Chromecast App Alternatives: Top Picks for Smooth StreamingChromecast is a popular way to stream video, music, and photos from phones, tablets, and computers to the big screen. But the official Chromecast app (Google Home for setup and Google Cast-enabled apps for casting) isn’t the only option — and in some cases it’s not the best fit. Whether you want broader format support, local network streaming, advanced playback controls, or cross-platform casting to non-Chromecast devices, several excellent alternatives deliver smoother, more flexible streaming experiences.
Below is an in-depth look at the top Chromecast app alternatives, what each one does best, and how to choose the right option for your needs.
Why look beyond the Chromecast app?
The official Google tools are simple and reliable for basic casting, but you’ll run into limitations if you need any of the following:
- Cast from local media files stored on a device or network drive.
- Advanced playback features (subtitles control, audio track switching, equalizer).
- Support for DLNA/UPnP devices, smart TVs without Cast, or streaming boxes like Roku and Fire TV.
- Private or ad-free clients, or apps focused on privacy and file-format breadth.
- Casting from desktop apps or non-standard formats without re-encoding.
If one or more of these describe your needs, an alternative can make streaming smoother, faster, and more flexible.
Best alternatives at a glance
| App / Tool | Best for | Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| VLC (with casting) | Local file support, wide codec compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Plex | Unified media server, remote streaming, metadata | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, NAS |
| BubbleUPnP | DLNA/UPnP control, advanced casting options | Android |
| AllCast | Broad device support (Roku, Fire TV, smart TVs) | Android, iOS |
| AirScreen / AirPin(PRO) | Emulating Cast/AirPlay/DLNA on devices | Android TV, Fire TV, Smart TV boxes |
| LocalCast | Simple local & cloud casting with subtitle support | Android |
| Raspicast / PiCast | DIY: cast to Raspberry Pi (custom targets) | Android (with Raspberry Pi) |
VLC — the Swiss Army knife of media
VLC is renowned for playing almost any media file without extra codecs. Its streaming features let you cast local videos to Chromecast devices and other UPnP/DLNA renderers.
Pros:
- Extensive codec and container support — plays almost anything.
- Subtitle and audio-track controls.
- Cross-platform desktop + mobile apps.
Limitations:
- Chromecast support can be clunky for some file types (transcoding may occur).
- Interface for casting is not as seamless as dedicated casting apps.
When to use VLC:
- You have various local media files (MKV, AVI, uncommon codecs) and need reliable playback and subtitle handling.
Plex — best for organized libraries and remote access
Plex combines a media server with client apps, offering rich metadata, transcoding, and remote streaming. It can cast to Chromecast but also supports many smart TVs and streaming devices via native clients.
Pros:
- Powerful media management with metadata, posters, and libraries.
- Transcoding on-the-fly for device compatibility.
- Remote streaming and user accounts for shared libraries.
Limitations:
- Requires running a server (PC, NAS, or cloud) — more setup.
- Some premium features require a Plex Pass subscription.
When to use Plex:
- You want a centralized, organized media library accessible from anywhere and easy casting to many devices.
BubbleUPnP — advanced Android-centric control
BubbleUPnP is an Android app that acts as a controller to stream media between devices on your network. It supports Chromecast as well as many UPnP/DLNA renderers, and offers advanced routing and transcoding options when paired with a server.
Pros:
- Fine-grained control of renderers and routes.
- Supports casting from cloud services and network shares.
- Integrates with media servers for transcoding.
Limitations:
- Android-only; UI is dense with technical options.
- Some features gated behind a paid version.
When to use BubbleUPnP:
- You’re an advanced Android user who wants full control over where media plays and how it’s transcoded.
AllCast — straightforward multi-device casting
AllCast focuses on ease: it streams photos, music, and video from phones to a wide range of receivers — Chromecast, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, and many smart TVs.
Pros:
- Broad device support beyond just Chromecast.
- Simple UI for quick casting.
- Supports cloud services and local files.
Limitations:
- Free tier has casting time limits and ads.
- Less powerful for managing large media libraries.
When to use AllCast:
- You need a simple, no-fuss way to cast from mobile to many different receivers.
AirScreen / AirPin(PRO) — emulate Cast and more on receivers
AirScreen and AirPin(PRO) run on Android TV boxes, Fire TV, and many smart TVs to emulate Google Cast, Apple AirPlay, Miracast, and DLNA. They’re ideal when your TV or set-top box doesn’t support Cast natively.
Pros:
- Adds Cast/AirPlay support to devices that lack it.
- Often more stable casting experience on certain boxes.
- Multi-protocol support—convenient for mixed-device households.
Limitations:
- Requires installing the app on the receiving device (Android TV, Fire TV).
- Performance depends on receiver hardware.
When to use AirScreen / AirPin(PRO):
- Your smart TV or box can’t cast natively but can run third-party apps.
LocalCast — focused, lightweight, subtitle-friendly
LocalCast is a popular Android app for casting local and cloud media to Chromecast and other DLNA devices. It shines with subtitle support and playing from network shares.
Pros:
- Subtitle support (external .srt) and subtitle customization.
- Streams from SMB/Samba, FTP, and cloud services.
- Simple, fast interface.
Limitations:
- Android-only.
- Free version shows ads and has occasional limits.
When to use LocalCast:
- You need robust subtitle handling for local videos and want to stream from network shares.
Raspicast / PiCast — DIY for Raspberry Pi enthusiasts
Raspicast and similar projects let you set up a Raspberry Pi as a Chromecast-like target. Useful for custom setups, older TVs, or privacy-focused local streaming.
Pros:
- Full control — can add codecs, storage, and custom players.
- Cheap hardware solution for a custom cast receiver.
Limitations:
- DIY setup required; more technical knowledge.
- Performance depends on Pi model and configuration.
When to use Raspicast/PiCast:
- You enjoy tinkering and want a customizable, local-only casting target.
Choosing the right alternative — quick decision guide
- Need wide-format local playback and subtitles: choose VLC or LocalCast.
- Want a full media server with remote access and metadata: choose Plex.
- Use Android and want advanced routing/transcoding: choose BubbleUPnP.
- Need casting to non-Chromecast devices (Roku, Fire TV): choose AllCast.
- Want to add Cast/AirPlay support to an Android TV/Fire TV box: use AirScreen or AirPin(PRO).
- Building a custom receiver: try Raspicast/PiCast.
Tips for smoother streaming with any app
- Use a 5 GHz Wi‑Fi network when possible to reduce interference and increase bandwidth.
- Place your router centrally and avoid physical obstructions between router and receiver.
- For large local files, use wired Ethernet for servers/receivers when possible.
- Pre-transcode or use a server that can transcode on-the-fly for older clients.
- Keep apps and receiver firmware updated for the best compatibility.
Final thoughts
There’s no single best Chromecast alternative — the right choice depends on what you value: codec support, subtitle control, multi-device compatibility, or a managed server experience. For most users with varied local files, VLC or Plex will solve most problems; Android power users will prefer BubbleUPnP or LocalCast; and those needing multi-protocol receiving capabilities should consider AirScreen or AllCast.
If you tell me which devices you own (phone/PC, TV model, NAS) and what kind of files you mainly play, I can recommend the single best app and include setup steps.
Leave a Reply