Best Macast Alternatives ranked by AI · updated Aug 2026

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Macast is an open-source DLNA media renderer that turns a Windows, macOS, or Linux computer into a network playback receiver. It uses mpv for broad audio and video format support and can be controlled from compatible DLNA apps.

Developer: xfangfang Price: Free 🎯 xfangfang.github.io/Macast

🔓 Open Source 🎵 Media Player dlna media casting

Top 6 Macast alternatives

AirServer

App Dynamic

💡 Pick it when you need polished AirPlay, Google Cast, and Miracast support instead of DLNA alone.

AirServer is a commercial screen-mirroring and media-casting receiver for Windows, macOS, and other platforms. It supports AirPlay, Google Cast, and Miracast, with...

Pros

Supports AirPlay, Google Cast, and Miracast in addition to DLNA
More polished receiver interface than Macast
Works well for both media casting and full-screen mirroring

Cons

Not free, unlike Macast
Uses more system resources than a lightweight DLNA renderer
Some platform features and licenses vary by operating system

From $7.50 one-time

Alternatives to AirServer → Visit site

5KPlayer

💡 Pick it if you want a free desktop player that also receives AirPlay and DLNA media.

5KPlayer is a free multimedia player that supports 4K/5K/1080P HD videos, DVDs, and radio. It also serves as a video music downloader...

Free

Alternatives to 5KPlayer → Visit site

Kodi

💡 Pick it if you want a complete open-source media center with DLNA receiving, libraries, and remote control.

Kodi is a free and open-source media player software application developed by the XBMC Foundation.

Free

Alternatives to Kodi → Visit site

VLC

VideoLAN

💡 Pick it when broad format support and a mature general-purpose player matter more than a dedicated DLNA UI.

VLC is a free, open-source media player for desktop and mobile platforms that supports nearly every common audio and video format. It...

Pros

Supports more audio and container formats than Aurees
Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
Handles network streams and video as well as local music

Cons

Less polished for music-library management than Aurees
Playlist and metadata workflows are comparatively basic
Interface feels more utilitarian than Aurees

Free

Alternatives to VLC → Visit site

Rygel

GNOME Project

💡 Pick it on Linux if you want an open-source DLNA renderer integrated with GNOME and media-server services.

Rygel is an open-source UPnP and DLNA media server and renderer primarily used on Linux desktops. It integrates with GNOME media services...

Pros

Open-source native Linux option with strong GNOME integration
Supports both DLNA serving and renderer roles
Lightweight compared with a full media center

Cons

Linux-focused and less accessible to Windows or macOS users
More dependent on desktop services and configuration than Macast
User interface is minimal compared with Kodi or AirServer

Free

Alternatives to Rygel → Visit site

gmediarender

gmediarender contributors

💡 Pick it for a lightweight, scriptable DLNA renderer on Linux, servers, or embedded playback devices.

gmediarender is a lightweight open-source UPnP/DLNA media renderer designed for Linux and other Unix-like systems. It uses GStreamer for playback and is...