CastStreams is a newer casting app that leans on a web-streaming-first design. LocalCast is the 50M-download veteran. Here's what's actually different between them — not a marketing bullet list, just the 2026 reality.
Both apps have a built-in browser. CastStreams leans heavily on it — that's basically the whole app. LocalCast treats the browser as one source among many, alongside phone files, cloud storage, SMB and NAS.
If all you ever cast is web streams from aggregator sites, CastStreams' simpler UI may feel lighter. LocalCast handles the same use case and adds everything else.
If you have a NAS, a Dropbox library, or thousands of MKV files on your phone, LocalCast wins comfortably. CastStreams isn't built for this.
Multiple TVs, multiple phones, multiple sources — LocalCast scales better because it speaks every casting protocol, not just Chromecast.
CastStreams has a free tier with ads. Premium removes ads and unlocks a couple of extra features. LocalCast is similar — free for core casting, optional premium for ad removal.
50 million users. Every casting feature, free forever.