Castpane vs 5KPlayer: two free receivers for Windows
5KPlayer, from Digiarty Software, is a free video and music player for Windows and Mac that can also receive AirPlay. Castpane does only one thing: receive your screen. Both are free to use, so the difference is in focus.
| Castpane | 5KPlayer | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A screen mirroring receiver | A media player with AirPlay and DLNA, plus an online video downloader |
| Price | Free download, 15 minutes per connection; one-time purchase removes the limit | Free |
| Mirror an iPhone or iPad | Yes, with sound | Yes |
| Mirror a Mac | Yes, with a free helper for networks that hide the PC | Not stated on its site |
| Windows versions | Windows 10 and 11 | Its site lists Windows 10 back to XP |
| Where to get it | Microsoft Store | Installer from its website (version 6.11) |
| Help when a device cannot find the PC | Connection wizard | Support articles on its site |
Free with no limits, or free with 15-minute connections
5KPlayer costs nothing. Castpane's free version also has no end date, but each connection lasts up to 15 minutes before you reconnect; a one-time purchase removes that. If you only ever need short sessions, both cost nothing.
A media player or a receiver
5KPlayer's AirPlay receiver sits inside a full media player, next to video playback, DLNA streaming and a downloader. That is handy if you want all of those. Castpane is built only around mirroring: a window you can move, resize, keep on top or make full screen, an audio-only mode, and a wizard that explains what is blocking the connection when your device does not see the PC.
Which one to choose
- Choose 5KPlayer if you also want a free media player and video downloader, or need a receiver on Windows 7 or 8.
- Choose Castpane if you want a dedicated receiver from the Microsoft Store that also covers Macs and tells you why a device cannot connect.
Sources: 5KPlayer home page, 5KPlayer for Windows download page.
Prices and plans of other apps were checked on their websites on October 16, 2026. They change often, so confirm them with the vendor before you buy.
Questions
Is 5KPlayer really free?
Yes. Its website offers it as a free download. The same page also promotes other, paid products from its maker.
Last updated October 16, 2026.
Other comparisons
- Castpane vs LonelyScreen: receivers for Windows comparedYearly licence vs free download, and is LonelyScreen still updated?
- Castpane vs AirServer: which Windows receiver to pick30-day trial and multi-protocol, or a free version that keeps working
- Castpane vs Reflector 4 for WindowsA $12.99 licence after a 7-day trial, or a free download
- Castpane vs ApowerMirror: free versions comparedWatermark and 10-minute sessions, or 15 minutes without a watermark
- Screen mirroring receivers for Windows, comparedSide-by-side comparisons