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Ditto vs. Chromecast

Which is Better for Screen Mirroring?

Ditto logo and Chromecast side by side

This article breaks down Ditto and Chromecast so you can determine which wireless screen sharing solution is the best choice for your organization.

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Key Points

  • Ditto is a screen mirroring software solution. Chromecast is a screen mirroring solution that uses a combination of hardware and software.
  • Ditto is an all-in-one solution that supports all common device types. Chromecast works only with Google hardware and apps.
  • Chromecast is a consumer product that lacks security for professional use.
  • Ditto is built with deployment, security and administration features made for enterprise use.
  • Ditto costs $99-$175 and Chromecast costs $35-70.

Ditto vs. Chromecast

Ditto is a wireless screen mirroring software solution. It runs on existing receiver hardware connected to a TV or other primary display. Ditto users connect to the receiver and share their screens using the Ditto Connect app on their devices. Built for businesses and large institutions, Ditto can accommodate complex networks and a large volume of users.

Chromecast is a piece of hardware that connects to a TV or other display. Made by Google, it’s intended for home and entertainment use. Individual users connect to it using native Google Cast screen mirroring.

Compatibility

Ditto supports devices running Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android and Chrome OS. These devices use the Ditto Connect app to share content and screen mirror wirelessly to numerous compatible Ditto receivers. The user experience is consistent across all devices.

Chromecast supports Android and Chrome OS devices. Some other devices can use apps that are Google Cast-enabled with Chromecast, but they do not allow full-screen mirroring. The Google Cast screen mirroring protocol is used to connect to Chromecast, and various devices connect in different ways.

Wireless Screen Mirroring – Compatible Devices
Ditto:
Chromecast:
✔ macOS ✔ Android
✔ iPadOS ✔ Chrome OS
✔ iOS ✔ Google Cast-enabled apps
✔ Windows  
✔ Android  
✔ Chrome OS  

Chromecast works great with Google products. Chromecast is not compatible with other common operating systems and devices: macOS, iOS, iPadOS and Windows. However, on non-Google hardware, certain apps made by Google such as the Chrome browser, YouTube and Google Photos can stream content to Chromecast. 

Ditto is fully cross-platform across devices and operating systems that businesses, universities and schools use. It’s important to consider which devices your organization uses and what guests will bring into your conference rooms.

Connections

Users connect and present with Ditto and Chromecast in different ways.

How Connections Work
Ditto

The TV or primary display shows a room code. Users enter the room code into the Ditto Connect app on their device, and their device connects to the display instantly.

Desktop users can initiate the connection process via the Ditto Connect webpage if they don’t have the Ditto Connect app.

Ditto Connect and Ditto receiver applications

Chromecast

There are several ways to share content to a Chromecast, depending on the device type.

  • Option 1: Use the native Google Cast feature (Chrome browser, Chrome OS, some Android devices)

    Use the native Google Cast feature (Chrome browser, Chrome OS, some Android devices)

    On the Chrome browser, Chrome OS devices and certain Android devices, users can initiate screen mirroring by tapping the Cast button. The Cast button usually appears in the settings menu. This will generate a list of available Chromecast receivers that the user must choose from.

  • Option 2: Stream content with a Google Cast-enabled app

    Stream content with a Google Cast-enabled app

    Certain apps have Google Cast capabilities built in. Instead of fully screen mirroring, these apps stream content instead. (Learn the difference between streaming and screen mirroring here.) Apps like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify and other entertainment apps can stream media directly to a Chromecast.

  • Option 3: Use the Google Home app (Android)

    Use the Google Home app (Android)

    The Google Home app can be downloaded and installed on certain mobile devices. This enables devices to screen mirror to a Chromecast using Google Cast protocols.

    Note: While the Google Home app is available for iOS and iPadOS, it does not enable screen mirroring for these devices. Google Home only allows iPads and iPhones to stream certain content to Chromecast, such as music or photos (see Option 2 above).

