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.
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.
One of the most popular streaming software for Mac is JustStream. The tool supports almost every common media file type and is loaded with a variety of useful features, such as real-time conversion. JustStream also ensures an uninterrupted experience with its playlist feature. No matter how large the files are, you can combine them into playlists. As for subtitle files and audio, they can be loaded from either external or embedded sources.
All popular TV brands, including Samsung, Roku, LG, and Sony, as well as Apple TV, Chromecast, and other DLNA-certified devices, are compatible with JustStream. Besides that, the app is fully compatible with M1 and M2. The app is available for testing without charge, and upgrading to Pro costs $9.99.
Click on the "+" symbol to find the video or movie you’d like to stream.
Click on the signal icon and choose which device to stream to.
Tap "Start Streaming" to begin.
Note: JustStream only permits 20 minutes of free streaming from Mac to TV before upgrading to the Pro version.
Elmedia Player is another way to stream 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 or create playlists. Elmedia’s subtitle support is also on point. Using the app, you can adjust your subtitles, add external ones, or even search for them on OpenSubtitles.
The player 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 AirPlay, DLNA, and Chromecast. To unlock Elmedia’s full streaming capabilities, unlock the PRO version for $19.95.
Follow these easy steps, and you will learn how to play video from Mac to TV with ease:
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.
AirPlay offers a simple and effective solution for enjoying content across multiple devices in your home without the hassle and wires. It is a technology created by Apple that allows you to easily stream media from your Mac, iPhone, or iPad to compatible TVs, speakers, or other devices.
Follow the steps below in order to know how it works:
Bonus: If you encounter any problems with AirPlay, we recommend taking a look at our article dedicated to the issue of AirPlay not working. There, you can find useful information and hacks.
Another 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.
Apart from streaming to TV from Mac, lots of users also have content on their iPhones or iPads that they want to enjoy on a bigger screen. The whole process is not so difficult and is pretty much the same as with your Mac computer. To know more, proceed with the following steps:
DoCast is another alternative if you want to stream your content stored on your iPhone to Chromecast-enabled devices. The app features a rather minimalist user interface and is compatible with Chromecast, Chromecast Ultra, and all Chromecast family generations, as well as certain TV models by Sony, Vizio, Sharp, and other brands. Follow the guide to learn how to use it.
Above are the best ways to stream Mac to TV. If you want to stream 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.
AirPlay is Apple’s proprietary protocol for wireless communication between different devices. It allows streaming video and audio files, photos, or mirroring the entire screen. AirPlay works with the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and other AirPlay-enabled devices. For example, different manufacturers have been licensed by Apple to use AirPlay in their products. The protocol was initially introduced in 2010. However, in 2017, it was updated, and the newer AirPlay 2 was created. It’s an enhanced version of the protocol, which offers improvements.
There are several ways you can do it, namely via AirPlay( if your TV is AriPlay-compatible), using third-party apps like JustStream, Elmedia, MirrorMeister, etc., or via the HDMI cable. A detailed guide for each method can be found in the article above.