Mobile devices and desktop computers are convenient ways to enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows, and even music tracks. However, sometimes the screens are too small for your liking and make it even harder for you to enjoy videos with friends and family.
That is where streaming or casting apps can come in handy. For instance, Videostream allows users to cast videos from their computer to Chromecast or Android TV.
Not only Videostream, several others tools can help achieve what Videostream does, such as Airflow, Beamer, Mkchromecast and others. However, the best Videostream alternative is Stremio. Not only is it easy to get started with Stremio, it is open-source too.Â
Why explore Videostream alternatives?
Videostream is limited in certain important aspects. For instance, its free version does not include night mode, extra subtitle settings, and playlists.
It is also limited in the number of devices it can work on. It is with this in mind that you need to consider some of the best Videostream alternatives to use.
Let’s check out this post. I have listed some of the best in this article.
Best Videostream Alternatives
1. Stremio
Stremio is a media center that allows users to watch movies and videos from any service on the internet. Users can cast videos to their TV screens through Chromecast or DLNA.
The app is available for desktop and mobile devices and is sustained through a non-intrusive ad-sharing arrangement. Once you download the app on your device, all you have to do is create an account for free and then start downloading relevant addons for your videos or TV shows.
You can also use the app without registering although that will limit the features available to you. Unlike Videostream, Stremio is a free open-source alternative making it easy for anyone to access and even tweak as long as they have some programming knowledge.
The app incorporates a dark mode that lets you enjoy your favorite videos in low-light conditions. It also features a cloud sync functionality that lets you sync data on all your devices.
Another impressive feature about Stremio is that it downloads subtitles automatically. That means you can even enjoy videos in foreign languages as long as you activate the subtitle setting.
2. Plex
Plex is another media player you can turn to for your streaming needs. It features a clean interface that makes it possible for you to navigate from one point to another.
The app is available on various platforms including Windows, Linux, Chrome OS, macOS, Android, and iOS. You can also download it on smart TVs.
With this app, users get to enjoy over 250 Live TV channels and over 50,000 free on-demand titles. It’s worth pointing out that Plex is available for users across the globe as long as they are connected to the internet.
The app allows users to pause and resume playback from the last point on all devices. You can even save content for offline streaming.
Another impressive thing about this particular app is that it allows you to select movies according to the genre. Some of these include horror, action, comedy, thriller, and animation.
One thing that distinguishes Plex from Videostream and other alternatives is that it features a kid’s mode. This allows you to create a profile for your children and protect them from watching sensitive content.
Plex lets you use your smartphone as a remote control.
Explore the best alternatives to Plex for Mac here.
3. Airflow
Airflow is specifically designed to simplify the process of sending any media from your Windows or Mac computer to Chromecast, Airplay 2, and Apple TVs.
Airflow comes with a one-time subscription fee which unlocks all its potential. Once you obtain its license key, you can use it to activate the software on all your computers.
It features a clean interface that makes it easy for users to navigate from one point to another. It also comes with Android and iOS companion software that turns your smartphone into a remote control.
With Airflow, you can find multiple playlist support, enjoy last position tracking, and integrated speed tests for Chromecast. Users can also stream foreign content thanks to the built-in subtitle feature.
Check Out: Best IPTV Alternatives
4. RealPlayer
RealPlayer is another excellent alternative to Videostream you can turn to for a variety of reasons. For starters, it can stream media from just about any source including YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
It allows users to sync their data across different devices. Some of this data includes notes, documents, and bookmarks.
The app lets you cast media from a primary source to a Chromecast-connected device seamlessly. It can also stream or share media to Mac, Apple TV, or other compatible devices.
RealPlayer makes it possible for users to download videos from different sites and save them for offline viewing. Individuals can also transfer saved videos from one device to another with a few clicks of a button.
This is another app that features the dark mode for poorly lit streaming conditions. And in contrast to Videostream, it even has an automatic setting that switches from dark to light mode depending on the prevailing conditions.
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5. Beamer
Beamer is a versatile app that lets users stream videos natively on Apple TV and Chromecast from their Mac devices. It does not have any special requirements to work.
Instead, all you have to do is install it and start using it straight out of the box. It is compatible with all common video formats including AVI, MP4, FLV, MOV, SRT, and WMV.
