Free Chromecast App for iPhone: Choosing the Best One

Free Chromecast App for iPhone: Choosing the Best One

Apple and Google each produce tech products that have revolutionized how we interact with our televisions. But with Google and Apple going head-to-head, you need an app for Chromecast to cast and mirror from an iPhone. Here are several apps for Chromecast iPhone users can download for screen mirroring and casting features on an iPhone.

Best Free Chromecast Apps for iPhone

Using a Chromecast with an iPhone means needing separate apps for things like screen mirroring, personal content casting, and web-based video casting. Here are a few popular apps that can help you make an iPhone work with a Google Chromecast.

1. DoCast

DoCast is a Chromecast iOS app that’s convenient, user-friendly, and free. It seamlessly connects to Chromecast devices for screen mirroring and personal content casting. It’s a simple yet powerful app that gives you tons of options before you mirror your iPhone’s screen. The best thing about it is that it’s completely free from ads.

Download DoCast on the App Store

Here’s how you can mirror your iPhone’s screen with DoCast:

Step 1: Download DoCast on your iPhone.

Find and download DoCast from the App Store

Step 2: Fire up the app and wait for it to find your Chromecast device. Make sure it’s connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone.

DoCast is searching for Chromecast device

Step 3: Tap your Chromecast device.

Tap on your Chromecast device in DoCast

Step 4: To mirror your iPhone’s screen, tap Screen.

Tap on the Screen tile in DoCast

Step 5: Here, you can enable audio, turn on auto-rotation, and adjust the mirrored display’s quality. Once you’re done, tap the red button at the bottom.

Customize screen mirroring settings in DoCast

Step 6: A small window will pop up. Tap Start Broadcast to begin mirroring your iPhone’s screen.

Tap on the Start Broadcast button in DoCast

Pros:
  • Simple platform
  • Generous free version
  • No delay
  • Mirroring and casting in one app
Cons:
  • No in-app browser
  • Only cast to Chromecast

DoCast QR code

Note that DoCast also supports Fire TV and FireStick. It automatically detects your Amazon streaming device or TV the same way it does with Chromecast. Once you’ve connected your device, follow the same steps as above to mirror your iPhone’s screen to your Fire TV.

The premium version of DoCast starts from just $1.99/week and a lifetime upgrade is available for $19.99 (and you get a special gift with it!).

⭐️ App Store Rating: 5.0/5
⭐️ Our Rating: 4.9/5

Supported Devices:

  • iOS 15.0 or above
  • iPadOS 15.0 or above

Pricing:

  • Free trial
  • $1.99 per week
  • $3.99 per month
  • $14.99 per year
  • $19.99 lifetime upgrade

2. Google Chromecast App – Google Home

The Google Home app is an essential tool for Chromecast owners. It’s the primary method for setting up your Chromecast device for the first time and also allows users to link first-party streaming providers, such as Hulu, Spotify, and HBO Max.

Screenshots of the Google Home app on iPhone

After installation and linking, users can then use the streaming apps on an iPhone to select media and cast it to the TV. You can even control media, like play, pause, skip, or scrub. Plus, many first-party apps allow you to view episode lists, so you can watch your favorite shows even if you lose the remote.

Pros:
  • First-party support
  • Used to set up Chromecast device
  • Totally free app
Cons:
  • Only works with supported applications
  • Doesn’t support screen mirroring for iPhone
  • Can’t cast personal content

Google Home may be the only way to set up a Chromecast, and it certainly has its benefits. Yet, iPhone users aren’t content with using only a handful of approved apps. In order to expand your capabilities, you’ll need to look elsewhere, such as a third-party solution.

⭐️ App Store Rating: 4.5/5
⭐️ Our Rating: 4.0/5

Supported Devices:

  • iOS 15.0 or above
  • iPadOS 15.0 or above

Pricing:

  • Free

3. TV Cast Chromecast

TV Cast Chromecast is a free Chromecast app for iPhone that provides a way for iOS devices to cast to Google Chromecast. The in-app web browser makes it easy to find content not supported by the major streaming services. But don’t expect to mirror from within the app, as the screen mirroring feature launches a separate app.

