The Chromecast with Google TV is definitely one of the best streaming devices. It gives very tough competition to its competitors, because it is much more than just a streaming device. Now Google has added a dedicated TV interface that you can control with a remote and you can instantly access most of the major streaming services such as HBO Max, Disney Plus, even streaming apps of its competitor, Amazon Prime Video. At the top, there are many apps that have been carried over from the Android TV. In this Chromecast with Google TV review article you will get an idea that should you consider it or not. So let’s begin.
Price and availability
Check the current Chromecast with Google TV price on Amazon. It is available in three colors Snow, Sunrise and Sky. You can also buy it from Google Store and major retailers like Best Buy.
Chromecast with Google TV: Design
Just like any other streaming device, the Chromecast Google TV is a dongle that simply plugs into an HDMI port on your TV, and it’s accompanied by a small remote control. This streaming device is small enough to stay hidden behind your TV.
The Chromecast with Google TV is a very well designed compact device. It comes in three colors, Snow, Sunrise and Sky, but the color doesn’t matter, because it will be back side of your TV. The color of your remote will be the same as the device color.
However, there are not a lot of options here. But you will get an HDMI output on one end and a USB-C port on the other end. Means it doesn’t give you more options.
One thing you can do with this device is to connect a USB-C hub with power delivery to expand the Chromecast with Google TV and add external storage. Keep in mind that it will only read FAT32 file systems and it requires a high wattage power brick.
Chromecast with Google TV: Remote
The remote works very well and it has a mic in it, which allows you to use Google Assistant.
With the Google Assistant everything is very easy. You just need to tell the device what to do and the device will execute for you. Using voice commands, it is very easy to start up videos or anything you want by just saying “hey google…”
However, if you want to use the remote there are all the buttons that you need. At the top, there is a big circle that allows you to navigate up, down, left and right. In the center of the circle, you will get a button for making selections. Below that, there are some buttons like back button, Google Assistant button, home button, mute button and two buttons dedicated for YouTube and Netflix apps. Two more buttons for power and input, that can be programmed to control your TV, as well as volume keys on the side of the remote.
Streaming quality
This is a 4K HDR streaming device and it supports Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus. So the picture quality sharp and bright and for this price point it is one of the best streaming devices.
Remote control and voice control are very useful. Voice control can be active by holding down the Google Assistant button on the remote. The homepage is user-friendly so if you want to search something manually, then you can do it without any problem.
One of the best things is that YouTube is on the homepage, so when you sign into the Chromecast with Google TV with your Gmail account, you will be able to see the new videos from your subscriptions on the homepage without login to YouTube separately.
Streaming services
With this streamer, you will get almost all streaming services like Disney Plus, Spotify, YouTube, YouTube TV, Hulu, ESPN, HBO Max, Tubi, PBS, Sling, Peacock, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Pelton, Starz and many more.
This Chromecast can stream videos at resolutions up to 4K/60 fps and it supports Dolby Vision, HDR, HDR10, HDR10+ when we talk about audio, it supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus.
Should you buy the Chromecast with Google TV ?
Buy it if…
If you want an affordable, easy-to-use streaming device.
Chromecast with Google TV is an affordable and easy-to-use streaming device. So if you want a simple streaming device then you should go for this streaming device.
If you are a YouTube TV subscriber.
It is perfect for YouTube streaming, the Live TV tab on Google TV interface is very good, it makes the best streaming device for YouTube TV watchers.
Don’t buy it if…
If you’re primarily an iOS user and don’t have a Gmail address.
Chromecast with Google TV, name suggests that it a Google product, so for using it you need Gmail account. In case you don’t own one or have invested in the Apple ecosystem then we think you shouldn’t buy this streamer.
If you’re a Google Stadia subscriber.
For Google Stadia subscribers, we would recommend that you should go for the Chromecast Ultra, because Chromecast with Google TV doesn’t support Google’s game-streaming service.
