11 screen-mirroring devices for presenting wirelessly

Whether you’re leading a sales call, a training session, or that hoped-for breakthrough presentation to the higher-ups, why not wow them by wirelessly connecting your laptop, tablet, or phone to the room’s projector or large display? With the right gear, it’s easier than you might think.

What’s that? No one at your company has been to the office in the past 10 months because of a global pandemic? The good news is that some of the same inexpensive devices that stream entertainment media over a home Wi-Fi network — Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, and others — can also be used in the boardroom. You can practice now while you’re working from home, then be ready to hit the ground running later on when vaccines finish rolling out, the pandemic recedes, and offices reopen.

These 11 devices plug into a projector, large monitor, or TV to mirror the display of a laptop, tablet, or smartphone so you can make presentations from your own device — and from anywhere in the room. Some use an HDMI cable for connecting to the display or projector, while others resemble a large thumb drive that plugs directly into the screen’s HDMI port.

Even the largest can travel with you or be permanently (and unobtrusively) installed to a display in a conference room, or even a TV in the den for the work-at-home crowd. Then, all you need do is walk in, tap the device or a few keys, and you’re on the big screen. (See some typical setup instructions.)

All of the mirroring devices in this roundup support HD resolution of at least 1920 x 1080 pixels, the standard for business graphics, and some of the newer listed here can handle 4K resolution of up to 3820 x 2160 pixels, showing four times as much detail. To many this will seem like overkill, but it’s perfect for a company for going over the architectural renderings of a new factory, previewing a UHD commercial, or zooming in on a high-resolution image.

The bad news: Most of these devices do not fit all business situations. Consider:

• The Apple TV 4K connects with MacBooks, iPads, and iPhones, but not Windows, Chrome OS, or Android products.
• Miracast devices, like Microsoft’s 4K Wireless Display Adapter, work with Windows systems as well as Android tablets and phones, but not Apple products or Chromebooks.
• Chromecast can directly mirror Android screens but relies on Chromecast apps rather than true mirroring for other device types.

That said, a few newer devices do mirror a broader range of systems. If you’re really serious about accommodating all types of laptops and mobile devices, you should consider getting a device with broader support. Otherwise, choose the one that best suits your needs based on what people use at your office. After all, with a multitude of choices, there’s never been a better time to present wirelessly.

Apple TV 4K / Apple TV HD

Based on Apple’s AirPlay 2 technology, Apple TV 4K wirelessly mirrors material on a Mac, iPhone, or iPad in super-sharp 3840 x 2160 resolution. Unfortunately, you have to stay within the Apple ecosystem to use it, so forget about Androids, Chromebooks, and Windows devices.

Apple

With hardware similar to an iPad, the Apple TV 4K has an A10X Fusion processor and either 32GB ($179) or 64GB ($199) of storage for presentations, videos, and the occasional movie or game. It uses the 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands or a wired Ethernet LAN, has an HDMI port, and is powered by an AC cord.

The Apple TV can be controlled from across the room with its Siri Remote, which listens for commands. At 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.4 in., the Apple TV 4K is likely too big for the back of a TV, but third parties, such as Innovelis, make wall-mounting brackets.  

If the Apple TV 4K’s price tag is out of reach or you don’t have a display or projector that supports 4K, the company’s $149 Apple TV HD is a step down with 1920 x 1080 resolution, an older A8 CPU,

Apple TV 4K at a glance

• Price: $179 (32GB), $199 (64GB)
• Compatibility: Macs, iPads, iPhones
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
• Size: 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.4 in.
• Pros: 4K resolution; includes voice remote control
• Cons: Not compatible with Windows, Android, or Chrome OS; big device; expensive
• Who it’s best for: Offices full of Mac and iOS users who demand 4K-resolution video

Apple TV HD at a glance

• Price: $149
• Compatibility: Macs, iPads, iPhones
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Size: 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.4 in.
• Pros: Comes with remote control; includes voice remote control; HD resolution
• Cons: Not compatible with Windows, Android, or Chrome OS; big device; pricey; older tech
• Who it’s best for: Apple shops that need HD-resolution imaging

