Chromecast works with many familiar streaming, music, radio, and podcast apps. The 20 choices below are a practical selection of Google-listed services, not an official ranking—and what works depends on your receiver, country, and, sometimes, subscription plan.
Usually, “Chromecast apps” means apps on a phone or tablet that send audio or video to a Cast receiver. That differs from installing and opening an app directly on a Google TV device. Google’s examples include both Cast-enabled services and services available through Google TV; they do not guarantee that every app works on every model or in every market.
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How to choose the right Chromecast apps
Start with what you want to watch or hear: on-demand films and series, live TV, free ad-supported viewing, music, or radio and podcasts. Then check whether you’ll cast from a mobile app or use an app directly on a Google TV device. The receiver matters: for example, Google’s help page lists Apple TV for Chromecast with Google TV, which should not be read as support for every Chromecast model.
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Google’s service examples are not a definitive or ranked catalog. Availability, content, account requirements, and subscriptions or purchases vary by country and service. Google TV’s US features page also identifies free viewing options, but that does not establish availability in every region. Google TV features and Google’s Cast examples provide current starting points.
#1 Best Overall
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Movies and series
These services are useful if your priority is films and TV shows. Google lists them among its Cast or Google TV examples, subject to service and device conditions.
Netflix
A subscription video service. Google documents a specific limitation: mobile casting is not supported on Netflix’s Basics with ads plan. Check the plan and device behavior before relying on phone-to-TV casting. Google’s streaming help describes the condition.
Prime Video
Google lists Prime Video among Cast-enabled and Google TV services. Membership or video fees may apply; availability and catalog vary by market.
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Listed by Google among video services supported on Chromecast and Cast TVs. The exact catalog and access requirements depend on your region and account.
Hulu
Google lists Hulu for TV shows and movies. Service and account conditions apply, and availability is market-dependent.
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Max
Google’s support examples include Max. Use the service’s current name and check that it is available in your country and on your receiver.
Paramount+
Google includes Paramount+ in its Cast and streaming examples. A subscription or other service conditions may apply.
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Apple TV
Google’s help list names Apple TV for Chromecast with Google TV. That specific listing is not evidence that the same workflow is supported on every Chromecast model.
Viki
Google lists Viki for TV shows and films on Chromecast and Cast TVs. Available titles and service conditions can vary by market.
Video, live TV, and free viewing
These choices cover general video, live programming, and free ad-supported viewing. “Free” does not mean every title or channel is available everywhere, and service catalogs can change.
Rank #3
- Ask to control your TV with your voice, and quickly cast your photos, videos, music and more from your phone, tablet, or PC to your TV with Chromecast built in
- Built-in Virtual Assistant – just press the mic button on the remote to get what you want
- Built-in content and entertainment including YouTube, Play Movies & TV, and more
- Support for thousands of Apps on the Play Store
- 2K resolution TV streaming
YouTube
Google lists YouTube among Cast-enabled examples and Google TV services. It is a flexible choice for online video, with content and playback conditions determined by the service and account.
YouTube TV
Google lists YouTube TV for live TV, shows, movies, and sports on Chromecast and Cast TVs. Check local service availability and account requirements.
Sling TV
Google’s examples include Sling TV for live TV, shows, movies, and sports on supported receivers. Channel lineups and access depend on service availability and plan.
Tubi
Google TV identifies Tubi as a source of free live channels and on-demand titles. Availability and catalog vary by country.
Pluto
Google TV also identifies Pluto as a source of free live channels and on-demand titles. Check regional availability and the current catalog.
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- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Crackle
Google’s referenced entry lists Crackle as a TV and film service and says sign-in is not required for that entry. The service’s current availability may vary by market.
Red Bull
Google lists Red Bull for TV and movies on Chromecast and Cast TVs. Its content focus differs from general-purpose subscription libraries.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Music, radio, and podcasts
Cast can send audio as well as video to a compatible TV or sound system. Google describes Cast as a way for Android, iOS, and web apps to direct streaming audio or video to a receiver. Google Cast developer documentation explains the technology.
Spotify
Google’s Cast examples include Spotify, and Google TV lists it for albums and playlists. Available features depend on Spotify’s service and account conditions.
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YouTube Music
Google TV lists YouTube Music for albums and playlists. Check regional availability and account requirements for the features you want.
Best Value
- Expand your home entertainment without buying a new TV; Google Chromecast lets you stream your favorites from your phone, tablet, or laptop; no remote needed
- Chromecast is easy to set up up; just plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming to turn your TV into a smart TV; it works with almost any TV that has an HDMI port
- Works with the apps you already know and love; enjoy shows, movies, music, games, sports, photos, live TV, and more from over 2,000 streaming apps in up to 1080p
- With Chromecast, you can stream, pause, play, or adjust the volume right from your phone with just a tap; while you’re streaming, you can still use your phone as you normally do
- Mirror your laptop screen or turn your tablet into an even better entertainment system; surf the web or see your media on the big screen
Pandora
Pandora appears in Google’s supported Cast music examples. Availability and service features depend on market and account.
Tidal
Tidal is included among Google’s supported Cast music examples. Check the current service offering in your country.
TuneIn
Google lists TuneIn among radio and podcast examples. What you can play may depend on location and the service’s catalog.
Cast from your phone or tablet
Google lists Chromecast, Google TV Streamer (4K), TVs with Google Cast, Google Nest displays, and other devices as compatible receivers. The basic workflow is:
- Connect your phone or tablet and the receiver to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open an up-to-date app that supports Google Cast.
- Tap the app’s Cast button and select the receiver.
- Use the app on your phone or tablet to control playback.
These are Google’s general steps; an individual service may have additional account, plan, or device requirements. See Google’s Cast setup and troubleshooting guidance.
If the app or TV does not appear
- Check Wi-Fi: Confirm the phone or tablet and receiver are on the same network.
- Update the app: Google recommends checking that the Cast-enabled app is current.
- Check iPhone or iPad permissions: On iOS 14 or later, Local Network access must be enabled for device discovery.
- Check service conditions: An app may work only on particular receivers, in particular countries, or with a qualifying plan. Netflix mobile casting, for instance, is not supported on its Basics with ads plan.
Google’s guidance is at Cast media from Google Cast-enabled apps and its service-specific TV and film help page.
When a streaming device is needed
You do not need an extra device if your TV already supports Google Cast. If it does not, Google points readers with older TVs toward Chromecast with Google TV and lists Google TV Streamer (4K) as a supported receiver. Check current product availability and compatibility before choosing a device; the right option depends on your TV and how you prefer to use apps.
Quick Recap
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