When using Wi-Fi speakers, Google Cast and AirPlay are two popular streaming technologies for audio playback, grouping speakers, and managing connections. Here's a breakdown of the benefits of Google Cast over AirPlay in the context of Wi-Fi speakers:

1. Multi-Platform Compatibility:

• Google Cast: Works across a wide range of devices, including Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Chromebook. Google Cast is compatible with most popular platforms and apps like Spotify, YouTube, Pandora, and Google Play Music, as well as third-party apps.
  • Benefit: You can stream to Google Cast-enabled devices from almost any device or platform, giving you greater flexibility compared to AirPlay, which is more limited to Apple devices.
• AirPlay: Primarily designed for Apple devices, AirPlay is optimised for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. While it works with some non-Apple devices, the setup and compatibility may be more limited compared to Google Cast.
  • Benefit: AirPlay is ideal for users who are heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem.

2. Easier Grouping of Speakers:

• Google Cast: Allows you to easily group multiple speakers (using Google Home app or Chromecast-enabled devices) into multi-room audio setups. Google Cast devices like Chromecast Audio or Google Nest speakers can be grouped together seamlessly for synchronized playback.
  • Benefit: You can easily control multi-room audio with Google Home or compatible apps. The app provides an intuitive interface to group, manage, and control multiple speakers from different manufacturers.
• AirPlay: AirPlay allows for speaker grouping with AirPlay 2, but it is limited to Apple-certified speakers or devices that support AirPlay 2.  The grouping feature is not as flexible as Google Cast when it comes to non-Apple devices.
  • Benefit: AirPlay 2 allows for multi-room audio but can be more restrictive in terms of device compatibility.

3. Connection Reliability:

• Google Cast: Google Cast offers a more stable connection because it streams directly from the cloud (via Wi-Fi) to the speaker. This means that your device doesn't need to remain connected to the speaker for audio to play, reducing the likelihood of interruptions during playback.
  • Benefit: The streaming model helps avoid interruptions and reduces the strain on your phone or device while playing music. You can continue using other apps or even lock your device without interrupting playback.
• AirPlay: AirPlay works by creating a peer-to-peer connection between the source device and the speaker, meaning that your device stays involved in the streaming process. This can cause lag or interruptions if the device moves out of range or the connection weakens.
  • Benefit: AirPlay’s peer-to-peer model can cause more disruptions during playback, especially if the device moves out of range or experiences interference.

4. Flexibility with Streaming:

• Google Cast: Google Cast supports a wider range of streaming services and apps, including Spotify, Google Play Music, YouTube, and Pandora, as well as third-party apps. Apps that support Chromecast can send audio to speakers without requiring your device to remain connected or in-use.
  • Benefit: You can control playback directly from your phone, tablet, or even a Chromebook without keeping the device on the same network as the speaker.
• AirPlay: While AirPlay supports Apple Music, iTunes, and Apple devices, it is less flexible in terms of third-party services. It’s more geared toward users who are using Apple-specific streaming services.
  • Benefit: AirPlay is best for those who use Apple Music and other Apple-native apps, but it doesn't provide the same wide app support as Google Cast.

5. Device Control and Management:

• Google Cast: Google Cast is fully integrated with Google Home or Assistant, allowing you to use voice commands for volume control, playback management, and grouping speakers. It can work with Google Assistant for hands-free control, making it easy to control multiple speakers with voice commands.
  • Benefit: Voice control via Google Assistant makes managing multiple speakers easy, including volume adjustment, track skipping, and grouping.
• AirPlay: AirPlay 2 supports Siri voice control, but it is more limited to Apple devices. Managing speaker groups and playback typically requires using the Apple Home app or the Control Centre.
  • Benefit: Voice control works well in the Apple ecosystem, but it lacks the extensive third-party integration that Google Cast provides, especially with non-Apple smart home devices.

6. Multi-Device Support:

• Google Cast: Works across a wide variety of devices and platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac. It also integrates well with smart TVs and streaming devices like Chromecast, allowing you to cast not just audio but also video content to compatible devices.
  • Benefit: Google Cast allows seamless cross-platform streaming, meaning you can use Android devices, iOS devices, and even Windows PCs to control or cast to speakers.
• AirPlay: Primarily works best with Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac), though AirPlay 2 adds support for third-party speakers. It does not support as many non-Apple platforms as Google Cast.
  • Benefit: AirPlay works seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem but is more restrictive when it comes to cross-platform support.

7. Streaming Quality:

• Google Cast: Typically offers high-quality streaming, including support for lossless audio and high-definition video streaming (via Chromecast). It supports streaming up to 4K on compatible devices.
  • Benefit: Ideal for high-definition audio and multi-room audio setups, providing excellent sound quality for Wi-Fi speakers.
• AirPlay: AirPlay supports high-quality audio (up to Lossless CD-quality audio) and video, but its streaming is typically limited to Apple devices and AirPlay 2 compatible speakers.
  • Benefit: AirPlay also provides high-quality streaming, but it is more limited compared to Google Cast in terms of video streaming and device compatibility.

8. Setup and Configuration:

• Google Cast: Google Cast enabled devices such as Lithe Audio are easy to set up and manage through the Google Home app, which provides a simple user interface for configuring, controlling, and grouping devices.
  • Benefit: Google Home app offers easy configuration and management, especially when setting up multi-zone audio with a range of compatible devices.
• AirPlay: AirPlay setup is typically done through the Apple Home app or Control Centre. While it’s easy for Apple users, it can be more complex for non-Apple devices.
  • Benefit: Apple devices offer an intuitive setup process but might require more steps for non-Apple speakers or devices.

Summary of Google Cast vs. AirPlay for Wi-Fi Speakers:

Google Cast offers more flexibility, multi-platform support, and seamless integration with various devices and apps. It is ideal for users with mixed-device environments and those who want robust control over grouping, streaming quality, and device management.

On the other hand, AirPlay excels in the Apple ecosystem, providing tight integration with Apple Music and Apple devices, as well as high-quality streaming. However, its device compatibility is more limited compared to Google Cast.