Screenshots of the TV Cast Chromecast app on iPhone

Pros:
  • In-app web browser
  • Affordable premium edition
  • Purchase individual premium features
Cons:
  • Intrusive advertisements when using the free version
  • Minimal casting and mirroring features unless upgraded
  • Mirroring redirects to separate app

One of the most attractive features of TV Cast Chromecast is the ability to cast personal files to your Chromecast device from an iPhone. It makes sharing moments with family and friends easy, and the affordable $6.99 premium upgrade fee is palatable even for the most stingy users.

⭐️ App Store Rating: 4.0/5
⭐️ Our Rating: 4.0/5

Supported Devices:

  • iOS 10.0 or above
  • iPadOS 10.0 or above
  • macOS 11.0 or above, Mac with M1 chip or later

Pricing:

  • $6.99 premium version (one-time payment)

4. Screen Mirroring on Chromecast

Another useful free Chromecast app is the Screen Mirroring on Chromecast app by AirBeamTV, which also provides in-app browsing capabilities and the capability to share personal media. Although it functions well, the price for premium features is higher than the competition at $14.99 yearly or $24.99 for a one-time license.

Screenshots of the Screen Mirroring on Chromecast app on iPhone

Pros:
  • In-app web browser with tabs
  • Screen mirroring and casting from a single app
  • Additional “peaceful” content included with the app
Cons:
  • Upgrade to premium is more costly than alternatives
  • Very limited free version, including no audio
  • No differentiating features

Screen Mirroring on Chromecast by AirBeamTV is an adequate solution for iPhone users to cast and mirror content to Chromecast devices. Still, it doesn’t offer anything revolutionary, especially for the price. It performs admirably under everyday use, but we wish there were something extra to set it apart from other, more affordable solutions in the App Store.

⭐️ App Store Rating: 3.7/5
⭐️ Our Rating: 3.0/5

Supported Devices:

  • iOS 13.0 or above
  • iPadOS 13.0 or above

Pricing:

  • Free trial
  • $2.49 per month
  • $11.99 per year
  • $24.99 lifetime upgrade

5. iWebTV: Cast Web Videos to TV

iWebTV is a unique solution that allows you to cast for free but doesn’t offer any kind of mirroring features. Upon loading the app and connecting it with a Google Chromecast, it automatically directs you to an in-app browser where you can search the internet for videos or music to cast.

Screenshots of the iWebTV app on iPhone

Pros:
  • Intuitive app navigation
  • Super low $0.99/month or $ 6.99-lifetime premium version
  • Desktop availability
Cons:
  • No other features besides casting web videos
  • Frequent video ads
  • Not full HD unless you upgrade

While it’s often an excellent strategy to do one thing and do it well, iWebTV leaves us wishing there was something more. The web-based content casting is useful, but a comprehensive solution that includes screen mirroring and personal media casting makes more sense for busy iPhone owners.

⭐️ App Store Rating: 4.7/5
⭐️ Our Rating: 4.0/5

Supported Devices:

  • iOS 13.0 or above
  • iPadOS 13.0 or above
  • tvOS 11.0 or above

Pricing:

  • Free trial
  • $9.99 lifetime upgrade

6. Screen Mirror・Smart View Cast

Only a few third-party Google Chromecast apps allow users to access multiple features for free. Yet Screen Mirror・Smart View Cast includes screen mirroring, personal photos, and personal video casting before forcing you to upgrade.

Screenshots of the Screen Mirror・Smart View Cast app on iPhone

Pros:
  • Dedicated in-app YouTube link
  • Able to cast web-based images
  • IPTV casting capability
Cons:
  • Costly premium version
  • Must upgrade to premium to unlock web-based video casting
  • Delays in casting and mirroring with a free version

Among the other apps with similar features, Screen Mirror・Smart View Cast performs adequately. However, for $39.99, we wish there was a bit more to offer. Other solutions come with whiteboard and intercom functions at a similar price point, but those are not available in this app.

