Chromecast with Google TV: Pros, Cons, and Limitations
The Chromecast with Google TV, launched in 2020, aims to upgrade the standard Chromecast streaming experience by adding a dedicated remote and an intuitive Google TV interface. Offering convenient casting capabilities, hands-free voice controls, and recommendations based on your viewing history, the newest Chromecast model has a lot going for it.
However, like any gadget, it also comes with some compromises. While generally a user-friendly and affordable streaming option, the Chromecast with Google TV has inconsistencies in playback controls, lacks support for certain audio/video formats, and does not offer a uniform experience across every app.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at where this streaming stick shines and where it falls short.
An Overview of the Chromecast with Google TV
At its core, the Chromecast with Google TV builds on the functionality of previous Chromecast devices, allowing you to “cast” shows, movies, YouTube videos, and more from your mobile device or computer directly to your TV.
Unlike the earlier models which relied entirely on casting from other devices, this version comes with a compact remote control featuring dedicated buttons for popular streaming platforms like YouTube and Netflix. There is also a Google Assistant button that allows for voice commands.
The star of the show is Google TV — an aggregated streaming interface that pulls content from installed apps and services. It aims to help you discover new shows and movies through personalized recommendations based on your interests and viewing history.
How Does It Compare to Other Streaming Devices?
The Chromecast with Google TV competes directly with the likes of the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and the Roku Streaming Stick+ in the affordable 4K streaming device category. Here is how some of the key aspects compare:
| Streaming Device | Interface | Content Selection | Casting Ability | Gaming Options | Audio/Video Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chromecast with Google TV | Slick aggregated UI with smart recommendations. Intuitive tabs based interface. | 10,000+ apps claim. All major services supported except iTunes. | Built-in Chromecast functionality. Can cast from majority of mobile apps. | Limited. Controller support available. 100+ Android games. No native Twitch or YouTube streaming apps. | Up to 4K HDR/60fps video supported. No Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos. |
| Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K | Heavily Prime Video focused interface. Some ads included in UI. | 80,000 films/TV episodes claim. Most major apps available including Hulu and Netflix | No native casting. Must screen mirror mobile device. Third-party apps enable casting. | Good. Native Twitch support. Compatible with Luna and Xbox Game Pass game streaming. Wide bluetooth controller support. | 4K UHD streaming at 60fps. HDR and HDR10+ supported. Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos enabled. |
| Roku Streaming Stick+ | Simple interface focused on core streaming channels. Some ads on home screen. | Claims over 10,000 streaming channels. Channel store includes 50,000+ movies and TV episodes. | No built-in casting capabilities. Must use mobile app or third-party options. | Decent options. Has Roku Channel with some free games. Mobile app casting enables gaming. Many controller options. | Streams HD, 4K UHD video at 60fps. HDR10 and HLG high dynamic range supported. No Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos. |
As the comparison shows, the Chromecast holds its own against the Fire TV and Roku competition. Its excellent Google TV interface and baked-in casting abilities stand out. However, limitations around premium audio/video formats like Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision prevent it from fully matching rival offerings. Gaming support is also lagging.
Standout Features of the Chromecast with Google TV
There are a few key features that make the latest Chromecast streaming device stand out:
• User-Friendly Google TV Interface: The interface features attractive artwork for shows and movies. Multiple content tabs like “For You,” “Live,” “Movies,” and “Shows” make finding entertainment quick and intuitive.
• Universal Watchlist: You can conveniently add shows and movies to a universal Google TV watchlist from any streaming service. This eliminates the need to use separate watchlists within individual apps.
• Cast Capabilities: As with previous Chromecasts, you can easily “cast” videos, music, and other media from your mobile devices or laptops with just a tap. This gives you instant access to much more content.
• Google Assistant Integration: The remote features a Google Assistant button allowing you to search for specific titles, pull up recommendations, and control smart home devices using just your voice.
Benefits and Advantages
There are undoubtedly some great perks offered by the latest Chromecast streaming option:
More Content Choices
In addition to aggregating shows and movies from all your streaming apps, Chromecast with Google TV gives you access to additional Android TV apps and games via the Google Play store. For those willing to sideload, even more app options are available. The Chromecast also supports mainstream apps like HBO Max, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video which don’t have official channels on some competing platforms.
True Hands-Free Controls
The dedicated Google Assistant button makes controlling your TV experience much easier with just your voice. Ask Google to switch to a different app, pull up suggestions for a movie night, or check sports scores without having to touch the remote. Only Amazon’s Fire TV devices offer similar levels of voice assistant integration.
