The Chromecast with Google TV is one of the best Android TV boxes on the market. It’s affordable, boasts Android TV with the Google TV launcher, and includes wide-ranging Android app support. However, the Google Chromecast has pretty limited onboard storage space. While you may think that if you stick to streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV, and Plex instead of games, that’s not quite the case. Unfortunately, there are no USB ports or microSD card slots for storage expansion. However, a USB-C hub solves that issue. Here are the best USB-C hubs for the Chromecast with Google TV!
Best USB-C Hub for Chromecast with Google TV – Vemont USB-C Hub
The Vemont 5-in-1 USB dongle is the best USB-C hub for the Chromecast with Google TV. It features a trio of USB 3.0 Type-A hosts alongside a USB-C input. There’s a Gigabit Ethernet port for a hardwired internet connection. Therefore, the Vemont USB-C hub is great for cloud gaming or 4K video streaming. The USB-C input boasts 87W power deliver pass-through.
Since the Vemont is fully compatible with the Chromecast with Google TV’s USB power brick. However, if you plan to hook up a power-hungry hard drive, you’ll want a beefier wall charger like the Anker PIQ. Notably, unlike many USB-C dongles, the Vemont doesn’t include an HDMI port. While that’s not an issue for the Chromecast with Google TV which has its own full-size HDMI output, it could be a problem if you want to connect the Vemont with other devices such as Chromebooks, MacBooks, or other laptops. But for use with the Chromecast, it’s a fantastic choice.
Pros:
- Affordable
- 5-in-1 hub
- Great connectivity: 3x USB 3.0 Type-A ports, 1x Gigabit Ethernet jack, 1x USB-C with power delivery and up to 87W pass-through
- Works with the standard Chromecast with Google TV power brick
- Compatible with loads of devices including Chromebooks, MacBooks, Windows laptops, tablets, and Android phones
- Fast USB transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps
Cons:
- Lacks full-size HDMI port
Best USB-C Hub for Google TV With Excellent Connectivity – TOTU 9-In-1
The TOTU 9-in-1 USB-C hub is the best USB-C for Chromecast users seeking to hook up lots of peripherals. Boasting outstanding connectivity, the TOTU includes three USB Type-A ports, a USB Type-C with power delivery host, a microSD card slot, full-size SD card slot, HDMI output, and an Ethernet jack. With the TOTU 9-in-1 USB Type-C dongle, you can easily connect flash drives, hard drives, microSD cards, and SD cards for Chromecast with Google TV storage space expansion. Additionally, its Ethernet jack lets you tap into high-speed, low-latency wired internet which is perfect for 4K streaming or cloud gaming.
Because of its size and the ability to add loads of different devices, you might need a beefier power supply. Especially if you add multiple power-hungry accessories, the Chromecast’s standard USB brick might not be able to handle the load. However, the slew of input/output (I/O) options on the TOTU USB-C dongle makes it an excellent USB Type-C hub that works with the Chromecast with Google TV.
Pros:
- Works with Chromecast with Google TV
- 9-in-1 hub
- Outstanding connectivity: 2x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x USB-C with power delivery, 1x HDMI, 1x Ethernet jack, 1x SD card slot, 1x microSD card slot
- Includes travel pouch
- Available in silver or pink
- Ethernet built-in – great for cloud game streaming or 4K ultra-high definition (UHD) video streaming
Cons:
- Connecting multiple devices may require a higher wattage USB power brick than the Chromecast with Google TV’s default one
Best USB-C Hub for Chromecast With Power Delivery – Anker PowerExpand 6-in-1 USB-C PD Ethernet Hub
Anker makes a bevy of fantastic USB power bricks, portable power banks, and other accessories. Its PowerExpand 6-in-1 USB-C hub is a solid dongle with power delivery and Ethernet that’s compatible with the Chromecast with Google TV. Because of its USB-C input with power delivery passthrough and a USB Type-C jack with data input, you can easily connect power-hungry external hard drives.
You’ll enjoy blisteringly fast data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps via its USB 3.0 and USB-C hosts. Excellent I/O includes an HDMI port, USB-C data port, USB-C power delivery input, a pair of USB 3.0 hosts, and an Ethernet jack. Depending on how power-hungry your external devices are, the standard Chromecast with Google TV USB wall plug might not be enough. While the Anker does tout plenty of inputs and outputs, it’s missing an SD card or microSD card slot. But you can always use a microSD or SD card to USB adapter. Overall, for ample expansion capabilities, the Anker PowerExpand is one of the top USB-C hubs for the Chromecast with Google TV.
Pros:
- 6-in-1 hub
- USB-C data input and USB Type-C power delivery passthrough port
- Excellent I/O: 2x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1x USB-C data port, 1x USB-C with power delivery passthrough, 1x Ethernet, 1x HDMI
- Up to 5Gbps data transfer speeds
Cons:
- Lacks SD card or microSD card slots
- May require a higher wattage power brick
Best Google Chromecast Compatible USB-C Dongles FAQs
The best USB-C hubs that work with the Chromecast with Google TV are the Vemont 5-in-1 USB Type-C hub, Totu 9-in-1 USB-C hub, and Anker PowerExpand 6-in-1 USB-C hub with power delivery. Our favorite pick is the Vemont USB-C dongle, but the Totu and Anker provide plenty of inputs and outputs.
Yes, the Chromecast with Google TV Android TV streaming box supports USB-C. It features a single USB Type-C input which is used for a power port. Adding a USB-C dongle lets you access flash drives, hard drives, SD cards, and Ethernet depending on the specific hub and its connectors.
The Chromecast with Google TV can be powered by a USB. In fact, it ships with a USB-C to USB Type-A cable and a USB power brick in the box. However, you may need a more powerful USB wall charger such as a 45W power adapter if you plan to connect lots of USB peripherals, hard drives, and SD cards.
The Chromecast with Google TV requires at least 5 watts as a minimum power requirement. The standard Chromecast power brick is 7.5W. However, depending on how many devices you connect using a USB-C dongle, you may need a higher wattage USB power brick such as a 25W or even 45W wall charger.
Best USB-C Hub for the Chromecast with Google TV – Final Thoughts
One of the most essential accessories for the Chromecast with Google TV is a USB-C hub. By connecting a USB Type-C dongle, you’ll gain access to hookups like USB 3.0 ports, SD or microSD card slots, plus Ethernet ports. Then, you can utilize external storage devices and take advantage of low-latency Ethernet internet. Particularly considering the Chromecast with Google TV’s paltry 8GB of onboard storage, a USB-C hub is a must-have. Especially for gaming and 4K video streaming, you’ll want a USB-C hub compatible with the Chromecast with Google TV.
Our favorite USB Type-C dongles for the Chromecast with Google TV are the Vemont 5-in-1 USB-C hub, Anker PowerExpand, and TOTU 9-in-1 USB-C hub. My hub of choice is the Vemont for its good connectivity and affordability. Enthusiasts looking to connect everything should check out the TOTU, while the PowerExpand with its dual USB-C ports – one for power delivery, the other for data input – works extremely well.
Your turn: What USB-C hubs do YOU recommend for use with the Chromecast with Google TV Android TV streaming box?
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