⭐️ App Store Rating: 4.7/5
⭐️ Our Rating: 3.0/5

Supported Devices:

  • iOS 14.0 or above

Pricing:

  • Free trial
  • $9.99 per month
  • $39.99 lifetime upgrade

7. Replica

Replica is a feature-rich phone to Chromecast app with an in-app web browser and screen mirroring features. Yet, Replica also gives you a sketch pad and intercom features, which come in handy during meetings or presentations.

Screenshots of the Replica app on iPhone

Pros:
  • Sketch pad and intercom features
  • Ultra-stable casting and mirroring platform
  • Easy-to-use user interface
Cons:
  • Very pricey annual subscription
  • Must upgrade for intercom features
  • Constant advertisements

Replica is one of the best screen mirroring and casting applications for Chromecast that iPhone users can download. Although the $29.99 yearly or $49.99 one-time purchase is relatively high for an app like this, the developers offer deals frequently for 50% off or more. Regardless, Replica’s feature-heavy design provides stability and functionality unmatched by other solutions.

⭐️ App Store Rating: 4.3/5
⭐️ Our Rating: 4.0/5

Supported Devices:

  • iOS 15.0 or above
  • iPadOS 15.0 or above
  • macOS 12.0 or above, Mac with M1 chip or later

Pricing:

  • Free trial
  • $2.99 per week
  • $29.99 per year
  • $49.99 lifetime upgrade

8. Web Video Cast | Browser to TV​

Web Video Cast | Browser to TV is another web-to-Chromecast app that operates as a dedicated browser with casting capabilities. Where it really shines is in the extra features it offers, including an IPTV and the ability to cast personal media to your Chromecast device.

Screenshots of the Web Video Cast app on iPhone

Pros:
  • IPTV and personal media casting
  • Simple design
  • Affordable $4.99 one-time purchase
Cons:
  • No screen mirroring
  • Doesn’t support some audio formats
  • Constant ads unless you upgrade

Web Video Cast | Browser to TV takes the iWebTV concept and improves on it. Providing an app that only costs $4.99 to upgrade one time is also pretty attractive, especially for users who don’t need screen mirroring. However, the app doesn’t support some audio codecs, meaning you might have to use Bluetooth speakers or headphones to watch videos.

⭐️ App Store Rating: 4.8/5
⭐️ Our Rating: 3.0/5

Supported Devices:

  • iOS 14.0 or above
  • iPadOS 14.0 or above
  • macOS 11.0 or above, Mac with M1 chip or later

Pricing:

  • Free trial
  • $4.99 lifetime upgrade

How to Choose the Ideal Chromecast App for iPhone

There are many free casting apps on the market, which can make it hard for you to choose the right one. It mostly depends on your needs and preferences. For example, iPhone owners who primarily watch content from web-based sources might find Web Video Cast | Browser to TV a better option, whereas someone looking to have every feature they want would benefit from something like DoCast.

Keep features, price, and functionality in mind when choosing an app. If Replica costs too much for you, an alternative might be TV Cast Chromecast, even if you have to give up a few features.

Comparing the Best Chromecast Apps Side-by-Side

Here’s a side-by-side look at the pros and cons of using the free iPhone solutions for casting and mirroring to Chromecast devices.