Google Chromecast / Google Chromecast with Google TV

Rather than mirroring the screens of every computing platform, the third-generation Chromecast and newer Chromecast with Google TV take a different approach. They allow Android phones and tablets to wirelessly share their screens, but Windows PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, iPhones, and iPads need to use one of the thousands of Chromecast apps available to “cast” to the big screen. The range of supported Chromecast apps includes the ubiquitous Chrome browser, YouTube, and Google Slides but ignores corporate mainstays like PowerPoint and Keynote.

Google

Both Chromecast devices are small with flat HDMI cables for plugging into a display and take advantage of the 2.4 and 5GHz bands of a Wi-Fi network. The USB port of a newer display or TV should be able to power either device, but they each include an AC adapter, just in case.

The two Chromecast devices diverge when it comes to resolution, with the Chromecast putting out 1920 x 1080 pixels and the Chromecast with Google TV showing the ultra-sharp resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. Instead of the basic black Chromecast device, the Chromecast with Google TV is available in white (a.k.a. Snow), light blue (Sky), or salmon (Sunrise) and includes a voice-activated remote control.  

The HD-based Chromecast sells for $30, while the UHD Chromecast with Google TV costs $50, making them screen-sharing bargains.

Chromecast at a glance

• Price: $30
• Compatibility: Android devices, plus Windows PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, iOS devices via Chromecast apps
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Size: 6.4 x 2.0 x 0.5 in.
• Pros: Tiny device; HD imaging; inexpensive; can be display-powered
• Cons: Only mirrors screens on Android devices; Chromecast apps are needed for other platforms
• Who it’s best for: Offices with lots of Android devices

Chromecast with Google TV at a glance

• Price: $50
• Compatibility: Android devices, plus Windows PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, iOS devices via Chromecast apps
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
• Size: 6.4 x 2.4 x 0.5 in.
• Pros: Small; 4K resolution; can be display-powered
• Cons: Can only mirror Android devices, others require Chromecast apps
• Who it’s best for: Setups that use Android systems and those willing to put up with Chromecast apps

IOGear Wireless Mobile and PC to HDTV Screen Sharing Receiver (GWAVRC)

IOGear’s Wireless Mobile and PC to HDTV Screen Sharing Receiver is a mouthful, but thanks to the use of a high-power proprietary chipset and high-gain antenna design, it offers the bonus of being able to stay connected from up to 50 feet away, according to the company. Better known as the GWAVRC, the IOGear receiver is for those who have large rooms to fill with wireless presentations and video.

IOGear

Based on Miracast technology, the GWAVRC can share the screens of Windows PCs as well as Android phones and tablets over a Wi-Fi network using either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz band. It can’t connect with Chromebooks, Macs, iPhones, or iPads and tops out at 1920 x 1080 resolution.

At 3.4 x 2.6 x 0.6 in., the GWAVRC device can sit next to or behind the TV or display. It comes with a USB AC adapter, but recent TVs and displays should be able to provide enough power for its operation. With the ability to send signals across more space, the IOGear GWAVRC could be the long-distance mirroring champ for your office.

IOGear GWAVRC at a glance

• Price: $50
• Compatibility: Windows PCs, Android devices
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Size: 3.4 x 2.6 x 0.6 in.
• Pros: Has a long range; can be display-powered
• Cons: Large size; doesn’t work with Macs, iPhones, or iPads
• Who it’s best for: Businesses that use Android and Windows devices with a large room to fill

Microsoft 4K Wireless Display Adapter

The third-generation Microsoft 4K Wireless Display Adapter picks up where the company’s earlier mirroring devices left off, allowing 4K-resolution screen sharing in a small package.

