Types of Chromecast | Specification, Price & Comparison

Google launched its first Chromecast device on July 24, 2013. For almost a decade, Chromecast has seen a lot of updates and changes. As of now (Jan 2023), the lineup of Chromecast has seven devices. The latest one is the Chromecast with Google TV HD. As the lineup grew, some of the older Chromecast devices were not in sale and stopped production. Let’s see the different types of Chromecast devices and how it differs from each other.

Types of Chromecast

Google has been releasing a newer model of digital media players every now and then with some sort of improvisation. Similarly, the current models do not look the same as their initial models. So, it is important for anyone to know the developments that Chromecast has gone through so far. You can take a look at the types of Chromecast models existing currently, along with the features.

• Chromecast First Generation
• Chromecast Second Generation
• Chromecast Audio
• Chromecast Ultra
• Chromecast Third Generation
• Chromecast with Google TV (4K)
• Chromecast with Google TV (HD)

1. Chromecast First Generation

The first generation of Google Chromecast was released on July 24, 2013, at $35. It measures about 2.83 inches in length and weighs about 34 g. The sales of this model were discontinued on September 29, 2015, with the launch of second-generation Chromecast models. The body of the media player had included the HDMI plug built into it. The first-generation Chromecast looks more or less similar to the memory stick.

Specs

• Model Number: H2G2-42
• System-on-chip: Marvell Armada 1500 Mini 88DE3005-A1
• Processor: ARM Cortez-A9
• RAM Memory: 512 MB RAM DDR3L
• Flash Storage: 2 GB
• Display: 1080p
• Power: Micro USB
• Connectivity: HDMI, WiFi, Ethernet

Where to Buy: Not Available in Sale

2. Chromecast Second Generation

There are some improvements done to the first-generation Chromecast model. Google initially released the second generation on September 29, 2015, at $35. It measures almost 2.04 inches in length and weighs about 39.1 g. Its body looked like a disc shape, and on the other hand, it had a flexible short HDMI cable attached to it. However, this Chromecast model was discontinued on October 10, 2018.

Specs

• Model Number: NC2-6A5
• System-on-chip: Marvell Armada 1500 Mini Plus 88DE3006
• Processor: Dual ARM Cortex-A7
• RAM Memory: 512 MB
• Flash Storage: 256 MB
• Display: 1080p, 720P
• Power: Micro USB
• Connectivity: HDMI, WiFi, Ethernet

Where to Buy: Not Available in Sale

3. Chromecast Audio

Chromecast Audio was launched along with the second generation Chromecast model on September 29, 2015, at $35. It is developed as a variation of second-generation Chromecast and however, and it is used to stream audio apps. Chromecast Audio is a media player that can be used as an alternative to Sonos. Certainly, the device looks like a circular groove on one side and measures about 2.04 mm in length. It weighs about 30.7 g, and its sales were discontinued on January 2019. Chromecast Audio supports multi-room playback, and most importantly, it can be used with the Google Home app.

Specs

• System-on-chip: Marvell Armada 1500 Mini Plus 88DE3006
• RAM Memory: 256 MB
• Flash Storage: 256 MB
• Display: Not Applicable
• Audio DAC: AKM AK4430 192 kHz 24-Bit DAC
• Power: Micro USB
• Connectivity: 3.5mm audio jack, mini TOSLINK socket, WiFi, Ethernet
• Model Number: RUX-J42

Where to Buy: Not Available in Sale

4. Chromecast Ultra

Chromecast Ultra is similar to that of the second-generation model. However, it has upgraded hardware, and the user can stream 4K videos and a high dynamic range using HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats. It was released on November 6, 2016, at the cost of about $69. It weighs about 47 g and measures about 2.29 mm in length.

Specs

• Model Number: GA3A00403A14
• Display: 4K Ultra HD, High dynamic range
• Power: Micro USB
• Connectivity: HDMI, WiFi, Ethernet

Where to Buy: Not Available in Sale. But available in third-party retailers.

5. Chromecast Third Generation

The Chromecast Third Generation model was launched on October 10, 2018, at $35. It looks like a circular dongle with a built-in HDMI cable on one side while the other has a micro USB port. It measures about 2.04 mm in length and weighs about 40 g. Above all, it loads videos at a faster rate and works with lots of apps. Chromecast Third Generation works with the Google Home app. Chromecast 3rd gen is an updated version of Chromecast 2nd gen but a degraded version of Chromecast Ultra.

Specs

• Model Number: GA00439
• Display: 1080p
• Power: Micro USB
• Connectivity: HDMI, WiFi, Ethernet

Where to Buy: Not Available in Sale. But available in third-party retailers like Amazon.

Chromecast Vs. Chromecast Ultra – Which should you buy?

Chromecast third generation and Chromecast Ultra are the only two models that are available in retail stores. If you are about to buy a Google Chromecast, then you can look at the section below to find the best cord cutter.

Chromecast Ultra is for those who love streaming 4K HDR video contents. On the other hand, the Chromecast 3rd generation supports only 1080p. As the Chromecast third generation is the basic media streaming tool, and as a result, it costs less than the Ultra. Furthermore, at the double the price, you will get the 4K support with the Ultra model. In addition to this feature, the Ultra model has an Ethernet port with improved components, while the basic model lacks support. Above all, the videos will load faster when compared to basic Chromecast. Both of them support HDMI and WiFi connectivity with 802.11 b/g/n/ac in 2.4/5 GHz. However, there is not much difference found in the design and interface of Chromecast Ultra and Chromecast.

6. Chromecast with Google TV (4K)

Google broke the pattern of casting devices and launched a full-fletched streaming device, Chromecast with Google TV. The device comes with a dedicated OS (Google OS), a standalone UI, and a remote control, which were missing in the previous devices. Google TV is more similar to Android TV. The device looks like a streaming stick but with an oval shape. It measures 162 mm x 61 mm x 12.5 mm in size. It costs $49.99 in the USA.

Specs

• Model Number: GA01919
• Processor: Amlogic S905X3
• RAM: 2GB
• Memory: 8GB
• Display: Upto 4K HDR with 60 FPS
• Power: Micro USB
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) and Bluetooth.

Where to Buy: Google Store and Amazon.

7. Chromecast with Google TV (HD)

Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is the recent addition to the Chromecast types. It is a downgraded version of the 4K models. The dimensions and specs are almost the same. The HD models cost $29.99. In the HD version, the video output is limited to HD quality. You can’t stream 4K videos in the HD models. This is the major lag in the device. The 4K model is available in three colors, namely Snow, Sunrise, and Sky. The HD model is available in only one color, Snow.

Best Chromecast Devices

Among the available Chromecast devices, Chromecast with Google TV (4K) is the most advanced and suited for every streaming purpose. So far, it is the best Chromecast device from Google. You can buy the device from the Google Store. If you want a casting device, you can get Chromecast 3rd Gen from Amazon or any other retail store.

Due to the success of Google TV OS, many Smart TV brands like Sony, TCL, and Hisense are launching their TVs with the Google OS. These are the seven types of Chromecast so far released by Google. Which Chromecast device are you using now? Which is your favorite Chromecast device? Share these in the comments below.