Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter: Function, Compatibility and Alternatives for iOS and Android

Okay that one Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter V2 has been on the market since March 2016, but regular readers already know that this is not always about the latest industry, but about recent discoveries made by the writer;) Now one of these discoveries was this Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter in the second version, which prompted me to research wireless streaming aids in this direction. And lo and behold: the device has distinctive advantages and disadvantages, and alternatives should be used for Apple users with iPhone and iPad or Mac or MacBook as well as for Android. So watch out, dear Apple fan base: this is another cross-platform article;)

HDMI adapters from VicTsing and ELEGIANT. Not every dongle can stream Windows, iOS, OS X, macOS, Android and Chrome OS." width="620″ height="290″ /> The Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter V2 compared to wireless HDMI adapters from VicTsing and ELEGIANT Not every dongle can stream Windows, iOS, OS X, macOS, Android and Chrome OS.

Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter V2: Datasheet and Connectivity

The device from Microsoft, which currently costs more than 50 euros, comes with an HDMI and a USB port. Sound and images are transmitted to the television set via HDMI, while the power required for operation is drawn via USB. According to the manufacturer, the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter V2 acts as a "wireless adapter for screen transmission" for screen content up to Full-HD 1080p. Real-time screen transmissions (for presentations, etc.) can also be implemented with the device.

25,00 EUR

Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter V2

Wireless adapter for image and sound transmission from Windows and Android devices to the television. HDMI and USB connection required. Transmission via WiFi with 2,4 GHz and 5 GHz. Also suitable for presentations.

64,99 EUR −25,00 EUR 39,99 EUR

Buy it at Amazon Price includes VAT, plus shipping costs (updated: 15.09.2022 at 17: 46 clock)

In addition to Microsoft devices with Windows, connectivity and compatibility is also provided with some Android devices - including smartphones and tablets from popular manufacturers. Most devices are supported from Android 4.2.2 - a complete overview of the mobile devices (including the Microsoft Surface and Lumia models) can be found on the official support page. In short: In addition to Windows, the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter V2 can also run Android, but not iOS. So what are the (cheap) alternatives that maybe can do everything?

ELEGIANT or VicTsing? Comparison of alternative streaming dongle devices

The devil is in the details, because most of you will certainly not use a Surface device and maybe also not an Android smartphone or tablet, let alone one with Windows as the operating system. So alternatives have to be found that support iOS devices such as the iPhone or iPad. Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is AirPlay, which is with Apple TV or the AirPort Express can be realized. But here we limit ourselves to Apple again. What if the Android friends come over and want to stream something?

VicTsing Miracast dongle: the "wireless" is a matter of design

The first thing I noticed was the VicTsing as an alternative to the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter V2. It is currently also being offered with a 50% discount, which I think is a bargain given the promised scope of services. In addition to Windows PCs and laptops that have WiFi, the connectivity of the device is just as effective as with iOS devices (from iPhone 5) and Android devices (from Android 5). The connection for transmission and power is also implemented here via HDMI and USB.

The crux of the matter is: for more or less wireless operation, a wired connection to the house's WiFi router is required. The VicTsing dongle does not transmit itself, but via the router. "Wireless" means here: no cable to the laptop / smartphone / tablet is required, but a connection to the WLAN router does. So wireless is not always wireless ...

ELEGIANT Wireless HDMI / 5GHz TV dongle as a bargain offer

The devices from ELEGIANT, which also have good ratings on Amazon, are inherently cheaper than the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter V2 and the VicTsing dongle. On the product page you can choose between "Type 1" and "Type 2", with the former already showing the Compatibility with Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Windows Phone and Chrome OS makes clear. So they are real all-rounders!

Be in detail Miracast Supported from Android 4.2 and Windows Phone 8.1, furthermore AirPlay from iOS 8 and OS X 10.10. In addition, per EZCastMirror (from Android 5, Windows 7, OS X 10.9 or Chrome OS). Attention: the USB cable is not only used for the power supply, but can also be used as a WLAN antenna.

Conclusion on the subject of Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter V2

The device caught my eye because of its omnipresence in reporting on streaming dongles. However, I think that with today's cross-platform use, one should rely on correspondingly more extensive devices. So if you have not only Windows and a few Android devices in mind, but maybe also Apple and Chrome OS devices, you should take a look at the alternatives shown here.

Questions or suggestions? Gladly seen in the comments! :)

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.

The page contains affiliate links / images: Amazon.de