Since you are reading this article, I imagine that you are looking for the best Chromecast to buy from among the available models. Having to sift between up to seven different options can be draining, so I came up with this guide to simplify things for you.
Let’s look at all the different models available and point out which is best for what needs. If you really do not want the details, you can skip to the last section of this article to see which model I recommend as the best Chromecast to buy.
Table of Contents
Chromecast 1st Gen
The original Chromecast dongle was released in 2013 and was revolutionary in that it was the first accessory to enable you cast your phone to a TV screen. It isn’t an option anymore, if you ask me. Google has ended support for it. That means, there are no more security updates coming for it and you won’t get technical support for it if you have any problems with yours. Don’t buy this for any reason. Skip.
Chromecast 2nd Gen
The 2nd generation Chromecast is still quite a valid option. It gets the job done, if you absolutely have to use it, but its performance isn’t exactly what you want if you live on the cutting edge of digital technology.
I do not advice that you buy this Chromecast any more, unless it is the only model available in your market and you need one right away.
- 512 RAM
- 256MB storage
- Supports 720p at 60fps and1080p video at 30fps
- Supports only 2.4 GHz WiFi.
- No voice commands
- Ethernet, HDMI, and Micro-USB ports
- Price: $49.95
Chromecast 3rd Gen
The 3rd generation Chromecast looks pretty much like the 2nd generation model. But looks aside, it has some improvements. For one, this version supports 1080p HD streaming. Google also says it offers a 15% increase in speed over the 2nd generation model.
- Supports up to 1080p at 60fps
- Google Home app
- Voice commands
- Compatible with Google Assistant
- Supports iOS, Android, and Windows
- Micro-USB, HDMI, and Ethernet ports
- Price: from $37.90
Chromecast Ultra
The Chromecast Ultra is a high-end option that supports 4K HDR streaming. It includes an Ethernet port for a more stable internet connection and supports a wide range of streaming services. However, it was discontinued for single sale, and was replaced by Chromecast with Google TV in 2020.
- 1GB RAM
- 4K and 1080p video resolution
- Dolby vision
- Google Home app
- Voice control for Youtube
- Micro-USB, HDMI, and Ethernet ports
- Price: $69
Chromecast with Google TV (HD)
There are two variants of Chromecast with Google TV – one supports HD video and the other supports 4K. Most people do not own a 4K TV yet, so the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is the more popular variant. This is best for you if you don’t have a 4K TV yet and have no plans to buy one soon.
- 2GB RAM
- 1080p HD at 60fps
- 8GB storage
- Voice remote control
- Google Assistant compatible
- Android OS
- Dolby Digital, digital plus, and atmos audio
- Price: from $29.69
Chromecast with Google TV (4K)
This Chromecast model looks like the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) too, but has more RAM and supports up to 4k video. Features of this model include:
- 4K HDR at 60fps
- Voice remote control
- Google Assistant compatible
- 2GB RAM
- 8GB storage
- Android OS
- Dolby Digital, digital plus, and Atmos audio
- Price: $50
As the name indicates, if you do not own a 4K television set, there is no point buying this Chromecast dongle. If you do own one, you really should get this. It is the best Chromecast to buy by owners of 4K television sets.
Chromecast Audio
Chromecast Audio is a dongle that is designed to stream audio content to speakers or a stereo system. It supports high-quality audio streaming and includes a 3.5mm audio output. You cannot stream video with this dongle. Its specs include:
- Stream up to 96KHz/24bit lossless audio
- 3.5 mm jack with analogue and optical digital audio output
- Micro USB
- Colour: Black
- 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi
- Supported audio formats include HE-AAC, LC-AAC, MP3, OGG Vorbis, WAV (LPCM), Opus, FLAC
- Price: $35
Chromecast Audio is the best Chromecast to buy for someone who just wants to stream music and nothing else. Note though that Google has stopped manufacturing it, though it is still supported.
The Best Chromecast to Buy
The best Chromecast to buy for video streaming depends on your specific needs, but having analysed all of the available models above, my recommendation is that the best Chromecast for you today in 2023 will fall between Chromecast with Google TV (4K), if you have a 4K, and Chromecast with Google TV (HD). If you can’t find either to buy, look for the Chromecast 3rd Gen. And if you can’t find that, well, just buy whichever one of the video options is available to you.
If, however, all you want is to stream music, the best Chromecast to buy is Chromecast Audio.