While the original Chromecast was a simple dongle that allowed over-the-network casting from mobile devices such as phones and tablets, the revamped Chromecast with Google TV is a full-fledged streaming device. Running Android TV with the Google TV user interface (UI) over top, it runs tons of apps natively. Outfitted with excellent specs and clocking in at an affordable price, the Google Chromecast is a fantastic streaming set-top box. Learn all about the Chromecast with Google TV in our hands-on review and find out if it’s the right media streamer for you!
What is the Chromecast with Google TV?
The Chromecast with Google TV is a streaming dongle that features an Android TV operating system (OS) with the Google TV launcher on top. It’s comprised of a sleek oval and a built-in non-detachable HDMI cable. As such, you can quickly plug the Google Chromecast into a television or projector for an excellent media streaming experience. A compact device, the Chromecast with Google TV clocks in at 6.4 x 2.4 x 0.5 in. and a mere 1.9 oz. It’s available in three different colors including snow, sky, and sunrise. Onboard, you’ll find Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) along with Bluetooth.
For video output, the Google Chromecast with Android TV can handle 4K HDR (high dynamic range) at up to 60 frames per second (FPS). Additionally, the Chromecast with Google TV features Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+ output. USB Type-C provides power delivery, and a USB-C to USB Type-A cable comes in the box along with a power brick. The bundled voice remote even includes batteries.
Chromecast with Google TV specs
- 6.4 x 2.4 x 0.5 in. (162 x 61 x 12.5 mm)
- 1.9 oz (55 g)
- Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)
- Bluetooth
- Android TV OS with Google TV launcher
- 4K HDR @ 60 FPS with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+ support
- USB-C power delivery
- Non-removable HDMI cable built-in
- Voice remote
- Available colors: Snow, sunrise, sky
What is Google TV – Android TV OS vs. Google TV
Google debuted Android TV for smart TVs, projectors, and streaming boxes like the NVIDIA Shield TV. But its Chromecast runs Google TV which is Android TV, sort of. Essentially, the underlying operating system is still Android TV OS, a version of Android designed for TVs, projectors, and set-top boxes rather than mobile devices such as phones or tablets. However, Google TV is an overlay for Android TV. Rather than the traditional Android TV UI as seen on the Shield TV or Xiaomi Mi Box, Google TV is an exclusive launcher, similar to Samsung’s One UI deployed across its series of Galaxy phones. Although the Samsung Galaxy series of handsets features the One UI, underneath it’s still running Android. Accordingly, most Android TV apps should install just fine on the Chromecast with Google TV. Only user interface will be different.
The Google TV overlay is extremely user-friendly. Its home screen is familiar to anyone who has used a modern streaming box. You’ll find dedicated sections for apps and live TV. Effectively, the mission of Google TV is unification of apps and streamlining the media experience. At that, it’s extremely successful. I was able to seamlessly access the live TV channel guide for YouTube TV without opening the app, and by merely sliding over from the home screen to the live TV section. It’s well-designed, and makes navigating Android TV that much easier.
Chromecast with Google TV Review – Redesigned and Reinvented
While previous iterations of the Google Chromecast were inventive, the platform was hampered by its lack of a true operating system. Casting from your phone, tablet, or PC was easy enough. But the inability to install apps directly on the device was a major shortcoming. From a quick glance, the new Chromecast with Google TV remains unchanged. The dongle form factor from previous versions remains, such that you don’t even need an external HDMI cable. Just plug the dongle straight into a free HDMI port on your TV, projector, or monitor, then insert the USB cable into the included power brick. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to power the Google TV Chromecast from a free USB port on your television. Unlike earlier versions of the Chromecast, the 7.5-watt power brick is a necessity.
Still, it’s a worthy tradeoff what with the newfound Android TV OS running on the Chromecast itself. You can install a bevy of different apps such as Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling, HBO Max, Peacock, Plex, Vudu, and Amazon Prime. There are loads of cable replacement streaming services such as Hulu with Live TV, free streaming apps for movies and TV showss like Tubi or Crackle, and even music streaming platforms like Spotify and Tidal.
Moreover, the Chromecast with Google TV can even game. You can stream games with Stadia, GeForce Now, Steam Link, and Xcloud. Native Android games work well as do emulators. Although its processor isn’t as robust as the NVIDIA Shield TV, there are a lot of native games as well as emulators that run just fine.
