Chromecast with Google TV 4K Review: 8.4/10 - Google's Smart Dongle
Overview
The Chromecast with Google TV 4K, released in September 2020 and updated in 2022, is Google’s streaming dongle that finally adds a dedicated remote and full smart TV interface to the Chromecast lineup. Priced at $49, it supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos, and runs Google TV, a content-forward interface built on Android TV. The Google Assistant built into the remote makes voice search and smart home control seamless.
Design and Hardware
The Chromecast with Google TV is a small oval dongle that hangs from the HDMI port, powered through USB-C. The included Google TV remote is well-designed with a circular D-pad, dedicated YouTube and Netflix buttons, and a Google Assistant button. The Amlogic S905X4 chipset with 2 GB of RAM provides adequate performance for 4K streaming, though the interface can feel sluggish compared to the Apple TV 4K or Roku Ultra.
Google TV Interface
Google TV aggregates content from your subscribed streaming services into personalized recommendations displayed on a visually rich home screen. The Watchlist feature lets you save movies and shows across all services, and the For You tab surfaces content based on your viewing habits. The interface is more visually engaging than Roku but can feel bloated with promoted content, and ads on the home screen are increasingly prominent.
Casting and Integration
The Chromecast’s native casting support remains its signature advantage, letting you cast from virtually any app on your phone, tablet, or laptop with a single tap. Google Photos integration turns your TV into a digital photo frame when idle. The Google Assistant integration is deep, allowing you to search across services, control smart home devices, set timers, and get answers by voice through the remote.
Streaming Quality
The Chromecast with Google TV handles 4K HDR streaming with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos passthrough reliably, with smooth playback across all major services including Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, and Prime Video. The device supports AV1 decoding for improved streaming efficiency on supported platforms. The lack of Wi-Fi 6 support is noticeable in congested networks, and the Ethernet adapter sold separately is recommended for the best streaming experience.
Google Ecosystem
The Chromecast with Google TV integrates deeply with Google’s ecosystem, showing Google Photos albums, Nest camera feeds, and YouTube Music content natively. The Google TV app on your phone can be used as a remote with voice search, and the ability to add the TV to Google Home routines opens up automation possibilities. Stadia game streaming was supported before the service was shut down, but GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming remain accessible through the browser.
Verdict
The Chromecast with Google TV 4K earns an 8.4 out of 10, offering a well-rounded streaming experience at a competitive price. The Google TV interface is visually appealing and the Google Assistant integration is excellent, but the hardware is starting to show its age with occasional UI lag and the lack of Wi-Fi 6. For Google ecosystem users and anyone who values casting, it remains a solid choice, though the Fire TV Stick 4K Max offers better value on raw specs today.
Where to Buy
Looking for the best deal on a Chromecast with Google TV 4K? Check current prices and available listings on eBay to find new, open-box, and certified refurbished units at competitive prices.
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