  • Option 4: Use Smart View (Samsung devices only)

    Use Smart View (Samsung devices only)

    Most Samsung mobile devices can use Smart View to screen mirror to a Chromecast after connecting to the same network.

 

Users connect to a Chromecast via the Google Cast screen mirroring protocol. Google Cast requires numerous ports to be open on your network to allow traffic between user devices and the Chromecast itself.

The Difference Between Ditto and Google Cast Connections

Ditto connection instructions are displayed on screen for everyone to see by default. Since the user experience is consistent across all device types, Ditto requires zero end-user training.

If using a Chromecast in meeting rooms, training may be required for end users. Chromecast does not display connection instructions by default, and the actions to connect via Google Cast differ widely between different devices and operating systems.

Note: A Chromecast can actually be used as a compatible Ditto receiver. Deploy Ditto software with Chromecast to bring easy cross-platform screen mirroring to any organization.

Collaboration

Number of users

Both Ditto and Chromecast allow an unlimited number of users.

Number of connected devices

Ditto supports mirroring multiple devices simultaneously to the big screen. Up to four users can connect and screen mirror at once. Chromecast does not support multiple connections.

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Features Breakdown

Display company branding: Ditto allows each receiver to display company branding. Ditto account admins can upload logos, background images and banners to brand every display and Ditto Connect app with organization-specific visuals.

Chromecast allows admins to select a wallpaper from a photo album.

Display connection instructions: By default, Ditto displays connection instructions on every receiver display. Chromecasts display the receiver name but do not display connection instructions.

Mirroring options: Chromecast users can mirror full device screens, Chrome browser tabs or stream content like audio and video files. Ditto users can share specific windows, apps and full device screens.

Security, Administration and Management

The differences in Ditto and Chromecast security are significant. Ditto offers numerous security and administration features while Chromecast lacks security, administration and management capabilities.

Management

Ditto administration and remote management takes place entirely within the Ditto Account Portal — a web-based application accessible from anywhere.

Chromecasts cannot be remotely managed.

Network security and administration

It’s important to note that numerous ports must be opened on a network to screen mirror using the Google Cast protocol with Chromecast. Many universities and businesses disable these ports for security and performance purposes. Ditto does not require the Google Cast protocol.

Ditto screen mirroring is a point-to-point process — screen data never crosses the internet. Ditto can securely cross VLANs so visitors can use Ditto while on a guest network.

Ditto offers numerous security options with compatible receivers. In addition to unique room codes, customizable on-screen codes can be enabled for an extra layer of security.

Chromecast does not support crossing multiple VLANs, though a four-digit pin code requirement is available when a Chromecast is configured in guest mode.

Cost

Ditto is priced on a per-room basis. Chromecast has a couple options.

  • Ditto: $99-$175 per year per room
  • Chromecast: $35
  • Chromecast Ultra: $70
Price breakdown

It's likely that you already have a compatible Ditto receiver and can begin using Ditto today without purchasing any additional technology or equipment. If you do require a wireless receiver, a device such as an Apple TV 4K (priced at $150) will make the total cost of Ditto $249-$325 for one room to get started.

Chromecast is sold directly from Google and through third-party vendors.

Ditto offers a free trial that allows you to test the software before purchasing.

Final Thoughts

Chromecast excels at sharing entertaining content and media with Google Cast-enabled devices. Home users with Google and Android devices will appreciate Chromecast’s streaming capabilities in the living room and around the house.

Ditto is a cross-platform enterprise presentation solution. It’s built for large organizations that prioritize network security, IT administration and the user experience. Multiple users can present at once to a large display and the connection process is easier, more consistent and more secure than a Chromecast. Ditto remains secure on corporate networks and doesn’t require Google Cast protocols to work.

If your organization requires robust security, uses numerous device types and needs a consistent user experience, go with Ditto.

Published on 11/4/19

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