9 Verified Hands-On Reviews
To combat fake reviews we only accept video reviews from verified channels. Each review must show the product and the face of the reviewer.
Expert consensus
The Chromecast with Google TV HD is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content availability, excellent picture and sound quality, a user-friendly setup and interface, and decent gaming capabilities, making it suitable for various entertainment needs.
The Chromecast with Google TV HD is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content availability, making it suitable for various entertainment needs. Users have access to popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more.
It also allows users to access their own content libraries, including music, movies, and photos. The device supports a variety of popular platforms and offers access to a wide selection of software and streaming services through the Google Play Store. It also provides access to live TV channels like Pluto TV and YouTube TV, allowing users to enjoy both live TV streaming and on-demand content.
In terms of picture and sound quality, the Chromecast with Google TV HD offers a maximum resolution of 1080p and supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG formats, as well as Dolby Vision. The device's picture and sound quality are described as pristine and comparable to other popular streaming devices.
It is recommended to have a fast internet connection for optimal performance.
The setup of the Chromecast with Google TV HD is simple and intuitive, with an easy-to-navigate interface that incorporates high-resolution artwork, trailers, and personalized recommendations. The device offers HDMI connectivity with support for HDR and Dolby Atmos for immersive audio.
It also comes with a remote control that functions as a universal remote, with power and volume control for the TV, a dedicated Google Assistant button, navigation buttons, and voice search capabilities. Overall, the setup and interface provide a convenient and personalized user experience.
In terms of gaming capabilities, the Chromecast with Google TV HD supports most entertainment and basic gaming apps available on the Android platform. It also supports Google Stadia, although it is being discontinued in January 2023. The device has decent gaming capabilities, with a maximum resolution and frame rate of 1080p at 60 frames per second.
It supports external gaming controllers, allowing for a more immersive gaming experience. The official Google TV app for mobile provides a backup option for controlling the device, including using a virtual keyboard and gaming controller. While it may not be the most powerful gaming device, it offers a solid gaming experience for casual gamers who want to enjoy their favorite Android gaming apps on their HD TVs.
Overall, the Chromecast with Google TV HD is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content availability, excellent picture and sound quality, a user-friendly setup and interface, and decent gaming capabilities. It is suitable for users who want a seamless and immersive entertainment experience, whether they are streaming their favorite shows and movies or enjoying casual gaming on their HD TVs.
Content availability
The Chromecast with Google TV HD offers a wide range of streaming services, including popular platforms and access to the Google Play Store, making it a versatile option for entertainment.
The Chromecast with Google TV HD offers a wide range of streaming services, making it a versatile option for entertainment. Users have access to popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, Paramount Plus, HBO Max, Peacock, Google Play Movies & TV, Pluto TV, and YouTube TV, among others.
The Google Play Store also allows users to discover new and emerging streaming services. Additionally, users can access their own content libraries, including music, movies, and photos. Whether users are looking for regional or international streaming services, the Chromecast with Google TV HD has them covered.
It supports a variety of popular platforms and offers access to a wide selection of software and streaming services through the Google Play Store. The Google TV platform also provides access to live TV channels like Pluto TV and YouTube TV, allowing users to enjoy both live TV streaming and on-demand content.
Overall, the Chromecast with Google TV HD provides a vast array of streaming options to cater to different entertainment needs.
Picture and sound quality
The Chromecast with Google TV HD offers a maximum resolution of 1080p, supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG formats, and provides excellent picture and sound quality, but does not support 4K resolution.
The Chromecast with Google TV HD offers a maximum resolution of 1080p and a frame rate of up to 60 frames per second, according to cordcuttingreport. com. It supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG formats, as well as Dolby Vision, providing greater color depth and improved picture quality.
The device's picture and sound quality were described as pristine and comparable to other popular streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV. It is recommended to have a fast internet connection of at least 25 Mbps for optimal performance. The Chromecast with Google TV HD is reported to handle streaming high-quality content without buffering or lag, as long as the internet connection is fast and stable.
However, it's important to note that it does not support 4K resolution, so it may not be the best choice for users specifically looking for 4K HDR and Dolby Vision capabilities.
Setup
The Chromecast with Google TV HD offers a simple and intuitive user interface, HDMI connectivity with HDR support, a versatile remote control, and personalized recommendations, making it a convenient and immersive streaming device.
The Chromecast with Google TV HD does not come with WiFi Protected Setup (WPS), which may be a drawback for users who prefer the convenience of connecting devices to a Wi-Fi network without entering the network password. However, the device makes up for this with its simple and intuitive user interface.
The interface is easy to navigate, with a row of apps at the top and rows of content from those apps below. This layout allows users to easily jump back into something they were watching. The interface also incorporates high-resolution artwork, trailers, Rotten Tomato scores, and AI-powered recommendations based on viewing history, providing a visually appealing and personalized user experience.
