Chromecast with Google TV Reviewed As the name implies, Chromecast is more than the regular Chromecast we are already familiar with But how should we judge the issue of Chromecast with Google TV vs Chromecast?

The new Chromecast with Google TV replaces the third-generation model on our best streaming devices list This new dongle has more than just its pretty colors It offers sharper 4K picture quality and access to a large number of apps without having to cast from a smartphone or tablet In addition, the Chromecast with Google TV comes with a remote control

While our review of the Chromecast with Google TV gave this streaming device high marks, our review of the Google Chromecast 3 showed how well the basic version works You can cast video from thousands of apps, laptops, tablets, and cell phone screens directly to the Chromecast, and control the stream with the Google Home app

Now let's take a look at the differences between these Chromecasts

The new Chromecast with Google TV costs $4999, 666% more than the $2999 Chromecast 3rd generation

As discussed below, it may still be worth it for some people, given that the Chromecast with Google TV offers 4K output (with more video and audio format support) and its own physical remote control

But until 4K becomes the standard for all content (4K streaming is primarily offered by Netflix and Disney Plus), the Chromecast 3 is a worthy winner

WINNER: Chromecast 3rd Generation

The Chromecast 3rd generation was not a streaming all-star like its big brother, the $69 Chromecast Ultra

The Chromecast with Google TV's best picture quality is 60 frames per second for 4K UHD video, beating out the Chromecast 3 (1080p@60fps) It also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+ for darker blacks and brighter colors, which the Chromecast 3 does not: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos While Atmos provides a more realistic sound, Dolby Audio content is usually richer, clearer, and essentially "more powerful"

Winner: Chromecast with Google TV

The biggest difference between these streaming devices is that the Chromecast with Google TV supports the 6,500 Android TV apps already on the market

This is a significant improvement over the Chromecast with Google TV

This includes the hard-to-find HBO Max and Peacock, plus Netflix, Disney Plus, YouTube, YouTube TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, Sling, CBS All Access, Tubi, PBS, etc, all standards included, as well as actual apps like Peloton

The Chromecast 3, on the other hand, has no apps in the traditional sense; it relies on the thousands (Google does not specify) of streaming services that have apps that support the Chromecast and only control it via the phone: Netflix, YouTube TV , Disney Plus, Prime Video, Hulu, Sling, and Showtime Anytime, as well as music services like Spotify and Pandora

But don't think that Chromecast with Google TV doesn't have apps that Chromecast 3 doesn't have; Chromecast with Google TV, like Chromecast 3, allows you to access any service from your device or devices can be cast to Chromecast: Chromecast with Google TV

While Chromecast 3 is a circular dongle, Chromecast with Google TV is an oval dongle that hangs from the back of the TV and Chromecast with Google TV is an oval-shaped dongle that can be hung from the back of a TV

At 64 x 24 x 05 inches, however, the Chromecast with Google TV is slightly wider than the Chromecast 3 (64 x 2 x 05 inches)

It is not an exaggeration to say that the Chromecast with Google TV comes in nicer colors: Snow (white), Sunrise (coral), and Sky (blue); the Chromecast 3 is simply made in Chalk (white) and Charcoal (black)

As for ports, both connect to the TV via HDMI output, but the Chromecast 3 connects to the power adapter via microUSB, while the Chromecast with Google TV has a USB-C port for cables

The Chromecast with Google TV can simply do more than its little brother: the Google TV menu allows you to search for content (via Google Assistant), the Google TV menu allows you to search for TV shows from all services and content-forward design to help you view movies

And since this is a Google device, it has all the smarts of Google Assistant, so you can control your smart home devices (including Nest) and make your living room or den perfect for your next binge watch You can also view the video from the Nest camera to see what's going on around youThe Chromecast with Google TV remote control has a Google Assistant button and microphone, so you can control everything with the Chromecast with Google TV remote control

Chromecast with Google TV remote control

Chromecast with Google TV also has a Live TV section that makes it easy to start watching YouTube TV (more services should be coming in the future)

If you want to watch video from the Nest camera via Chromecast 3, you will need Google Home to listen to its commands

The Chromecast with Google TV also has the Ambient Mode background visuals that Chromecast users have long loved

Winner: Chromecast with Google TV

This is a toss-up comparison, as the Chromecast with Google TV comes with a remote control, while the Chromecast 3 does not even support a remote control The Chromecast gets points from many because there is no extra remote control in the living room, you just control the Chromecast from your phone (or other device)

Some people also try to spend as little time as possible using their phones (I'm one of them) because of the potential distractions while watching TV

That said, the voice remote on the Chromecast with Google TV may also attract those who thought they didn't need a remote anymore In addition to the navigate button, there are buttons to change the TV's power, volume (including mute), and TV input, effectively replacing some of the more basic TV remotes

In addition, there is a standard five-point navigation wheel (up, down, left, right, select) and the following buttons: back, Google Assistant, home, YouTube, Netflix

If you have a 4K TV, the choice is easy: the Chromecast with Google TV offers everything you like in the Chromecast 3 and TV-worthy video quality at a fairly affordable price point For smart home enthusiasts, it will allow for more device connectivity, but those folks may already have a Google Home (or other Google Assistant-enabled) device in their living room

More casual users who are already satisfied with their Chromecast 3rd generation and are still waiting to upgrade their TV will be able to wait for the Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday deals when the Chromecast with Google TV becomes even more affordable They will be able to wait

If you are buying a new Chromecast for the first time, we recommend the more future-proof Chromecast with Google TV Sure, the two overlap in many ways, but paying an extra $20 today will make you think twice about buying a new streaming device next year