AirPlay Vs AirPlay 2: What is the Difference Between Them?
In this digital era, streaming content has become the norm. With the rise of smart devices, it’s essential to have seamless connectivity between our gadgets. Apple’s AirPlay and AirPlay 2 are two popular technologies that offer a solution to this problem. But what are their differences, and which should you choose?
In this article, we will compare AirPlay vs AirPlay 2, discussing their key features, pros, and cons and helping you make an informed decision.
What is AirPlay?
AirPlay is a proprietary protocol developed by Apple that allows wireless audio, video, and photo streaming between devices. It was introduced in 2010 and has since become a standard feature on Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TVs.
Key Features of AirPlay
- Supports streaming of audio, video, and photos.
- Works with Apple devices.
- Requires a Wi-Fi connection.
Pros and Cons of AirPlay
PROS
CONS
What is AirPlay 2?
AirPlay 2 is an upgraded version of the original AirPlay protocol introduced by Apple in 2017. It builds on the features of AirPlay while adding new functionalities, such as multiroom audio support and enhanced buffering for a smoother streaming experience.
Key Features of AirPlay 2
- Supports streaming of audio, video, and photos.
- Works with Apple devices and select third-party devices.
- Requires a Wi-Fi connection.
- Multiroom audio support.
- Enhanced buffering for improved performance.
Pros and Cons of AirPlay 2
PROS
CONS
Compatible Devices for Airplay
AirPlay works seamlessly with a wide range of iOS devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TVs, PCs with iTunes, various Apple TV generations (4K, HD, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th), HomePod, iPod Touch 2015, AirPort Express, and Apple Speakers.
However, AirPlay 2 is only compatible with iPhone 5S and later models, iPad (2017), iPad (Air, Pro, Mini 2 and newer versions), iPod Touch (2015-6th generation), Apple TV (2015, 4K with TVOS 11.4 or higher), and HomePod. It’s important to note that AirPlay does not support devices produced before 2011. Below, you’ll find a list of compatible third-party devices.
| Air Conditioners and Heaters | Air Purifiers |
| Bridges | Cameras |
| Doorbells | Fans |
| Faucets | Garage Doors |
| Humidifiers | Lights |
| Locks | Outlets |
| Receivers | Routers |
| Security | Sensors |
| Speakers | Sprinklers |
| Switches | Thermostats |
| TVs | Windows |
Comparing AirPlay Vs AirPlay 2
System Requirements
| Types | Airplay | Airplay 2 |
|---|---|---|
| You can Stream from these devices: | 1/ Apple iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch with iOS version 4.2 or higher. 2/ Apple TV [4K series, HD ( 4th generation)]. 3/ Mac or PC with iTunes. | 1/ Apple iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch with iOS 11.4 or later. 2/ HomePod with iOS 11.4 or later. 3/ Apple TV [ 4k, HD-4th generation with tvOS 11.4 or later. 4/ Mac or PC with iTunes 12.8 or later or macOS Catalina. To stream video from: 1/ Mac wit macOS Mojave 10.14.5 or later. 2/ Apple iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch with iOS 12.3 or later. |
| You can Stream to these devices: | 1/ Apple TV [4K, 2nd, 3rd, HD-4th generations] 2/ Speakers that support AirPoart Express. 3/ HomePod. 4/ Speakers with Work with Apple AirPlay on the packing. | 1/ Apple TV [4K, HD with tvOS 11.4 or later]. 2/ Smart TVs with Works with Apple AirPlay on the label. 3/ HomePod with iOS 11.4 or later. 4/ Receivers and Speakers with Work with the Apple AirPlay label. 5/ Speakers connected to the Audio Out Port on AirPort Express 802.11- 2nd generation with the latest firmware update. |
AirPlay Vs AirPlay 2 – Side by side Comparison
First, we must thank companies like Sonos, Squeezebox, and Roku for their work on the Wireless Multiroom Audio feature. Also, iOS users can use AirPlay to stream Netflix on TVs and Roku devices.
| Airplay | Airplay 2 |
|---|---|
| AirPlay is a protocol between two devices. | AirPlay 2 is a protocol with many streams. |
| Wi-Fi audio with a high bandwidth | High-bandwidth audio over Wi-Fi works better than Bluetooth SBC. |
| You can’t get a phone call while streaming on your iPhone. | But you can take a call on your iPhone while streaming music, and it won’t stop the music. |
| It can play music from iOS, macOS, and desktops [Windows and MacOS] that support iTunes. | It can also play music from iOS, macOS, and desktops [MacOS and Windows] that support iTunes. |
| It works with iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify/Pandora, YouTube, Vevo, and web browsers. | It works with iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, Jio Tunes, YouTube, Netflix, Vevo, web browsers, and other media players. |
| It can’t group more than one AirPlay device. | It can, however, groups together multiple AirPlay 2-compatible devices, such as the HomePod and the Apple TV, so that they can all play together using iOS, Siri, Homekit, and iTunes on a desktop. |
| If you use Siri, you might be unable to change the content. | Siri, the voice assistant, can be used to control AirPlay content. |
| There is no way to watch the content again. | To make a playback group, you can re-stream content from an AirPlay 2 device to a device that doesn’t have AirPlay 2. But it helps that particular manufacturer. |
| You are not allowed to stream the next video in your list of related content. | Instead, turn on the Up Next alert on all Apple devices on the network. |
| It can’t be used to set up scenes with other Homekit devices. | It can be used to set up scenes with other Homekit devices. |
| It has a small buffer. | It has high buffering. |
Performance
AirPlay 2 offers enhanced buffering, resulting in a smoother streaming experience with reduced latency. This improvement is especially noticeable when streaming video content, making AirPlay 2 the better choice for a seamless experience.
Compatibility
While both AirPlay and AirPlay 2 primarily work with Apple devices, AirPlay 2 has expanded compatibility with select third-party devices, such as smart TVs and speakers from various manufacturers. This makes AirPlay 2 a more versatile choice.
Audio Quality
Both AirPlay and AirPlay 2 provide high-quality audio streaming. However, AirPlay 2’s enhanced buffering capabilities contribute to a more consistent audio experience with fewer interruptions, making it the preferred choice for audiophiles.
Multiroom Audio
One of the most significant upgrades in AirPlay 2 is its support for multiroom audio. This feature allows users to stream audio to multiple speakers simultaneously, creating a whole-home audio experience. AirPlay, on the other hand, doesn’t support multiroom audio.
Interoperability with HomeKit
AirPlay 2 also integrates seamlessly with Apple’s HomeKit smart home platform, allowing users to control audio playback through voice commands using Siri. This integration adds a layer of convenience to the unavailable streaming experience with the original AirPlay.
Choosing the Right Solution for You
When deciding between AirPlay and AirPlay 2, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and the devices you own. If you have a mix of Apple and third-party devices and wish to take advantage of multiroom audio and improved performance, AirPlay 2 is the better choice.
However, if you only use Apple devices and do not require multiroom audio, the original AirPlay may suffice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your unique preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
AirPlay and AirPlay 2 are powerful streaming solutions with unique features and capabilities. While AirPlay 2 offers several improvements, such as multiroom audio support and enhanced buffering, the original AirPlay may still meet the needs of some users. By evaluating your streaming needs and considering your own devices, you can decide which solution is right for you.
