Requirements: macOS 10.12+
, 103.67MB of free space
Version 8.1(2848) (28 Jul, 2021) Release notes
Category: MultimediaApplication
Roku is one of the best smart TV options around. Not only does it provide its own content, it also lets you stream content directly from your Mac. However, the number of options around can be confusing. We’re going to look at 5 of the best solutions for streaming to Roku.
Elmedia Player is the ideal tool for anyone looking for a versatile Mac video player to stream videos from Mac to Roku TV. It offers a whole host of different features, making it great for streaming to Roku, as well as Airplay, Airplay2 and Chromecast.
That said, it’s much better than a native AirPlay streaming option. Elmedia lets you use a huge range of different formats, keeping you covered for any eventuality. It also lets you implement subtitles in a way that isn’t possible on Airplay. On top of that, you can change resolution on the fly, depending on your needs. Beyond these features, Elmedia also boasts compatibility with some streaming platforms, so, you can stream YouTube videos from your Mac to TV with no ads.
Advanced settings let you control playback and alter audio and video choices. And a user-friendly interface makes Elmedia Player perfect for anyone. Unlock the PRO option (19,99$ life-time licence), and you’ll have access to all the best streaming options.
1. First of all, turn on your smart TV.
2. Get Elmedia for free and upgrade to the PRO version or purchase Elmedia Player from the Mac App Store.
3. Navigate to the content you want to stream.
4. Use the Elmedia Player app to open the audio or video.
5. From the control panel, hit the streaming icon and select your preferred device.
6. Now just sit back and enjoy your content.
JustStream is another great tool for streaming Mac to Roku. Like Elmedia Player, it provides complete compatibility for the Roku system, allowing you to link your Mac up to your smart TV and enjoy content. JustStream can handle a huge range of different resolutions, letting you customise depending on your preferences.
On top of that, it lets you compile playlists of your favourite content, letting you set up hours of video that can be played at the touch of a button. One of its most notable features is the extensive support it provides for audio and subtitle files. Any translated audio or subtitles can be set up to automatically play once you start playing a file.
1. First of all, download JustStream and launch the program.
2. Click + to start looking for the video you want to play.
3. Navigate to the signal icon, and choose your preferred device.
4. Hit ‘start streaming’ and you’ll be able to enjoy your video.
The free version of JustStream can only provide you with 20 minutes of streaming in any one go. By upgrading to the paid version (12,99$ -1 Year), you’ll be able to access all features.
OmniPlayer is a pretty good media player that offers streaming features to let you stream from Mac to Roku. It’s main benefit is the fact that it can handle a huge range of different formats, letting you play just about anything you might have in your library.
It’s also got some impressive playback options. You can change speed, rewind, fast forward, and it offers a few different ways to alter image and audio. Playlist functions are simple and effective. You can also load up subtitles with minimum difficulty. As far as streaming Mac to Roku, it offers all the streaming features you’d expect, making it easy to stream from Mac to Roku.
For full streaming, as well as other major features, you’ll need to spend money on a subscription to the paid version (9,99$ life-time licence).
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4. You’ll now be able to enjoy your video streaming to Roku from Mac.
MirrorMeister is a pretty good option for anyone looking for a way to stream to Roku TV from Mac. Unlike some of the other options we’ve looked at, this tool is designed solely for casting. That means that you won’t have any of the added benefits provided by programs like Elmedia Player. That said, if you’re simply looking for a way to stream laptop to Roku or any of a number of other popular systems, this is fine for you.
It supports a wide range of devices and manufacturers, meaning that you shouldn’t encounter any compatibility issues. Beyond that, it doesn’t really offer a huge range of different options.
To unlock more advanced features you can purchase a lifetime Pro for $33.99 or a yearly subscription for $13.49.
AirPlay, as you may already know, is Apple’s native casting tool. That means that it comes built into the majority of current Apple models. It’s compatible to stream video to Roku, as long as you have the correct model. On StreamBars, this is models 1900 and upwards. For Roku TV it’s A, C, and 7. You also need to be running on Roku OS 9.4 or higher. And in terms of your Mac operating system, you’ll need a macOS of 10.14.5 or more recent versions. As far as casting goes, AirPlay is pretty straightforward. As an Apple device, it’s handy for also streaming to other Apple devices. And you’ll have no problems mirroring your screen to Roku or to your smart TV. Beyond this, AirPlay offers little that you can’t get from some of the other options we’ve looked at. It doesn’t offer any advanced equaliser or media player options, or any options for searching directly via streaming platforms.
FAQ
As we’ve already pointed out, the Elmedia Player is the ideal tool for anyone looking to cast YouTube from Mac to Roku. Elmedia Player is directly compatible with major streaming platforms such as YouTube and DailyMotion. This means that you can use it to cast directly from your Mac, without the need for opening videos in your browser and mirroring. It also removes all adverts from the videos you decide to play.
All you need to cast from iPhone to Roku is an iPhone app that is compatible with both devices. AirPlay is Apple’s native casting device, and lets you either cast a single file or mirror. There are a number of other third party apps available that let you cast from your iPhone. All you need to do is make sure that they are compatible with both your iPhone and your Roku models.
There are a number of reasons why you may be having difficulty connecting to AirPlay on Roku. You should check your macOS version, as well as your Roku model number. Beyond that, you should make sure that you have a secure wireless connection on both devices. And other users have reported that the ‘fast TV start’ seems to sometimes affect connectivity between Mac and Roku, even when both devices are fully updated.
The direct way to cast VLC to Roku, if you have a recent version, is to go to the ‘renderer’ option in your VLC playback settings, and select your Roku device. Alternatively, you can use one of the above options that we’ve looked at to simply mirror your screen from your Mac to Roku. AirPlay is one of the tools that offers this function.
A basic version of Elmedia is available for free. However, for full usability, you should invest in Elmedia Player PRO. Packages start from $19.99.
JustStream is available in both free and paid options. The free version only offers up to 20 minutes of streaming. The paid version is available for $12.99.