| Feature | Mirage | Sidecar |
|---|---|---|
| Connection protocol | Loom | Proprietary (closed) |
| Max refresh rate | Dynamic ProMotion | 60Hz |
| Max resolution | Uncapped | iPad native |
| Window streaming | Up to 8 windows | ~ Extend/mirror only |
| Audio streaming | Stereo, 5.1, lossless | ✕ |
| Connect anywhere | Address you control | ✕ |
| Headless Mac support | ✓ | ✕ |
| Encryption | ✓ | Encrypted (proprietary) |
| 10-bit color (Display P3) | ✓ | ✕ |
| Remote wake & unlock | ✓ | ✕ |
| Same Apple Account required | No | Yes |
| Apple Pencil | ✓ | ~ Limited pressure |
| Apple Vision Pro | ✓ | ✕ iPad only |
| Price | Free / Pro $7.99/mo | Free |
Sidecar is the right pick for a free, no-setup second display next to your Mac. Mirage is for everything Sidecar can't do: audio, headless Macs, saved Macs, multiple Mac windows, Vision Pro, and a different Apple Account on each device.
Mirage's free tier streams at non-Retina resolution and 30fps with one window. Pro ($7.99/mo, $59/yr, or $199 lifetime) unlocks higher resolutions, ProMotion, up to 8 windows, audio, and saved Macs.