In terms of connection options, the Chromecast with Google TV HD offers HDMI connectivity with support for HDR 10, HDR 10+, and HLG, as well as Dolby Atmos for immersive audio. It also has Bluetooth and 802. 11ac Wi-Fi support, including dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to choose between 2.
4 GHz and 5 GHz bands depending on their router's distance.
The device comes with a remote control that offers several functions and features. It can control the power and volume of the TV, functioning as a universal remote. It also has a dedicated button for Google Assistant, providing voice-enabled control and easy access to additional media and answers on-screen.
The remote includes navigation buttons for easy menu and content navigation, as well as voice search capabilities for finding specific shows, movies, or other content. Additionally, it allows users to control various streaming apps and services available on the Chromecast with Google TV HD.
Overall, the Chromecast with Google TV HD offers a user-friendly setup and interface, making it a convenient choice for users who want easy navigation, personalized recommendations, and control over their TV and streaming apps. It is suitable for those who want a seamless and immersive entertainment experience.
Gaming capabilities
The Chromecast with Google TV HD offers decent gaming capabilities, supporting most entertainment and basic gaming apps on the Android platform, with the ability to connect to external gaming controllers for a more immersive experience.
The Chromecast with Google TV HD has decent gaming capabilities, supporting most entertainment and basic gaming apps available on the Android platform. It also has support for Google Stadia, although it's important to note that Google Stadia is being discontinued in January 2023.
The maximum resolution and frame rate supported for gaming on this device is 1080p at 60 frames per second, making it suitable for gaming on HD TVs. However, it does not support 4K resolution or Dolby Vision HDR for gaming.
One of the standout features is its ability to connect to external gaming controllers. It supports a variety of controllers, including the Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth, PlayStation DualShock 4, and other Bluetooth-enabled controllers. This allows users to have a more immersive gaming experience.
Additionally, the official Google TV app for mobile provides a backup option for controlling the Chromecast with Google TV HD, including using a virtual keyboard and gaming controller.
Overall, while the Chromecast with Google TV HD may not be the most powerful gaming device on the market, it offers a solid gaming experience for casual gamers who want to enjoy their favorite Android gaming apps on their HD TVs.
Position in ranking
We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all TV boxes and sticks.
| Rank | Change | Price | Streaming Player |
WIRED
|
TechRadar
|
Business Insider
|
Reviewed
|
The Verge
|
PCMag
|
IGN
|
Tom's Guide
|
TechHive
|
Digital Trends
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $220 |
Apple TV 4K
The Apple TV 4K (2022) has received positive reviews for its content availability, picture and sound quality, setup, and gaming capabilities, making it a versatile streaming device suitable for users who want a comprehensive range of streaming services, impressive picture and sound quality, easy setup, and seamless integration with other Apple devices.
|
4
|
1
|
3
|
4
|
1
|
9
|
5
|
4
|
4
|
1
|
|
2
|
- | $35 |
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content, high-quality picture and sound, easy setup, and the option for casual gaming experiences.
|
1
|
9
|
-
|
3
|
3
|
7
|
7
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | $42 |
Chromecast with Google TV 4K
The Chromecast with Google TV 4K is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content options, impressive picture and sound quality, and convenient features, making it a reliable and user-friendly choice for home entertainment.
|
2
|
-
|
5
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
6
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $90 |
Roku Ultra 2022
The Roku Ultra 2022 is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content, excellent picture and sound quality, easy setup, and some gaming capabilities, making it suitable for various streaming preferences.
|
5
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
| Show all rows | |||||||||||||
Highest recommended tv boxes and sticks this month
ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. tv boxes and sticks below are at the top of our ranking this July.
|
|
|
|
| Apple TV 4K | Roku Streaming Stick 4K | Chromecast with Google TV 4K | Roku Ultra 2022 |
|
Rank
#1
out of 76
Reviews
In comparison:
10.0
Amazing
|
Rank
#2
out of 76
Reviews
In comparison:
Roku Streaming Stick 4K rank #2 out of 76.
Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.7
Amazing
|
Rank
#3
out of 76
Reviews
In comparison:
Chromecast with Google TV 4K rank #3 out of 76.
Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.1
Great
|
Rank
#4
out of 76
Reviews
In comparison:
9.0
Great
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The Apple TV 4K (2022) has received positive reviews for its content availability, picture and sound quality, setup, and gaming capabilities, making it a versatile streaming device suitable for users who want a comprehensive range of streaming services, impressive picture and sound quality, easy setup, and seamless integration with other Apple devices. | The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content, high-quality picture and sound, easy setup, and the option for casual gaming experiences. | The Chromecast with Google TV 4K is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content options, impressive picture and sound quality, and convenient features, making it a reliable and user-friendly choice for home entertainment. | The Roku Ultra 2022 is a versatile streaming device that offers a wide range of content, excellent picture and sound quality, easy setup, and some gaming capabilities, making it suitable for various streaming preferences. |
| Go to product | Go to product | Go to product | Go to product |