AirServer review

AirServer is the most widely deployed style of receiver here, with versions for Windows 10 and 11, older Windows, Mac, Xbox, Surface Hub and embedded Linux. The PC edition receives AirPlay, Google Cast and Miracast streams one by one or at the same time, so iPhones, Android phones, Chromebooks and Windows laptops can all connect without installing a third party app. The Windows Desktop Edition is a sandboxed Microsoft Store app that AirServer says delivers 60 FPS AirPlay mirroring with CPU use that rarely exceeds 10% on Intel hardware. Smart Layouts tile several sessions on one screen, and the YouTube Live certification with webcam picture-in-picture suits teachers and gamers. A fully featured 30-day trial is free. Licenses come in Consumer, Business and Educational versions, and business use needs the Business License. The store showed prices in EUR from our location, so the USD price is pending. We compared documented features and published prices.

Who it is for

schools and businesses that want one receiver across PCs, Macs, Xbox and Surface Hub

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Receives AirPlay, Google Cast and Miracast, one by one or at the same time
• 60 FPS AirPlay mirroring in the Windows Desktop Edition, hardware accelerated on Intel
• Smart Layouts arrange several mirroring sessions on one screen
• YouTube Live certified, with picture-in-picture webcam support
• Consumer, Business and Educational licenses, plus a 30-day full trial

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Works with Windows' built-in Project to a wireless display feature
• Strength: Encrypted AirPlay protects photos and videos sent over the network
• Strength: Free AirServer Connect app helps iOS devices find receivers across subnets
• Weakness: Activation and the trial need an internet connection
• Weakness: Business use requires the pricier Business License
• Weakness: Prices showed in EUR from our location, so the USD price is pending

Key facts

• Protocols: AirPlay, Google Cast, Miracast
• Runs on: Windows, Mac, Xbox, Surface Hub, Embedded Linux
• Free trial: 30 days, fully featured
• License types: Consumer, Business, Educational

Where it ranks

AirServer is No. 3 in our Best Screen Mirroring Apps verdict.