This is another app that supports subtitles making it possible for users to watch foreign movies. It also incorporates a drag-and-drop feature for easy loading of media.
The app lets you control things like pause, skip, resume, and forward through your Apple TV remote. Beamer also includes a playlist allowing you to cue as many videos as you want for effortless streaming.
6. VLC Streamer
VLC Streamer makes it possible for anyone to stream videos from their computer to an iDevice. These include iPad, iPod, and iPhone devices.
The VLC Streamer utilizes WiFi connections to achieve its casting objective. Once connected to an iDevice, users can then connect the device to a TV using Airplay or Apple cables for a big-screen experience.
This app plays most video formats and offers a lightweight alternative for streaming content. It comes with a free version that has limited features and functionality.
There is a paid version that offers more features and functionality. And in contrast to Videostream, it utilizes your WiFi connection to cast content from one device to another.
7. Mkchromecast
Mkchromecast is an impressive app you can use to stream videos from your Mac or Linux devices to Google Cast or Sonos devices. It is another free open-source app allowing anyone to acquire the source code and improve or customize it to suit their needs.
The app is written in Python and can utilize lossy or lossless audio formats as long as you install FFmpeg, avconv (Linux), or parec (Linux). The app also supports multi-room group speakers making it possible for users to enjoy exceptional audio output.
Keep in mind that it can also cast audio files to Google Cast and Sonos devices. The app features a minimalist interface making it easy for users to glance at every control section available.
There is a system tray menu that allows users to quickly access the settings they need to adjust audio and video quality or playback.
Unlike Videostream which requires users to upgrade to a Premium account for all features, Mkchromecast is completely free to use and there is no need to worry about upgrades or annoying pop-up ads in the middle of streaming.
8. AllCast
AllCast is the next streaming app you can use to cast photos and videos from your mobile device to a compatible television. It works with multiple devices including Apple TV, Xbox One, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung, Sony, and Panasonic Smart TVs.
Once you cast videos on your TV, you can also activate the subtitles feature to download relevant subtitles automatically. This makes it possible for you to enjoy content created in foreign languages.
AllCast distinguishes itself from Videostream because it can cast content from practically any source. For instance, it can pick photos directly from your camera roll gallery and cast them on your TV.
It can also pick audio and video content from your local disk storage or fetch them from your cloud storage options such as Dropbox and Google Drive. AllCast utilizes your wireless connection to send data between devices.
If your bandwidth is congested, it may lag which is why you should adjust settings to ensure that low-quality videos can work. It is also important to note that clicking on the stop button at the top of any file will end the process of casting.
9. Video & TV Cast
Video & TV Cast allows users to stream any media content from mobile devices to the big screen. It works with multiple big screens including Samsung, Roku, Chromecast, Sony Smart TV, LG Smart TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
With this application, users can search through the internet for any videos they wish to stream and then cast them to the big screen with a few clicks of the button. Users can also cast content from their device’s local storage.
While the app is available for free download, its true potential is realized when you purchase its Premium version. The paid version allows users to determine their personal homepage settings.
They can also fast-forward or rewind videos while browsing. What’s more, the app syncs on all devices meaning one click of the button controls all the devices connected.
As opposed to Videostream, this particular app features a built-in ad-blocker that prevents annoying pop-up ads from interrupting your online streaming sessions. You can enable or disable the ad-blocker at any time you like.
Video & TV Cast allows you to manage unlimited bookmarks straight from your browser. It also enables you to cloak your Android or iOS as a desktop device so you can enjoy desktop versions of various websites.
Also Read: Best Media Player Classic Alternatives
10. Tubio
Tubio is one of the simplest apps to use when thinking of casting media content from your mobile device to the TV screen. It is available for both Android and iOS devices.
Unlike Videostream which relies on Chromecast to function, Tubio utilizes a common WiFi connection to work. It can cast content from your mobile device to the TV screen as long as the two devices share a common wireless connection.
The app works with multiple TV and Playback sets including DLNA-enabled TVs by Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, LG, Toshiba, and Philips. It can also work seamlessly with Apple TV, Chromecast, Nexus player, Android TVs, and Roku.
Once installed on your devices, not only can you use the app to cast content but also to adjust settings for your videos. Some of the controls available to you include play, pause, and stop.
You can even add volume to your TV by using your mobile’s hardware buttons. Tubio is one of the simplest alternatives to Videostream because it does not require any additional hardware to function.
