devices, plug an HDMI cable into the HDMI ports on your Mac and TV, and then select your HDMI source on your TV remote.
On MacBook, go to the Control Center, click the Screen Mirroring icon, and select your TV. If your TV does not support AirPlay, you can use third-party apps such as JustStream. These apps let you connect your MacBook to your TV wirelessly. Some apps even allows you to stream Mac to Roku.
JustStream
Requirements: OS X 10.12+ , 38.05MB size
Version 2.7(531) (29 Nov, 2022) Release notes
Category: Video