AppProsCons
DoCast
  • ✅ Mirroring and casting in one app
  • ✅ No delay
  • ✅ Generous free version
  • ✅ Simple platform
  • ⛔️ No in-app browser
  • ⛔️ Only casts to Chromecast
Google Home
  • ✅ First-party support
  • ✅ Used to set up Chromecast device
  • ✅ Totally free app
  • ⛔️ Only works with supported applications
  • ⛔️ Doesn’t support screen mirroring for iPhone
  • ⛔️ Can’t cast personal content
TV Cast Chromecast
  • ✅ In-app web browser
  • ✅ Affordable premium edition
  • ✅ Purchase individual premium features
  • ⛔️ Intrusive advertisements when using the free version
  • ⛔️ Very limited casting and mirroring features unless upgraded
  • ⛔️ Mirroring redirects to separate app
Screen Mirroring on Chromecast
  • ✅ In-app web browser with tabs
  • ✅ Screen mirroring and casting from a single app
  • ✅ Additional “peaceful” content included with the app
  • ⛔️ Upgrade to premium is more costly than alternatives
  • ⛔️ Very limited free version, including no audio
  • ⛔️ No differentiating features
iWebTV
  • ✅ Intuitive app navigation
  • ✅ Super low $0.99/month or $ 6.99-lifetime premium version
  • ✅ Desktop availability
  • ⛔️ No other features besides casting web videos
  • ⛔️ Frequent video ads
  • ⛔️ Not full HD unless you upgrade
Smart View Cast
  • ✅ Dedicated in-app YouTube link
  • ✅ Able to cast web-based images
  • ✅ IPTV casting capability
  • ⛔️ Costly premium version
  • ⛔️ Must upgrade to premium to unlock web-based video casting
  • ⛔️ Delays in casting and mirroring with a free version
Replica​
  • ✅ Sketch pad and intercom features
  • ✅ Ultra-stable casting and mirroring platform
  • ✅ Easy-to-use user interface
  • ⛔️ Very pricey annual subscription
  • ⛔️ Must upgrade for intercom features
  • ⛔️ Constant advertisements
Web Video Cast | Browser to TV​
  • ✅ IPTV and personal media casting
  • ✅ Simple design
  • ✅ Affordable $4.99 one-time purchase
  • ⛔️ No screen mirroring
  • ⛔️ Doesn’t support some audio formats
  • ⛔️ Constant ads unless you upgrade

Final Thoughts on Free Chromecast Apps

These free Google Chromecast apps for iPhone help iOS users cast and mirror their screens on a TV. However, they are not all equal. Some apps, like iWebTV, operate as a dedicated browser but nothing more. Alternatively, other apps, such as Screen Mirroring on Chromecast, provide more features but lock those features behind higher premium costs.

In our testing, we found that DoCast was the best Chromecast app for iPhone users looking to cast and mirror. It provides users with a free version that casts and mirrors the content, yet also offers plenty of additional features for paying users, like a sketch pad that mirrors to your TV and an intercom.

FAQs

Here are some common questions and answers about using free apps for Chromecast on iPhone for casting and mirroring to Chromecast devices.

To connect to Chromecast for free, you can use the Google Home app. The Google Home app allows users to set up a Chromecast and link first-party streaming platforms. Otherwise, a third-party solution, like Replica, can help you connect to Chromecast for free to use screen mirroring or web-based browser casting.
No, most third-party Chromecast apps let you mirror your iPhone’s screen and cast videos for free. One of the best examples of this is DoCast, which allows you to mirror for 15 minutes per session and cast videos for 3 minutes per session. The premium version will unlock unlimited screen mirroring, but it’s optional.
Chromecast supports many first-party streaming platforms, like Disney+, Spotify, and Hulu. After connecting to your Chromecast with the Google Home app, you can download these apps on your iPhone and cast videos or access media controls.
Chromecast has various built-in apps that you can use to stream photos, videos, and music. Some of these apps are Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Hulu, and Spotify. Note that, for screen mirroring, you’ll need a third-party casting app. We recommend using DoCast because of its intuitive interface and free features.
If Chromecast isn’t working for you, the first thing you need to do is make sure your iPhone is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast TV. You also need to ensure that you’re not connected to a VPN server. Your Chromecast device should be near the Wi-Fi router to ensure a stable connection.
You can use Google Home on Android to mirror your phone’s screen. Other than that, you can use any Chromecast-compatible app to cast videos and photos to your TV from your Android phone. On Android, you don’t really need a third-party app since Google Home supports both casting and mirroring natively.
Yes, DoCast is a free TV cast app that lets you mirror your iPhone’s screen without any cost. One of its best features is unlimited photo casting. You can also mirror and cast videos for 15 minutes and 3 minutes per session, respectively. A premium version is also available if you want unlimited screen mirroring and video casting.
Michael Stroup is based in the foothills of Colorado and is only a couple hours’ drive from a veritable wonderland of outdoor activity. His previous writing credits include a position as a senior writer with HotCars writing about everything with… Full Bio