The Best Air Display Alternatives for Seamless Screen Extension
Air Display has been a popular choice for users looking to extend their desktop or mirror their screen to an iPad or iPhone. It offers a convenient way to gain extra screen real estate or share content wirelessly. However, for various reasons, including platform compatibility, specific features, or simply exploring new options, many users are now seeking an effective Air Display alternative. This article delves into the top replacements for Air Display, ensuring you can find the perfect solution for your multi-monitor needs across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.
Top Air Display Alternatives
Whether you're looking for a free solution, cross-platform compatibility, or specific features like touch sensitivity or low latency, these alternatives offer a compelling substitute for Air Display. Explore the options below to find the best fit for your workflow.
spacedesk
spacedesk is a fantastic free Air Display alternative that allows you to use your LAN-connected devices, including Windows PCs, Windows Mobile, Android, iPhones, and iPads, as additional monitors for your Windows desktop. It functions as both a network display server and display device driver, offering features like Screen Mirroring, Video Wall, Desktop Sharing, and Digital Signage, making it a versatile choice for extending your display.
Duet Display
Duet Display is a strong commercial Air Display alternative known for turning your iPad into a second display for your Mac or Windows computer with virtually no lag. It connects via cable, eliminating internet dependency, and uniquely supports the iPad's touch display for drawing, music production, and design. It offers Support for Multiple Monitors, Screen Mirroring, and Tablet Pressure Sensitivity, catering to professionals across various creative fields.
iDisplay
iDisplay is a commercial Air Display alternative that transforms your iPad, iPhone, Android tablet, or smartphone into a convenient side monitor for both Windows and Mac desktops. This universal app is optimized for various screen sizes and offers robust features such as Desktop Sharing, Multiple desktops, Support for Multiple Monitors, Screen Mirroring, and USB tethering for a stable connection, making it a versatile option for expanding your workspace.
AirParrot
AirParrot is a commercial Air Display alternative that specializes in AirPlay mirroring your Mac or Windows PC's screen wirelessly to an Apple TV. It supports 1080p Mirroring and offers unique features like App Mirroring (mirroring a specific application) and Desktop Extension (creating a virtual monitor) for macOS. This makes it an excellent choice for presentations, media consumption, or simply extending your desktop to a larger display.
Splashtop Wired XDisplay
Splashtop Wired XDisplay is a commercial Air Display alternative that turns your iPad, Android tablet, Kindle, or smartphone into a high-performance extra monitor for your Mac or Windows computer. It's known for its efficiency and provides features like Screen Extension, Support for Multiple Monitors, Screen Mirroring, and Second monitor support, offering a reliable wired solution for expanding your digital workspace.
TwomonUSB
TwomonUSB is a commercial Air Display alternative that enables smart devices to become monitors by connecting them to a PC via USB. This provides a stable connection, unaffected by network fluctuations, and offers fast video playback with an average of 40 frames/sec. It supports Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, and iPad, making it a strong choice for users prioritizing stability and speed for screen extension.
ZoneScreen
ZoneScreen is a Free Personal Air Display alternative primarily for Windows and Windows Mobile users. Unlike simple mirroring, it allows you to extend your desktop to another computer or handheld device over a network. It's a great option for those seeking a free solution for desktop sharing and screen extension within a local network environment.
Yam Display
Yam Display is a commercial Air Display alternative that transforms your iPad/iPhone into an external monitor for your Mac, connecting via USB for a delay-free experience. It boasts retina display support, multi-tasking capabilities with Split View on compatible iPads, and even drag-and-drop functionality between iPad and Mac for a continuous workflow. It's a fast, secure, and simple solution for Mac users looking to enhance productivity.
Displaypad
Displaypad is a commercial Air Display alternative for Mac users that allows you to use your iPhone or iPad as a wireless second display. It's lauded for its smooth and responsive performance, offering a unique solution to extend your desktop with a portable wireless display. With its focus on performance, DisplayPad aims to outperform competitors in its niche.
AirMyPC
AirMyPC is a commercial Air Display alternative specifically for Windows users, enabling wireless AirPlay mirroring of your PC screen and sound to an Apple TV. Similar to how iPhones and iPads cast to Apple TV, AirMyPC eliminates the need for physical cables, allowing you to stream your computer display, webcam, and even specific apps to your TV wirelessly. It offers features like PC to AppleTV, Support AirPlay, Screen Mirroring, and Webcam Mirroring.
With a diverse range of Air Display alternatives available, from free open-source options to feature-rich commercial applications, you're well-equipped to find the perfect solution for your specific needs. Consider your operating system, desired connectivity (wired or wireless), and essential features to make the best choice for extending your digital workspace.