Google Chromecast is a small device capable of transforming any television into a Smart TV, without too much effort and spending the right amount: in fact, we can have a new television without buying a new one, using only an HDMI socket on the back of any flat television (product at least after 2008).
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In the following guide, we will show you which Chromecast should buy among the various models provided by Google, to understand if there are advantages to choosing the more expensive model or if we can be satisfied with the cheaper models.
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1) Chromecast with Google TV
The Chromecast with Google TV is a streaming device with an internal operating system and is the most complete model that we can buy at the moment.
The Google TV Chromecast then allows you to turn any television into Android TV, thus adding apps and games from the Google Play Store as you would on any Android phone.
Compatible with virtually all streaming services, Chromecast Google TV integrates seamlessly with Google Assistant to get voice commands, we can use the built-in remote control to manage it and of course, it also supports casting from your phone or PC like the normal Chromecast does.
This makes it very convenient for those with multiple subscriptions, so you can start playing movies or TV shows directly, without having to search through apps like Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video. There’s also a personalized section with recommended content across services and the ability to aggregate programs by genre or content.
The Chromecast with Google TV HD costs less than €40, but the most demanding can also consider the Chromecast with Google TV 4K HDR, available under €70 but equipped with maximum resolution support.
In addition to Amazon, we can also use the official Google store to buy Chromecasts with Google TV, choosing the model and preferred color.
2) Traditional Chromecasts
The Chromecast with Google TV has become Google’s go-to streaming device, effectively discontinuing older Chromecast models.
This doesn’t mean that we can’t find online still the older traditional Chromecast that works as a simple media receiver, without the ability to install apps on top.
By connecting this Chromecast to the TV we will have a streaming receiver for any multimedia app installed on the phone (be it Android or iPhone); just click on the Cast icon and select the Chromecast name to start streaming audio and video to the TV, leaving your phone as a simple remote playback.
This function is also present on the Chromecast with Google TV, which in fact has fully taken over the legacy of the old models; the advice, therefore, is to leave the traditional model alone and use the Chromecast directly with Google TV, choosing the HD model if we want to save money.
To learn more, we can read our guide on How to set up Chromecast, complete guide.
Conclusions
On balance the only difference is between the two Chromecast variants with Google TV, the only receiver still supported by Google.
We can choose Chrmecast with Google TV HD if we have an old TV and want to save a lot to turn it into Smart TV; if, on the other hand, we have a modern TV but with few apps or with some missing functions, we can always connect the Chromecast with Google TV 4K HDR, thus obtaining maximum resolution and support for the extended range of colors.
