Should You Buy a Chromecast with Google TV?

So, I spent $50 to buy a Chromecast with Google TV.

Considering that I already had a couple of Chromecasts and a Chromecast Audio hooked up to my network, my wife was not impressed.

In case you are not familiar, Chromecast with Google TV is a streaming device similar to Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku. It differs from Chromecast.

Chromecast needs an intermediary device such as a smartphone or laptop to cast media to your TV, Chromecast with Google TV does not. It works as an intermediary device and lets you stream shows and music directly to your TV. Both devices hook up to an HDMI port on your TV.

Simply put, Chromecast with Google TV streams media while Chromecast simply casts media.

So, here’s why I bought a Chromecast with Google TV.

It’s inexpensive

At $50 (US), a Chromecast with Google TV will not break the bank. I was able to convince my wife that it was an early Christmas present for myself.

If you don’t own a streaming device of any sort, this may be a good time to consider one. Instead of buying a cast-only device, it makes sense to spend an additional $20 to get a Chromecast with Google TV. The extra features and the convenience are worth it.

My Apple TV was old

If you have an outdated media player or an older-model TV, a Chromecast with Google TV can make a significant difference to your entertainment experience.

If you already own a 4K HDR smart TV with Chromecast built-in, Dolby Atmos, and Dolby Vision, the value you get from Google TV-enabled Chromecast (or any other media streaming device) will be limited.

I have embraced the Google ecosystem

If you have embraced the Google ecosystem, this new device would be a no-brainer for you. Google Home, the Assistant app, and other Chromecast and Chromecast Audio devices in your network will work in tandem with your Chromecast with Google TV making it feel like a natural progression.

Easy Setup

Setup of the Chromecast with Google TV device is a breeze. Once you hook up the dongle to the HDMI port on your TV, the onscreen instructions are easy to follow. The included TV remote allows you to input your profile and app subscriptions to ensure that your preferred services are accessible on your home screen.

Personalized TV interface

Google TV’s home screen and previews are certainly a step up from a typical smart TV’s home interface. The “For you” tab on the Home screen is a nice touch. Based on your viewing habits and subscriptions, Google recommends movies and shows that its algorithm believes you may like. If the suggestions don’t work for you, you can always fall back to the search feature.

Chromecast with Google TV offers access to most popular streaming services. Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, HBO Max, Spotify, and Dysney+ are included. However, Apple TV+ is not part of the service.

Voice-enabled remote

The voice-enabled Google TV remote lets you search for shows and control other smart devices in your home. For instance, “Show me new British crime TV shows” or a similar command works well as a filter while discovering new shows that interest you.

Dedicated buttons come in handy when you want to switch to Netflix or YouTube from regular TV programming. The dongle and the remote come in three colours, white, pink, and blue. The dongle goes behind the TV, the remote is the only one that you would see on a regular basis.

Easy access to popular apps

The categories of apps that you can choose from include Entertainment, Music & Audio, Tools, Lifestyle, Sports, and more. Fitness apps such as Peleton and various children’s apps work well for people stuck at home due to the pandemic. Even if you don’t use all the apps, you can access them if you choose to.

Google Assistant Integration

A physical button on the remote allows you to trigger voice commands to the embedded Google Assistant. Not having to shout commands from one end of the room to a Google Home device on the other end is a convenience.

High-end audio video

Chromecast with Google TV supports high-end streaming formats such as 4K and Dolby Vision for video and Dolby Atmos for audio. Unfortunately, not all 4K Smart TVs interwork with Dolby Vision or Atmos. If you have a compliant TV, you can maximize your experience.

So, should you by a Chromecast with Google TV?

If you are in the market for a streaming device, I would put this new device from Google high up on that list.

You can’t get a lot for $50 these days…