Chromecast, Android TV, Apple TV, Roku, Miracast: which solution to choose?

Although smartphones of all brands go through incremental updates from year to year that allow us to enjoy the best improvements and the best content possible, some devices still remain minimally blocked.

This is especially true with televisions because they are not meant to be changed regularly, but are much more appreciated in the long run. This sometimes forces them to not follow the trend and especially those who want their television sets to be connected to the Internet now.

However, this does not necessarily apply to all televisions. Therefore, many solutions have been developed to overcome this reality, often in the form of communication standards or external boxes. But which would suit you better, Miracast, Chromecast, Apple TV or Android TV? We will see this together.

Miracast

Miracast is a free standard developed by the Wifi Alliance consortium that allows you to effortlessly cast a phone’s screen to your TV. For this, the target device must be compatible with it and hence have an Intel chip and it will connect to the smartphone via WiFi Direct to clone its screen.

Miracast is a universal standard for it, meaning it doesn’t depend on a brand or even an operating system to work. In addition, there are no restrictions on its use.

However, it depends on one size factor: your television must be compatible with it. Even if smartphones have all embraced it, this is not the case for manufacturers who hesitantly integrate it into their solutions, especially at the entry level. However, there are dongles.

It also has one major flaw: It requires your phone to stay on to view content, copying only the video and audio signal. Also, some lag will be felt and your phone’s battery will surely suffer. Good for watching an episode quickly but not for daily use.

Chromecast

Miracast isn’t worth it against the Chromecast 2, even if it means buying a USB or HDMI dongle. Google’s tiny HDMI dongle has all the advantages of the former without the disadvantages.

It’s really much more independent: instead of forcing you to leave your device on, it’s up to it to take its instructions. Start a YouTube video? You have to go through the YouTube app on your phone and send the corresponding stream directly to the Chromecast with the push of a button.

• See also: How to set up and configure your Chromecast

Its principle of operation is such that the phone serves more as a remote control and “leader” than a real resource. It only sends the instructions while all the work is done by the dongle. Therefore, the device may remain off after its instructions have been sent without any problems.

However, it is a different standard, “Google Cast” which is obviously proprietary. Therefore, its implementation is at the discretion of developers and manufacturers, which does not take long to comply with it.

Google is generous, they are well developed in their own apps for Android or iOS. Still, while not free, phones under less popular operating systems (Atch-Windows Phone-oum) don’t benefit from it.

It also allows you to duplicate the screen of your PC/Mac and Android phone directly on your TV, with the latency occurring of course, making it possible to make all apps compatible, largely in Miracast style.

Google also announced a new version of Chromecast called Chromecast Ultra. Mountain View has made its small dongle compatible with 4K/Ultra HD. Also note that it’s twice as powerful as Chromecast 2. So users can enjoy a full range of products, with a more affordable model for 39 euros (Chromecast 2) and a premium model for 79 euros (Chromecast Ultra).

AppleTV

However, these last two solutions were not the most complete and always had to be connected to another device to work. Fortunately, there are boxes entirely devoted to our televisions, as is the case with the Apple TV.

With the latest version of Apple TV, you’ll finally have access to the full range of apps on your TV without having to pull out your phone for a second. An app store also lets you find the experiences you want right on your TV.

To interact with it, the American manufacturer has chosen to develop a new remote control with gesture recognition, which also functions as a trackpad. Therefore, it is convenient to be able to control the various games available on the platform.

Apple remains Apple, but… Unless you are an integral part of their ecosystem, you will rarely be welcome. Interactions with other devices occur only through AirPlay exclusive to the brand’s products, and the system is limited to what the developer has agreed to give you.

If 4K is also a strong point for you, forget it right away: Apple TV doesn’t support 4K streams and “content” with 1080p until the latest version released recently. However, it remains cheap, which is not in the brand’s habit.

Roku

Roku, which is very well known in the United States, is not having the same success in France. Still, it is without a doubt one of the best TV boxes in existence today. Roku offers a full range of devices: Streaming Stick, Roku 2 and Roku 3.

The brand says the first of the three devices takes the form of a small USB key and is “ideal for wall-mounted televisions.” The Roku 2 is closer to an Apple TV like the Roku 3, which is a more advanced version of the box.

The best of the three is the Roku 3, which includes everything the brand does best. Comes with box very intuitive remote control and headset It can be attached to the remote control for private listening without disturbing those around you. A great idea.

The interface of Roku boxes is extremely simple. You can access over 2000 streaming channels or services such as Netflix (highlighted), Twitch, Youtube, Google Movies, GoPro and much more. Music is also included with Spotify or Deezer, accessible directly from the interface. Navigation is very fluid and intuitive thanks to the really well designed remote control.

In terms of hardware, the Roku 3 supports Full HD streaming, you can plug in an ethernet socket, a USB drive or a microSD card. The processor is very powerful for smooth use. Roku is a little weak, but it really is a great alternative to the tech giants. most The Streaming Stick is offered for 54.99 euros, the Roku 2 for 89.99 euros and the Roku 3 for 119.99 euros.

Android-TV

The operating system for Google televisions contains almost all the advantages of all the solutions mentioned above: more and more televisions are directly integrating it without having to buy an additional device, as in 2016, for example, Sony Bravia.

However, it is also available through various external boxes, such as the Nexus Player for €99 or the Nvidia Shield TV for €199. As you can tell, the offer is plentiful and will allow anyone to pick up the device.

It’s also Google Cast compatible, meaning it automatically picks up the best spots of the aforementioned Chromecast and can therefore interact with both Android and iOS smartphones. The latter is always a little more limited, that’s of course.

You’ll find the Play Store with specially tailored apps out there, but the smartest or most resourceful won’t be limited to this small selection because you can also install APKs and connect a mouse and keyboard to use them on your big screen. .

Google Assistant also includes voice search, and the freedom of the operating system means manufacturers can offer motion-activated controllers, real console controllers, and even 4K outputs like the Shield TV.