That remote can be used to control your TV’s power, volume, and mute, but it’s also how you navigate Google TV - the built-in content curation and discovery interface that acts as the Chromecast’s home screen. It’s a fully functional Android TV streamer, equipped with its own voice-capable remote. Google’s $70 Chromecast Ultra was a pretty good pick if you wanted a no-nonsense 4K Ultra HD streaming device, but the new Chromecast with Google TV totally changes what we’ve come to expect from a Chromecast device - and what we expect to pay for it.Īt just $50, the Chromecast with Google TV is already a great deal if you liked the Chromecast Ultra - it’s $20 cheaper and can do all of the same things. Why we picked the Chromecast with Google TV: Who’s it for? Those who want an affordable and capable alternative to Roku, Apple, and Amazon. Why should you buy this? It’s all of the best parts of Google’s Chromecast, and it’s a full media streamer too. The best streaming device: Google Chromecast with Google TV The best streaming device for those who want just one remote: Amazon Fire TV Cube (2019).The best streaming device for Apple lovers: Apple TV 4K (2021).The best streaming device for gamers: Nvidia Shield TV Pro (2019).The best budget streaming device: Roku Express 4K+.The best premium streaming device: Roku Ultra (2020).The best streaming stick: Roku Streaming Stick+.The best streaming device: Google Chromecast with Google TV.We’ll explain our choice in greater detail below, but don’t worry - if the new Chromecast isn’t right for you, we’ve pulled together a list of smart streaming device alternatives, each with its own unique strengths. It’s tiny, it’s powerful, it’s versatile, and most people will find it an affordable option. Of all the choices out there, we think the Google Chromecast with Google TV is the best all-around smart streaming device. Plus, they can add valuable features like Apple AirPlay 2 or Google Chromecast. Not only do dedicated streaming devices have more apps and features than a typical smart TV, but online streaming video services often enable new formats (like Dolby Atmos) on these devices before they’re added to TVs. But if your TV isn’t “smart” or if you want to expand beyond the biggest of the streaming services, your next step is finding a high-quality streaming device to watch your favorite movies, whether they’re on Netflix or elsewhere. Your smart TV probably has a number of popular streaming apps built-in, like Netflix or YouTube.

Free television stick