Feature-Packed Remote
The Chromecast remote includes standard media controls, app shortcuts, and customizable buttons. The bundled IR blaster allows the remote to control your TV’s power and volume as well. Switching inputs and juggling remotes is avoided unlike Bluetooth-only controllers paired with other streamers.
Affordable Pricing
Available for just $50, it’s very competitively priced against streamers like the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and Roku Streaming Stick+, which offer a similar overall experience. For those invested in the Google/Android ecosystem, it’s a no-brainer buy. As a reference, an Apple TV 4K device starts at $179 – more than 3 times the price!
Automatic Software Updates
The Chromecast will automatically pull down updates in the background adding new features, improving performance, and delivering the latest security patches. You don’t have manually check and download updates each time like with many streaming devices and smart TV platforms.
Downsides and Disadvantages
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for Google’s latest streaming play. There are some definite downsides to keep in mind as well:
Audio and Video Format Support
The Chromecast with Google TV maxes out at 4K resolution at 60fps with HDR10/HDR10+ high dynamic range format support. More advanced video standards like Dolby Vision are not implemented currently.
Similarly, while the device can handle basic stereo and 5.1 surround sound audio via HDMI ARC/eARC connections, there is no support for more immersive Dolby Atmos sound that takes advantage of in-ceiling speakers or soundbars.
For those with premium home theater set-ups, this limitation versus rivals like the Fire TV Stick 4K and Apple TV 4K is disappointing. You won’t get the highest quality video and crispest audio output that today‘s streaming services offer.
Playback Control Inconsistency
Controls while streaming video are anything but consistent. Functions like skip forward/back, subtitles, and seeing playback progress vary greatly across different streaming apps. For example:
Netflix requires you to hover over the screen for basic controls like pause/resume to appear. While Amazon Prime displays these controls constantly.
Disney+ has no quick forward/rewind buttons while HBO Max lets you skip back 10 secs or forward 30 secs easily.
The Netflix app lacks any playback progress timeline, while Hulu displays this prominently.
A consistent and optimized Google TV media player built into the interface would vastly improve this fragmented experience when streaming shows and movies.
Intermittent Bluetooth Performance
While the device supports pairing Bluetooth headphones and speakers, multiple reports from users suggest interference issues can lead to choppy audio and frequent cut-outs. The congested WiFi traffic from the high density of smart home devices seems to impact reliability. There are few easy solutions beyond trying to reduce surrounding interference with limited success.
App Experience Not Always Uniform
The Google TV interface tries its best to homogenize the streaming experience across apps. But it can’t override inconsistencies or limitations specific to certain apps. For example – Netflix Originals no longer show in the main Google TV recommendation engine. Only licensed non-Netflix content appears.
Trying to Cast and Control Netflix content using Google Assistant also fails with errors. So the experience between apps is not truly seamless.
Gaming Options Trail Rivals
While you can pair Bluetooth controllers to play basic Android games from the Google Play store, the gaming functionality trails dedicated streamers like Amazon Fire TV and the latest Apple TV 4K devices. Cloud gaming platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming, Nvidia GeForce Now and Google Stadia are not officially supported. And the device is incompatible with game streaming apps like Twitch and YouTube Gaming.
So gamers are better served with alternative streaming devices. Casual gaming is possible but anything serious is ruled out for now.
No Ad-Skipping Recording Features
Unlike products like the Amazon Fire TV Recast or Tablo DVRs, the Chromecast does not currently support recording live television in a way that allows ad-skipping. If you rely on your streaming device to double as a DVR, look elsewhere. Commercials are here to stay for Chromecast users.
The Bottom Line
The latest Chromecast does an admirable job bringing a more well-rounded streaming platform to market. The slick Google TV software integrated with smart recommendations provides real added convenience for finding shows and movies. Casting capabilities and Google Assistant integration only sweeten the deal.
However, lack of support for premium audio/video home theater formats will disappoint discerning media buffs. Playback control inconsistencies across streaming apps can also frustrate. And gamers have clearly better dedicated options.
But for $50 plus the benefits of Google’s AI-smarts behind-the-scenes, it’s really hard to beat the overall value offered by the Chromecast with Google TV. Imperfections aside, it earns a strong recommendation. Casual streamers wanting a feature-packed 4K HDR streaming device should absolutely shortlist it. But those wanting the bleeding edge in cinematic video quality or gaming may want to spend extra for alternative premium devices.
At the affordable end of the spectrum though, nothing comes close to matching Google’s newest Chromecast. Warts and all, it sticks the landing as a great way to upgrade an existing TV setup without breaking the bank.