Chromecast with Google TV is Google’s streaming device. It comes in two versions: one offers top quality with 4K HDR streaming and the other offers a maximum of 1080p – or HD as it’s called – at a lower price.
Google TV refers to the user interface that is similar to the interface of many TVs, such as those from Philips or Sony, while the Chromecast part opens up a whole world of possibilities for your TV, which I’ll get to in a moment.
I’m a big streamer. I’ve been using streaming devices since they were first introduced and was a huge fan of the original Chromecast devices when they first came out in 2013. But the TV market is different today and any streaming device you buy needs to enhance your TV, not just duplicate the features you already have. So is Chromecast with Google TV the best streaming device?
Chromecast with Google TV: At a glance
Google Chromecast with Google TV 4K
The most important specifications at a glance
| Ports | HDMI |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | WiFi, Google Cast |
| Voice control | Google Assistant (remote control) |
| Quality | 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision |
| Programmable remote control | Yes |
Chromecast with Google TV review
As with most streaming devices, setting up the Chromecast with Google TV is simple. It needs to be connected to an HDMI socket on the back of your TV and plugged into the wall. Then you need to connect the remote, but after that you’ll be prompted to continue the setup in the Google Home app on your device. phone and sign in to your Google account.
This lets you choose a few apps to start with, and it also has the advantage of letting you quickly log into services if you already have passwords for those services stored in your Google account. Otherwise, you’ll be offered a QR code to scan, so virtually all of the setup is done on your phone.
The device itself is like a smooth, flat pebble that plugs into the back of your TV. It’s designed to be hidden from view on the back, while the remote is compact and offers a few essential controls, but not too many buttons.
Most of the controls are arranged on top on a four-way navigator with a central Select button, but there are also shortcuts to YouTube and Netflix. The Google Assistant button is central to the experience, allowing voice control. Part of the setup process involves selecting your TV and sound system so the remote can control volume and power.
The result is a remote control that, while small, gives you virtually everything you need without being too complicated.
Chromecast with Google TV: Features
Google covers all major streaming services, with one exception: Channel 4. So if you live in the UK, you’ll miss out on that service’s catch-up capabilities on this device.
I have used the 4K version of Chromecast with Google TV and found it to offer smooth navigation via the remote, with the added benefit of being able to use Google Assistant for voice control. This extends to features that are available via your TVfor example, to ask about the weather or to control your smart home.
Amazon allows the same with Alexa on Fire TV, but if you have a Google-based Smart HomeThere is definitely an advantage to be had here.
Chromecast with Google TV supports the latest streaming standards like Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and offers excellent quality in the 4K version – but the HD version is also worth considering. It too supports HDR, so if you have a smaller 1080p TV but still want high-quality streaming, you can save some money by opting for this model instead.
I have found that the Chromecast with Google TV can be a bit more temperamental than Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K Maxthat feels a bit faster and more powerful in operation and may be better suited to a home where Alexa is already in use.
In fact, the experience with streaming services like Netflix on Chromecast is the same as anywhere else: there’s no real advantage here, but the Chromecast side of this device is hard to ignore.
Chromecast acts as a bridge between your phone or laptop, allowing you to send content to your TV. This could include apps or services that aren’t on the device itself (like the Channel 4 app on your phone), but it could also be a slideshow or something else.
From an Android phone, you can “cast” or mirror the entire screen to your TV, and if you use the Chrome browser on your laptop or computer, you can broadcast that too.
This allows you to stream content to your TV that might otherwise be difficult for you to access.
The interface itself opens to a For You page with suggestions for things to watch, including the ability to pick up where you left off. You can quickly switch to TV or movies, as well as browse the apps you have installed or your library of content you’ve purchased from Google.
Good Housekeeping’s verdict on Chromecast with Google TV
It’s easy to use, as with most devices of this type. If you’re looking for a streaming stick to enhance your TV experience, Chromecast with Google TV offers access to Google content you can purchase (or have already purchased), the Chromecast feature itself, as well as Google Assistant for voice control and more.
At the same time, it’s a competitive market and the absence of Channel 4 might make you look elsewhere.
Chromecast with Google TV: Other products worth considering
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite
Chris Hall is a freelance journalist specialising in consumer technology, pursuing a passion that began over 20 years ago. In 2008 he took a full-time role as reviews editor at the technology website Pocket-lint.combefore becoming Editor-in-Chief in 2012. Chris led the news coverage for 15 years and was exposed to every device, system and technology you could possibly imagine.
Chris left the position of Editor-in-Chief at Pocket-lint.com in 2023, having published over 4,000 articles on consumer technology. His experience includes everything from smartphones and headphones to cars and computers. Chris doesn’t just test for reviews, he lives with a lot of technology, building a smart home and looking for a simpler solution to a connected home. This annoys his family a lot because everything is constantly changing, especially the remote controls.
As a freelance writer, Chris has contributed to The Telegraph, T3.com, TechRadar and Autocar – while launching his own technology website The separation – Writing news about the latest technology, guides to help people make the best choices when purchasing technology, and in-depth reviews.
Chris has appeared on BBC News and Sky News, BBC Radio and The Times Radio talking about technology and once even had a role on The ApprenticeChris has also been an expert judge at the GSMA Global Mobile Awards and the Uswitch Awards.
When Chris isn’t writing about technology or changing the technology in his house, you’ll find him riding his bike and trying to get lost in the hills of Surrey.
