AirParrot

AirParrot is a powerful screen mirroring and media streaming application developed by Squirrels LLC. Designed to allow users to wirelessly extend or mirror their desktop to a variety of devices, it supports casting to Apple TV, Chromecast, and other devices that utilize AirPlay or Google Cast protocols.



AirParrot for PC is widely used by educators, business professionals, and home users who want to seamlessly share their screen content to external displays or TVs without the need for physical connections like HDMI cables.

Originally released to solve the problem of connecting Windows PCs to Apple devices, it has evolved into a full-fledged multi-device solution, allowing seamless screen sharing between various platforms, including Windows, macOS, and even Linux.



Key Features

Screen Mirroring: Cast your entire screen to a supported device with ease. Whether it's a presentation, video, or simple desktop sharing, AirParrot does the job.

Media Streaming: Stream media files directly to supported receivers without sharing your screen. This is particularly useful for playing videos or music on external devices while using your computer for other tasks.

Multiple Connections: It can connect to multiple devices simultaneously, allowing you to share your screen to more than one display at a time. This is handy for presentations in multi-room environments.

Extended Desktop: Extend your desktop to another screen for additional workspace, perfect for multitasking or expanding your screen real estate for better productivity.

1080p Resolution Support: Stream and mirror content in high-definition, ensuring a clear and crisp display on external devices.

Security Features: It supports encrypted connections, ensuring that your content remains safe during transmission.

Quick Connect: Easily discover and connect to nearby receivers like Apple TV and Chromecast without needing complicated setups.

User Interface

The user interface of this program is simple and intuitive. Upon launching the application, users are presented with a small control window displaying available devices to which they can connect. The menu is minimal, yet effective, with clearly labeled icons for screen mirroring, media streaming, and device selection.



The app is designed to sit in the system tray, allowing for quick access without cluttering your desktop. The drag-and-drop feature for media files makes it easy to start streaming, and the overall navigation is user-friendly, catering to both tech-savvy individuals and those unfamiliar with screen mirroring software.

Installation and Setup

AirParrot is a lightweight application that installs quickly on Windows and macOS devices. The setup process involves downloading the installer from the official Squirrels LLC website or FileHorse and running it. During installation, you will be prompted to agree to the terms and conditions and choose a directory for the installation.

After installation, the software automatically scans for nearby devices compatible with AirPlay or Google Cast. If you're using Apple TV, Chromecast, or other devices that require PIN entry, it will prompt you to enter the required credentials, ensuring secure connectivity.

The software's auto-discovery feature makes the initial setup seamless, requiring minimal user intervention. For devices not automatically discovered, users can manually enter the IP address of the receiver to establish a connection.

In Action

Wireless Freedom Empower
students to present from anywhere in the classroom without the hassle of wires or adapters. With this app, students can share content directly from their seat, ensuring seamless collaboration.

Take Control with Multiple Destinations
It allows you to simultaneously mirror and stream content to multiple destinations, giving you the flexibility to connect various receivers across the learning environment. Easily manage what’s shared and enhance engagement.

Effortless Setup
With Bluetooth discovery (Bluetooth discovery is not available on Windows) and Quick Connect®, it seamlessly integrates even in complex or restricted networks, ensuring you're always ready to go.

Focused Learning with App Mirroring
Keep your students engaged by mirroring specific apps, removing distractions, and ensuring that they stay focused on the material that matters most.

Maximize Your EdTech
It offers a cost-effective solution to enhance the technology you already use in the classroom. Effortlessly add mirroring to Mac, Windows, and Chrome OS devices for an integrated, tech-savvy learning experience.

How to Use

Launch the App: Open the app from the system tray or desktop.

Select a Receiver: From the list of discovered devices, select the target device (e.g., Apple TV, Chromecast).

Choose Your Action: Select either "Mirror" to cast your screen or "Extend" to use the receiver as an additional display.

Stream Media: If you want to stream media without sharing your screen, simply drag and drop a file into the app window and choose the target receiver.



It also offers customization options in the settings menu, such as adjusting the screen resolution, setting up audio mirroring, and managing device preferences.

FAQ

Can I use AirParrot on multiple devices at once?
Yes, it allows simultaneous connections to multiple devices. You can mirror your screen to multiple receivers or stream media to various devices at the same time.

Does AirParrot support 4K streaming?
Currently, it supports up to 1080p streaming. While 4K streaming is not available, the 1080p resolution provides a sharp and clear experience for most users.

Can I mirror my iPhone or iPad to a PC using AirParrot?
No, AirParrot is designed to mirror and stream from your PC or Mac to devices like Apple TV or Chromecast, but it does not support iOS device mirroring to a PC.

What is the difference between AirParrot and Reflector?
AirParrot is used to send content from your computer to other devices, while Reflector is designed to mirror content from mobile devices (iOS, Android) to your computer.

Does AirParrot support audio streaming?
Yes, it can mirror both your screen and audio to a receiver. You can enable or disable audio mirroring in the settings menu.

Alternatives

Reflector: A product by the same company (Squirrels LLC), Reflector focuses more on mirroring mobile devices like iPhones and iPads to PCs.

LetsView: A free alternative that offers wireless screen mirroring between phones and PCs. It supports casting from mobile devices to TVs and PCs.

ApowerMirror: A versatile tool for mirroring Android and iOS devices to PCs, with additional features like screen recording and drawing tools.

AirServer: Another popular screen mirroring software with similar features and capabilities.

LonelyScreen: Offers screen mirroring functionality for iOS devices to Windows computers.

Pricing

Single License: US$23.99 per user

Education Discount: Available for schools and educators

Business Discount: Volume discounts for larger organizations

Reflector + AirParrot Bundle - US$33.99
Save when you buy AirParrot and Reflector together. One AirParrot and one Reflector license for use on either MacOS or Windows.

There is also a free trial available that lets you experience all the features for a limited time before committing to a purchase.

System Requirements

• OS: Windows 10/11
• Processor: 1 GHz or faster
• RAM: Minimum 2 GB
• Network: Wi-Fi or Ethernet for wireless transmission

Windows on ARM is not supported.

Network Specifications

Wireless 802.11n or ethernet highly recommended.

Receiver Requirements

• Apple TV 2, 3 or 4 running the latest OS update.
• Chromecast device.
• AirPlay-compatible audio device.
• Reflector for Mac 4.0 or later, Reflector for Windows 4.0 or later.

Notes

Jailbroken devices are not supported.

For auto-discovery of devices, AirParrot must run on a computer in the same subnet as the desired connecting device.

Bonjour and mDNS multicast traffic must also be enabled. If the network does not allow Bonjour or mDNS multicast traffic, try Quick Connect.

PROS

• Supports a wide variety of devices
• Easy-to-use interface
• High-definition streaming and mirroring
• Simultaneous connections to multiple devices
• Secure connection with encryption

CONS

• 4K resolution not supported
• Lacks some advanced customization options

Conclusion

AirParrot is a versatile and user-friendly screen mirroring and media streaming application that caters to a wide audience, from educators to home users. Its seamless integration with Apple TV, Chromecast, and other devices, combined with an intuitive interface, makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to wirelessly share their screen or media.

While it lacks 4K support, its solid performance and robust feature set make it a worthy investment for users in need of reliable mirroring software.

Note: 7 days trial version. Requires Apple TV 2 or Apple TV 3 running the latest OS update.

Also Available: Download AirParrot for Mac