Microsoft

Happily, it retains the unique design of its predecessor, featuring a 21-inch cable with an HDMI plug at one end and a USB connector at the other. In between is a small box of electronics. This design lets you plug both ends into the back of a TV or display, so the display is both receiving a signal via the HDMI plug and supplying power through the USB plug. The device doesn’t include an AC adapter for displays without a USB port.

Officially, it can mirror a variety of Microsoft Surface devices, but it should work with just about any recent Miracast-enabled system, like Windows 10 PCs or Android phones and tablets. It ignores Apple gear and Chromebooks, though.

Capable of wirelessly mirroring up to a 3840 x 2160 resolution stream, the 4K Wireless Display Adapter uses the 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands. Easy to set up, the device makes it a snap to quickly put a 4K presentation or video in front of your colleagues without a cable in sight. The device lists for $60, but we’ve seen it for about $20 less at online retailers.

Microsoft 4K Wireless Display Adapter at a glance

• Price: $60
• Compatibility: Windows 10 PCs, Android devices
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
• Size: 3.5 x 0.8 x 0.4 in.
• Pros: Small; easy setup; can be display-powered
• Cons: Doesn’t work with Macs, iOS devices, or Chromebooks
• Who it’s best for: Windows-based offices that also have Android users

MiraScreen G9 Plus 5G

With one of the smallest footprints of any mirroring device, the MiraScreen G9 Plus 5G plugs right into a display or projector and can mirror what’s on the screen of a wide variety of computing devices, from Windows PCs, Macs, and Chromebooks to Androids, iPhones, and iPads.

MiraScreen

The key to its compatibility is the G9 Plus’s support for Chromecast, AirPlay, Miracast, and other connection protocols.

The wealth of connection possibilities doesn’t come at the cost of complexity, thanks to its simple step-by-step on-screen connection instructions. The device uses the 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands and can even act as a wireless Wi-Fi extender.

Happily, it yields up to 3840 x 2160 resolution for pinpoint presentations, videoconferences, and even the occasional lunchtime episode of “The Mandalorian.” The G9 Plus has a 1.6GHz dual-core processor and can be powered by the USB port on many newer TVs and displays; it doesn’t, however, include a USB AC adapter for use with older displays. Still, at 2.4 x 1.5 x 0.5 in., it’s a small wonder that can connect an office of gear.

Note that you can probably save about $15 off the $45 list price if you shop around online.

MiraScreen G9 Plus 5G at a glance

• Price: $45
• Compatibility: Windows, Macs, Chromebooks, Android devices, iPhones, iPads
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
• Size: 2.4 x 1.5 x 0.5 in.
• Pros: Tiny device; up to 4K resolution; wide range of compatibility
• Cons: Might need a USB AC adapter
• Who it’s best for: Offices with variety of computing devices to connect

Roku Express / Roku Express+ / Roku Streaming Stick+

Roku’s devices are best known for streaming TV and movies at home, but the Roku Express, Express+, and Streaming Stick+ also work well for screen mirroring with a variety of price, resolution, and compatibility options. The Express and Streaming Stick+ are sold directly from Roku and at a variety of outlets; the Express+ is a Walmart exclusive.

Roku

The $30 Express and $40 Express+ are packaged in small boxes and use Miracast to connect over Wi-Fi’s 2.4GHz band. They support HD resolution and mirror Android and Windows systems; they won’t work with Apple gear or Chromebooks. By contrast, the $50 Streaming Stick+ is the size of a large flash drive, supports 4K resolution at 3840 x 2160 pixels, uses both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands, and adds Apple’s AirPlay technology to mirror Macs, iPhones, and iPads (but not Chromebooks).

Any of the Roku devices can be powered by the USB port from a recent TV or display or with the included AC adapter. Instead of an ordinary power cable, however, the Streaming Stick+ requires you to use the included proprietary power cable, which has what Roku calls a long-range wireless receiver to boost its Wi-Fi signal.

