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Google Chromecast with Google TV (HD) review: buy or skip?

Skip6.5/10 research score

Quick answer

Skip it, unless you find it very cheap for a second HD TV. Why: google has replaced it with the Google TV Streamer; buy that or a Roku instead. The catch: discontinued.

By Buyrskip Editorial Team Updated 1 min read

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Google Chromecast with Google TV (HD)

Our verdict on the Google Chromecast with Google TV (HD)

Buy it if
you find it very cheap for a second HD TV.
Skip it if
you want long-term updates.
Best for
Discontinued
Key feature
Older Google stick replaced by the Google TV Streamer
Typical price
$29–$39
Check Price on Amazon Paid link

Key specifications

Resolution1080p
Dolby VisionNo
Wi-FiWi-Fi 5
Ads in menuYes

Who should buy it, and who should skip it

A good fit if you

  • you find it very cheap for a second HD TV
  • value cheap
  • can spend around $29–$39

Skip it if you

  • you want long-term updates
  • mind this: discontinued
  • mind this: slow

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Cheap
  • Google TV
  • Small

Cons

  • Discontinued
  • Slow
  • HD only

The verdict in one breath

We would skip the Google Chromecast with Google TV (HD) for most people. Google has replaced it with the Google TV Streamer; buy that or a Roku instead.

Reasons to buy

  • Cheap
  • Google TV
  • Small

Reasons to skip

  • Discontinued
  • Slow
  • HD only

The specs that matter

  • Resolution: 1080p
  • Dolby Vision: No
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 5
  • Ads in menu: Yes

Worth knowing

Google has replaced it with the Google TV Streamer; buy that or a Roku instead.

Buy it or skip it?

Only buy it if you find it very cheap for a second HD TV. Skip it if you want long-term updates; the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is the better buy then. Everything else is in our list of the best streaming devices.

Alternatives worth considering

Roku Streaming Stick 4K

Roku · Streaming Devices

Roku Streaming Stick 4K

Buy it if you want the simplest menus and every streaming service.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
Tight budgets
Typical price
$29–$49

Pros

  • Very simple
  • Every app

Cons

  • Slower than boxes
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkRead our review
Roku Express 4K+

Roku · Streaming Devices

Roku Express 4K+

Buy it if you want 4K streaming for very little.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
Budget 4K
Typical price
$29–$39

Pros

  • Cheap
  • Simple

Cons

  • No Dolby Vision
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkRead our review

Frequently asked questions

Should I buy the Google Chromecast with Google TV (HD)?

Skip it, unless you find it very cheap for a second HD TV. Why: google has replaced it with the Google TV Streamer; buy that or a Roku instead. The catch: discontinued.

When should I skip it?

Skip it if you want long-term updates. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is the better buy then.

What does the Google Chromecast with Google TV (HD) cost?

Usually $29–$39 on Amazon.com. It tends to dip during Prime Day and Black Friday.

Buyrskip Editorial Team

Part of the Buyrskip research team. We compare specifications, documentation and real-world trade-offs so you can decide faster.

How we research products Editorial policy

Google Chromecast with Google TV (HD): the full buy-or-skip review

Is the Google Chromecast with Google TV (HD) worth buying? Short answer: skip it, if you want long-term updates. This review explains what this Google model gets right, where it falls short, what it usually costs in the US and which streaming device to buy instead if it is not the right fit for you.

What the Google Chromecast with Google TV (HD) does well

The headline: older Google stick replaced by the Google TV Streamer. Key specs: Resolution: 1080p; Dolby Vision: No; Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 5; Ads in menu: Yes. In our list it is the pick for: discontinued. It usually sells for $29–$39.

Google has replaced it with the Google TV Streamer; buy that or a Roku instead.

The trade-offs

Good: cheap, google TV, small. Not so good: discontinued, slow, HD only. Read the skip-if line before you order: skip it if you want long-term updates.

What to buy instead

Instead, consider the Roku Streaming Stick 4K ($29–$49): simple, neutral platform with every app for little money. Better if you want the simplest menus and every streaming service.

Instead, consider the Roku Express 4K+ ($29–$39): cheap 4K HDR streaming with Roku's simple interface. Better if you want 4K streaming for very little.

Instead, consider the Google TV Streamer ($89–$99): fast Google TV box with great recommendations and a smart home hub. Better if you use Google services and want a fast box with a findable remote.

Before you buy

Ecosystem: Apple TV suits iPhone homes; Google TV and Roku suit everyone; Fire TV suits Alexa homes. Speed: a faster box makes menus and apps much nicer to use, especially on older TVs. Formats: look for 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Atmos if your TV supports them.

US buyer tip

Fire TV and Roku sticks drop to very low prices on Prime Day and Black Friday, so time the purchase if you can.

Prices on Amazon.com move in a pattern. The deepest cuts land on Prime Day in July, Prime Big Deal Days in October and the Black Friday to Cyber Monday week, with smaller drops around Presidents Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and back-to-school. Judge a deal against the usual price we show, never against the crossed-out list price.

Order from Amazon itself or the brand's official storefront so the US manufacturer warranty applies, keep your order confirmation and register the product with the brand. Most items can be returned within 30 days, and holiday purchases often get an extended return window into January.