Castpane vs AirServer: which Windows receiver to pick
AirServer is the best known paid receiver for Windows and has been around since 2011. It does more than Castpane in some areas, and less in others. Here is an honest comparison based on AirServer's own website and its Microsoft Store listing.
| Castpane | AirServer | |
|---|---|---|
| Free use | Free download with no end date, 15 minutes per connection, reconnect at once | 30-day fully featured trial; internet access required |
| Paid | One-time in-app purchase | Consumer licence $19.99, business $39.99, education $7.99 to $11.99 |
| Receives | AirPlay screen mirroring and audio; browser tabs with the free Castpane Tab Cast extension | AirPlay, Google Cast and Miracast |
| Several devices at once | Not advertised | Yes, with automatic layouts |
| Account or activation key | None | Activation key, activated online |
| Languages of the Windows app | 9 | English (Microsoft Store listing) |
| Help when a device cannot find the PC | Connection wizard, free Mac helper | Free AirServer Connect app for iOS helps discovery across subnets |
Where AirServer is stronger
- More kinds of devices. AirServer also receives Google Cast (Android, Chrome) and Miracast (Windows laptops). Castpane receives Apple devices, plus single browser tabs through its extension.
- Several screens at once. AirServer arranges multiple mirroring sessions side by side, which suits classrooms where pupils compare work.
- Older Windows. A classic edition still runs on Windows 7 and 8.
Where Castpane is different
- The free version does not expire. AirServer's trial ends after 30 days. Castpane keeps working without paying, with 15-minute connections you can restart straight away, and nothing but recording held back.
- No activation. Castpane is bought inside the Microsoft Store app, with no key to type and no online activation step.
- Built for "it's not showing up". The connection wizard checks the PC and tells you what to change, and Castpane Link fixes one-way discovery for Macs on office networks.
- Nine languages in the app, the help and this website.
Which one to choose
For a room with a mix of Android phones, Chromebooks and iPads, or one screen showing several devices at once, AirServer covers more. For mirroring Apple devices to a Windows 10 or 11 PC at home or at work, Castpane does that job without a trial clock. Both are refused by streaming apps with protected video. Why.
Sources: AirServer pricing, AirServer Windows Desktop Edition page, AirServer in the Microsoft Store.
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 AirServer free?
AirServer has a free 30-day trial that needs internet access. After that a licence is required: $19.99 for consumers, $39.99 for business use, or $7.99 to $11.99 for education, according to its pricing page.
Can Castpane receive from Android phones?
Not with screen mirroring. Castpane receives Screen Mirroring from iPhone, iPad and Mac. From any computer with Chrome or Edge, including Windows, the free Castpane Tab Cast extension sends a browser tab.
Last updated October 16, 2026.
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