Low latency wireless monitor solution (2021)

airplaydisplayNetworkwifi

It's 2021 and Wifi 6 is finally supported by Apple M1 MacBooks, so can anyone point me to a efficient (preferably dongle-less on the MacBook side) solution for wireless screen casting in extended mode (not just mirroring)?

There are actually multiple scenarios one could consider:

  1. connecting to regular (say Dell) monitor
  2. connecting to an iMac
  3. connecting to a projector
  4. connecting to a TV
  5. connecting to an iPad

but I'm mostly interested in the first two. Point 3 would we an awesome bonus.

I've tried many solutions but each has significant drawbacks, namely:

  • AirPlay (too slow out of the box, also can't connect to ordinary displays)
  • AirParrot with Reflector (extended display feature is currently broken for Apple M1)
  • LunaDisplay (haven't purchased as it can't be used with regular monitors)

I've also seen many references to DisplayLink, but I'm confused about their massive product inventory.

In essence I'm looking for a solution (software license or a piece of hardware) that would be:

  • compatible with scenario 1 and 2
  • fast (mouse cursor should display little to no lag)
  • minimalistic (preferably no dongle for the Macbook, or LunaDisplay size dongle)
  • easy to use like AirPlay

Edit: Tried AirServer and it is better than I've expected, but software alone isn't going to connect me to a Dell monitor, so I'll keep this question open.

Best Answer

I’ll answer the lowest latency which is at odds with your minimal and cheapest requirements. (From the Good, Cheap, Fast - pick any two triad)

  1. Use LunaDisplay to transmit wirelessly to an iPad Pro that mirrors using a hardware cable to the display of your choice. The USB-C connector to a display that charges the iPad is the lowest latency in my testing.
  2. AirPlay to an AppleTV hard wired via HDMI is second lowest latency.
  3. TeamViewer comes in third place on Big Sur 11.2.2 using a ghost 4K HDMI adapter with commodity USB-C to HDMI adapters. This is the most expensive option since you need two “computers” and a second ghost display.

Dongles and hard wires are faster than everything and the LunaDisplay hardware effectively reduces the latency of wireless options.

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