Requirements: OS X 10.12+
, 89.2MB free space
Version 8.15(3307) (22 Mar, 2023) Release notes
Nataliia Paraskeva
Sep 24, 2021
There are many different reasons why you might want to stream media content from your Mac to television via screen mirroring or casting. There are multiple ways to connect Mac to TV, and while it is nice to have options, it can leave you needing a bit of guidance regarding which method is right for you.
In this guide, we explore how to stream videos from Mac to TV seamlessly and with minimal hassle.
There are many ways to show the contents of your computer or cast specific videos to a bigger screen via your Mac.
Mirroring methods include simply using a wired connection to effectively turn your television into an extra display or monitor for your laptop. There is also the option to cast Mac to TV, with some apps having an inbuilt method of doing so or third-party software opening up the casting functionality of your Mac.
Wireless options may vary depending on whether you want to mirror Mac on TV, sharing the whole contents of the screen, or just display an individual media item like a video.
A lot of smart televisions are AirPlay-compatible and will allow you to use the AirPlay function already built into your Smart TV. It allows you to broadcast videos from your macOS to your TV wirelessly. AirPlay-enabled or DLNA devices make it possible to screen share and connect Mac to TV along with Roku and Chromecast but require additional apps to be installed.
Elmedia Player can open and stream any format through AirPlay 2 or DLNA. It is also compatible with Chromecast and devices like Roku, so you have options for how you wish to stream.
It has numerous settings for better streaming compatibility, such as resolution adjustment (to help with low bandwidth), subtitle encoding and burning, and more. Also, the additional settings come in handy too - for example, external audio and subtitle tracks, and subtitle search which allows you to find specific ones for the video you are watching in many languages.
You can learn how to stream Mac to TV in the free trial version. The streaming feature can be tested for free - you get 5 minutes to try it out.
Pros
Cons
1. Download Elmedia Player and activate the PRO version. Or you can purchase it from the Mac App Store.
2. Make sure that your Mac and television are both turned on and linked to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Open Elmedia Player from your dock or applications and play a video.
4. You’ll see a Streaming icon in the bottom right, next to Settings and Playlist. Click it.
5. Select the device or smart TV you want to cast to from the list and wait for the content to begin. You may have to allow access on your television.
Stream Mac to TV wirelessly without any unnecessary features. JustStream is a specialized streaming player with a simple and user-friendly interface. It’s compatible with any format, most network media devices (AirPlay, DLNA, Chromecast), and even external subtitles.
Stream media or mirror, enable or disable your mouse pointer, or adjust the streaming resolution - there are many features of JustStream that can’t be found in the default Mac AirPlay functionality.
Pros
Cons
AirPlay is a built-in option for those looking to cast and screen share. To AirPlay to TV from Mac, you need to make sure your devices are compatible and AirPlay-enabled.
You can use an Apple TV device, but there are also many Smart TVs that come with AirPlay support already, so you don’t need to buy anything extra. Just check if your television will work before you try to hook up your Mac.
AirPlay is Apple’s inbuilt technology to stream to TV from Mac. It works on iPhone or iPad too. AirPlay uses the internet connection to send data from one device to another through the network and display it on your target television.
If both of your devices support AirPlay2, the latest offering from Apple, then you should be able to screencast from Mac to TV without third-party apps. For example, macOS has a built-in screen mirroring feature. It isn’t perfect by any means, which may lead you to seek out better apps.
The following Apple device models are AirPlay-compatible:
The latest version of AirPlay, AirPlay 2, will allow you to stream Mac to TV from any Apple device made in the last seven years.
To help you to work out if you are going to be able to broadcast or project videos using AirPlay directly to your TV, check out the list of the AirPlay-enabled Smart TVs:
See the full list of models on the official Apple website.
This is still one of the most reliable Mac to TV connection methods. It should work in most cases unless either of the devices is damaged.
You can use Thunderbolt, DVI, or HDMI cables to hook your Mac to the television. Keep in mind that you may need an adapter, such as a Thunderbolt to HDMI adapter, in order for this to work.
Use System Settings - Monitors and System Settings - Sound to start using the wired connection. After that, your desktop will be projected directly to the other screen. Just choose a file and start streaming the video from Mac.
Step-by-step Guide:
Here is a comparison of a few things you should know before choosing a way to connect the Mac to your television in a simple table form.
| Option | Feature | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Cable | Can connect to a variety of devices with no internet needed | Devices with HDMI input |
| Elmedia Player | Huge amount of control and compatible devices | Roku devices, Chromecast, TVs including Samsung, Roku, LG, Sony, Panasonic, and other DLNA-certified devices |
| JustStream | Includes a screen mirroring option to share Mac screen with TV | DLNA-certified TVs and devices |
| AirPlay | Included with your Apple device. But not all external devices are compatible. | AirPlay and AirPlay2 compatible Macs, Apple TVs, and some Smart TVs |
FAQ