To control the show from across the room, the Express has a traditional remote control with buttons. The Express+ and Streaming Stick+ go a step further with an Alexa-based voice response system and a phone or tablet app that turns its screen into an alternate remote control to eliminate juggling (and likely dropping) devices while presenting.

Roku Express at a glance

• Price: $30
• Compatibility: Windows PCs, Android devices
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Size: 3.0 x 1.5 x 0.75 in.
• Pros: Includes remote control; can be display-powered
• Cons: Doesn’t work with Macs, iOS devices, or Chromebooks
• Who it’s best for: An office that uses Windows and Android systems and that doesn’t need a voice remote control

Roku Express+ at a glance

• Price: $40
• Compatibility: Windows PCs, Android devices
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Size: 3.0 x 1.5 x 0.75 in.
• Pros: Can be powered by display; voice-activated remote control
• Cons: No compatibility with Macs, iOS devices, or Chromebooks
• Who it’s best for: An office that uses Windows and Android systems and wants to use a voice remote control

Roku Streaming Stick+ at a glance

• Price: $50
• Compatibility: Windows PCs, Macs, iPhones, iPads, and Android devices
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
• Size: 3.7 x 0.8 x 0.5 in.
• Pros: 4K resolution; small size; supports a variety of systems; voice-activated remote control
• Cons: Proprietary power cable
• Who it’s best for: Office situations that require devices on multiple platforms to share a mirroring system

StarTech.com Wireless Display Adapter with HDMI

If you want to connect wirelessly to an older display, you’re out of luck with the other 10 units here — but StarTech.com’s Wireless Display Adapter with HDMI (product ID WIFI2HDMC) delivers both analog and digital video signals. In addition to its HDMI digital connector, the StarTech unit comes with an AV cable that has plugs in for an analog display’s composite video and audio connectors.

Startech.com

The Wireless Display Adapter works with Miracast systems, including Android and Windows systems, but it snubs sharing the screens of Macs, iPhones, iPads, and Chromebooks. The device is on the large side at 3.3 x 2.6 x 1.0 in. It can be powered by recent TVs or displays but comes with a back-up USB AC adapter.

It receives its video signal over a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection and does without the higher throughput of a dual-band network link. The Wireless Display Adapter’s resolution is limited to 1920 x 1080 pixels, but it does offer a bonus for ultra-mobile workers: It has a USB port for instantly playing audio, video, or images in a wide variety of formats from a USB drive.

It’s definitely worth shopping around online for this device; we’ve seen it for $30 off the $91 list price.

StarTech.com Wireless Display Adapter with HDMI at a glance

• Price: $91
• Compatibility: Windows PCs, Android devices
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Size: 3.3 x 2.6 x 1.0 in.
• Pros: HDMI and analog composite video output; USB port
• Cons: Pricey; doesn’t work with Macs, iOS devices, or Chromebooks
• Who it’s best for: Offices that rely on older displays and don’t use Apple gear or Chromebooks

How to set up a mirroring device

Wirelessly mirroring your system on the big screen is no longer a hit-or-miss chore that can make you the butt of watercooler jokes. Today, sharing your screen with the group can be as easy as tapping a couple of keys, choosing the receiver, and getting down to business.

The instructions are slightly different for each device, but the steps for setting up Microsoft’s 4K Wireless Display Adapter, which is based on the Miracast protocol, are representative. It took me about 20 seconds to set it up to mirror my ThinkPad T470’s screen.

1. Plug the 4K Wireless Display Adapter into an HDMI port on the display, TV, or projector.
2. Either press the Windows key + K or go to Settings > Display > Connect to a Wireless Display.
3. Pick the Microsoft Display Adapter from the pane that appears on the right.

IDG

4. Both screens will show that the connection process has begun and when they’re linked.
5. When your screen shows up on the big display, start your presentation and prepare to wow them.

If you like, you can leave the 4K Wireless Display Adapter (or other mirroring device) permanently attached to the display. To use it later on, just switch to its input and follow steps 2 through 5.

This article was originally published in October 2014 and updated in January 2021.