Chromecast is both the name of Google’s former family of HDMI streaming devices and, in everyday use, a shorthand for sending content to a TV with Google Cast. A compatible TV may have Google Cast built in, so it can receive a cast without a separate Chromecast device. Google ended Chromecast hardware production in 2024; existing devices are distinct from the newer Google TV Streamer.
Chromecast and Google Cast are related, but not the same thing
Chromecast originally meant Google’s plug-in streaming hardware. Google Cast is the technology that lets compatible apps and devices send content to a receiver. That receiver might be a Chromecast, a Google TV Streamer, or a television with Google Cast built in. Google’s casting overview describes how to cast from supported apps; its Google Cast built-in page explains that some TVs and other products can act as receivers without a Chromecast dongle.
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In practical terms, the sender is usually a phone or tablet running a Cast-enabled app. You choose a receiver from the app’s Cast menu, then use the app’s playback controls. This is not the same as mirroring everything on your phone: app casting relies on the app and receiver supporting the feature, while Chrome’s computer casting sends a browser tab or computer display.
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Cast from a supported phone or tablet app
- Connect the phone or tablet and the TV or streaming device to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open an app that supports Google Cast and start or select the content you want to watch or hear.
- Tap the app’s Cast button, choose the receiver, and control playback in the app. The button’s location varies by app.
If the receiver does not appear, network discovery, device support, or permissions may be involved. Google notes that iOS and macOS users may need to allow Local Network access for casting. App availability and performance can also vary by provider, region, device, and network. Google’s instructions for casting from apps cover the basic process and network requirement.
#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
Cast a Chrome tab or mirror a computer screen
Chrome can send a browser tab or mirror a computer’s display to a compatible Chromecast, Google TV Streamer, Chromecast Ultra, or TV with Google Cast. Update Chrome, connect the computer and receiver to the same Wi-Fi network, and ensure the connection is strong. Google cautions that some older browser plugins do not work when casting. With a tab cast, the image or video appears on both displays and sound plays through the TV; when mirroring the whole computer screen, audio may remain on the computer. See Google’s Chrome casting instructions.
What you need to set up Chromecast hardware
- A TV or display with an available HDMI input for a Chromecast device.
- A supported phone or tablet with the Google Home app. Google currently lists Android 9.0 or later and iOS 17.0 or later for setup; setup with a computer is not supported.
- A display with HDCP 1.3 or higher. For 4K, Google specifies HDCP 2.2, a 4K display, and at least 20 Mbps internet. HDR requires an HDR-capable display.
These are Google’s stated requirements, not a guarantee that every app, service, or network will deliver a particular result. A 4K-capable receiver cannot turn non-4K video or a non-4K television into 4K; output is optimized for the display’s maximum resolution when 4K is unavailable. Check Google’s device requirements and setup information for details.
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
Chromecast models do not all have the same capabilities
“Chromecast” can refer to devices with different resolutions and interfaces. The figures below are Google’s maximum supported specifications, not a promise that every title will play at that quality.
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| Device | Google-listed capability or distinction |
|---|---|
| Chromecast with Google TV (HD) | Up to 1080p HDR at 60 fps. |
| Chromecast with Google TV (4K) | Up to 4K Ultra HD at 60 fps; supports 4K content. |
| Chromecast Ultra | Supports 4K content. |
| Google TV Streamer (4K) | Up to 4K HDR at 60 fps; supports Google Cast and has Ethernet. |
Google’s specifications also identify HDR format support for the 4K Chromecast with Google TV. For the precise requirements and model details, consult Google’s Chromecast and Google TV device specifications and its 4K requirements.
Rank #3
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- 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.
The original Chromecast-style experience centers on choosing content on another device and sending it to the TV. Chromecast with Google TV added an on-screen Google TV interface and voice remote, making it more remote-led. Google TV Streamer is a separate product with its own form factor and interface, not simply another name for a Chromecast dongle.
What changed when Google ended Chromecast production
On August 6, 2024, Google announced it was ending Chromecast production, with remaining stock available while supplies lasted. The company said existing-device support policy would not change and that its latest devices would continue receiving software and security updates. Those are Google’s statements from 2024; current stock and support terms can change, so check the current product and support information for your device.
Rank #4
- Watch the entertainment you love with Chromecast with Google TV, including live TV in up to 4K HDR; discover over 700,000 movies and TV episodes, plus millions of songs
- Get fast streaming, and enjoy a crystal clear picture up to 4K and brighter colors with HDR
- Your home screen displays movies and TV shows from all your services in one place with Chromecast 4K; get personal recommendations based on your subscriptions, viewing habits, and content you own
- Press the Google Assistant button on the remote and use voice search to find specific shows, youtube tv streaming, or search by mood, genre, actress, and more; control the volume, switch inputs, play music, and get answers, hands-free
- Chromecast is easy to install and compatible with almost any TV that has an HDMI port; to get started, just plug it into your TV’s HDMI port, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming
Google positioned Google TV Streamer as its newer premium streaming device. Its 2024 announcement described it as the successor to Chromecast, while its current specifications list 4K HDR up to 60 fps, Ethernet, and Google Cast support. It is a distinct product rather than an interchangeable version of the older HDMI dongles. Google reported that more than 100 million Chromecast devices had been sold over 11 years in the same 2024 transition announcement. Google’s Chromecast history and transition announcement provides the dated context.
When a Chromecast is not showing up or the connection is weak
- Confirm the phone or computer and receiver are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Check the receiver’s network settings, then try the router’s 5 GHz network if both router and device support it.
- Update the router, then restart the streaming device and router.
- Move the receiver away from sources of interference and nearby cables. Google also lists Ethernet as an option.
Chromecast and Chromecast with Google TV do not have built-in Ethernet ports; Google says they can use Ethernet through a separately sold adapter. Verify the adapter works with your exact model before buying it. For model-specific troubleshooting, see Google’s advice for fixing Wi-Fi or connection problems.
Quick Recap
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- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
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