It also doesn’t require any special downloads and pairings. Instead, it automatically detects devices on the same wireless connection and starts working immediately.
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11. iPlayTo/TV Assist
iPlayTo is another excellent app you can use to cast your photos, music, and videos from an iPhone or iPad to a DLNA device such as Smart TV, AV device, Sound Box, or PC. Its free version is known as TV Assist and has almost similar features although some of them may be limited.
iPlayTo stands apart from Videostream because you can use it to browse through a connected computer and then cast content from that computer to a TV screen. It can also browse through the web and detect media before prompting you to click on the play button for streaming.
The application plays videos and music tracks of different qualities depending on the settings you choose. With this app, users can also record videos or audio and then play them on the device they want.
This application can work as a renderer making it possible for other devices to play videos or music tracks on your mobile device. It can also work as a server so that other devices can browse through the files on your mobile device.
It is another app that requires your devices to be connected through a common wireless network. It works on smart TVs such as Samsung, LG, Sharp, Panasonic, and Philips.
It also works with media players like Apple TV, Sony Blue-Ray, and select TV boxes.
12. Serviio
Serviio makes it easy for users to stream online content to TV screens. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux systems and can work on different renderers including smart TVs and gaming consoles.
The application integrates with trakt.tv making it possible for users to keep tabs on their previous TV episodes and playback position. The app also supports subtitles allowing users to enjoy videos created in foreign languages.
Serviio has multiple playlist formats enabling users to select their favorite media content and enjoy uninterrupted playback. The app also detects the content type and categorizes it as a TV series or movie.
While the app’s basic features and functionalities are available for free, it also comes in a Premium version for those who wish to enjoy advanced features. The Premium version allows users to sync files on different devices so that they can access them at any time.
In a slight difference from Videostream, Serviio makes it easy to connect to an Alexa device and control everything through speech.
13. Web Video Caster
Web Video Caster is another Videostream alternative you can turn to when you wish to cast media to your TV or web browsers. It is available on both the Android and iOS platforms.
It is compatible with Chromecast and smart TVs that run on Android, WebOS, and Netcast. It can also work on Apple TV 4 and newer versions, Roku, Samsung TVs with Tizen OS, and TVs running on the Foxxum platform among others.
The app works by grabbing videos from the source and sending them directly to your receiver. This helps reduce the amount of battery power consumed by your mobile device while allowing you to get the big screen experience.
The app can detect subtitles making it possible for you to enjoy foreign content. It can also play videos in different formats including MP4 and HTML5.
The free version features a few ads to keep the project running. However, there is a Premium version that removes ads and lets you enjoy the bookmarking feature.
14. AirPlay
AirPlay is another application you can use to stream movies from your mobile device to an Apple TV or AirPlay 2-enabled smart TV. The app comes with convenient controls so you can adjust the volume, skip tracks, pause, or rewind your favorite scenes.
The app not only allows you to share videos and songs but also presentations, photos, spreadsheets, and everything else that requires display. Unlike Videostream, AirPlay easily integrates with Siri and that allows you to control different functions with your voice.
This app also makes it easy for you to connect multiple speakers even when they are in different rooms. The result is that you can continue enjoying your favorite music when you walk to and from your bedroom or living room.
There is also the option of playing music in one room while streaming a podcast in the other. It is worth noting that you can play a game on your device or pick up a call without having to interrupt music playback.
15. LocalCast
LocalCast is another brilliant application you can use to send videos, photos, and music tracks from your Android or Apple device to a compatible television. It is compatible with a variety of smart TVs, Roku, Nexus player, Chromecast, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV, among others.
You can cast media from your local device storage or browse the web before choosing the content you wish to cast. The app lets users adjust a variety of settings including zoom, rotation, and pan.
It also supports subtitles which is another thing it has in common with most Videostream alternatives on this list. However, the app differs slightly from Videostream because it is compatible with more devices.
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Wrapping Up
The above-mentioned apps are some of the best Videostream alternatives you can use to enjoy video and music playback. They are also ideal for casting media on other devices.
The key to picking the best app for your needs is to consider the type of devices you have and the methods of casting most relevant to your needs.
Overall, Stremio is an excellent choice for those who want to customize and even tweak the app itself.
However, for users who love simplicity, Tubio is a great alternative.