Where the Chromecast with Google TV really shines is its superb performance. Boasting support for HDR in most of its implementations such as HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, the Chromecast can output buttery smooth 4K HDR content at a solid 60 FPS. On my Hisense H8F 4K UHD (ultra HD) 4K TV, HDR10 and Dolby Vision content looked absolutely exquisite. The colors really popped and the Chromecast produced a vibrant, accurate picture. Granted, some of this will depend on the actually television you’re using. But the important part is that the Chromecast with Google TV can handle just about any video you throw at it. I tested out streaming from services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ which all worked fine. Even 4K UHD Blu-ray rips on my Plex server displayed flawlessly.
On the audio side, the Chromecast with Google TV supports tons of audio codecs including Dolby Digital Plus, so you can play back Dolby Atmos content. Hooked up to my Vizio SB36512-F6 soundbar, Atmos audio sounded great. Granted, uncompressed Dolby Atmos soundtracks are more impressive, though only 4K UHD Blu-rays can carry uncompressed Atmos audio. Streaming services are limited to compressed, though nonetheless excellent-sounding, Atmos surround sound.
Disappointingly, the Chromecast with Google TV lacks a built-in Ethernet port as well as expansion via microSD card or USB. Most users will probably be just fine, though gamers and power users might be let down. For 4K streaming, Ethernet is better than Wi-Fi but a good router should mitigate any issues. Still, there’s a workaround. A USB-C dongle does allow you to use Ethernet, microSD card, and USB for adding storage devices or connecting peripherals such as a gamepad or keyboard. Onboard Ethernet, USB, or a microSD card slot would have been a nice addition, but a USB-C hub adapter works perfectly.
I did experience a few minor issues. Despite both Disney Plus and the Chromecast with Google TV supporting Dolby Vision, I was unable to get it to work. HDR10 still looked better than non-HDR, but Dolby Vision color reproduction is noticeably richer than HDR10. From what I can tell, it’s an issue with the Disney+ Android TV app, not the Chromecast. Similarly, when I fired up Netflix, everything had a purple tint. Since my television supports Dolby Vision, the Google TV Chromecast was forcing Dolby Vision HDR. Because I don’t have the Netflix UHD plan, I think the discolored image was due to an HDCP issue. Luckily, toggling on a “Match Content Dynamic Range” option in the Display & Sound menu remedied this issue.
Should You Buy the Chromecast with Google TV – Google Chromecast with Android TV Final Thoughts
Overall, the Google Chromecast with Google TV is an outstanding streaming device. Whereas previous iterations of the Chromecast lacked a built-in operating system, the included Android TV OS lets you install apps directly to the device. The Google TV overlay is easy to use and audio-video support is top-notch. Sporting 4K HDR 60 FPS output with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+ capabilities as well as Dolby Atmos audio, the Chromecast with Google TV can handle virtually anything you throw at it. Connectivity is somewhat lacking with no USB-A ports, SD card slot, or an Ethernet jack. Yet, the abilitty to plug-in a USB-C dongle lets you expand its functionality. Though the Chromecast with Google TV isn’t a gaming-oriented device, you can run many emulators and native Android games just fine.
So how does the Google TV Chromecast stack up against the competition? It’s much better than the Xiaomi Mi Box, and even clocks in around the same price. At a cool $49 USD, the Chromecast with Google TV is a no-brainer. The only Android TV devices that surpass the Chromecast are the NVIDIA Shield TV and Shield TV Pro. Both of NVIDIA’s Android TV streaming boxes feature powerful Tegra X1+ processors capable of handling high-end retro gaming emulation, Android gaming, and a unique 4K AI (artificial intelligence) upscaling feature that makes 720p and 1080p content look better on 4K displays. But there’s a significant jump in price to over $100 for the Shield TV and Shield TV Pro. As such, the Chromecast with Google TV is the best Android TV box, and arguably streaming device, for most consumers.
Chromecast With Google TV
49.99
Pros
- Outputs 4K @ 60 FPS video with HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision support
- Android TV OS with the Google TV launcher is easy to use and navigate
- Simple to set up
- Excellent remote
- Great audio codec support including Dolby Atmos
Cons
- No expandable storage (USB, microSD) built-in but available via (sold separately) USB-C dongle
- Lacks an Ethernet port built-in
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