Chromecast with Google TV Review 2026: Still Good?

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1Chromecast with Google TV (4K)Budget Google TV★ 4.1/5≈ €59Check Price

The Chromecast with Google TV (4K) is a cheap 4K HDR streaming dongle with the clean Google TV interface, at around €59 — a budget way into the Google ecosystem. It still streams everyday content well and supports Dolby Vision and Atmos, but limited storage and ageing hardware show next to the newer Google TV Streamer. It suits budget buyers who want Google TV without paying more. Here is how it held up in testing.

Chromecast with Google TV dongle and remote on a plain white background
Chromecast with Google TV — a cheap way into the Google TV interface, tested in Europe.

We tested the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) per our methodology, across several evenings of real viewing on a European setup.

Specifications

Spec Chromecast with Google TV (4K)
Max resolution 4K at 60fps
HDR Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10
Audio Dolby Atmos passthrough
Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5
Storage ~8 GB
Ethernet Via optional adapter
Extras Chromecast built-in
Price (obs. Jul 2026) ≈ €59 (amazon.de)

It covers full HDR and Dolby Atmos, keeps Chromecast built-in for casting, but has only ~8 GB storage and Wi-Fi 5.

Using It: Real-World Performance

The Chromecast is capable but shows its age:

  • Cold boot to home screen: ~33 seconds.
  • Opening a major streaming app: ~4–6 seconds from the home screen.
  • Navigation: generally smooth, with occasional slowdown when storage is nearly full.
  • Casting: works reliably from phones, tablets and computers.

The Google TV interface is the same clean, content-first experience as pricier Google devices, with a unified watchlist. Dolby Vision was correctly applied on compatible TVs. The tight ~8 GB storage is the real limitation — installing many apps or IPTV players forces you to manage space. For a main TV, an Ethernet adapter steadies streaming, as Wi-Fi 5 is the only network option built in.

The Google TV home screen on the Chromecast with a storage-nearly-full notice
The clean Google TV interface — capable, but limited by tight storage.

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

  • Cheap route into the clean Google TV interface
  • Full 4K HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Atmos
  • Chromecast built-in for casting
  • Unified watchlist and Google Assistant

❌ Cons

  • Very limited ~8 GB storage
  • Ageing hardware; slower than newer devices
  • Wi-Fi 5 only; no built-in Ethernet
  • Superseded by the Google TV Streamer

Who It's For — and Who Should Skip It

  • Buy it if you want the cheapest way to get Google TV with 4K HDR and casting, and use only a handful of apps.
  • Skip it if you want more storage, Ethernet and speed (the Google TV Streamer), the best value all-rounder (the Fire TV Stick 4K Max), or a premium box (the Apple TV 4K).

Price and Where to Buy

As observed in July 2026, the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) sells for ≈ €59 on amazon.de, often discounted below that. At this price it is a fair budget pick, though the newer Google TV Streamer is worth the step up for most. Check the current price before buying.

Check Price on Amazon.de →

Alternatives

See the full line-up in our best streaming devices guide.

Our Verdict

The Chromecast with Google TV is still a decent budget dongle: the clean Google TV interface, full 4K HDR and casting for around €59. Its ~8 GB storage and ageing hardware are real limits, and the newer Google TV Streamer beats it in nearly every way for a bit more. If you want Google TV at the lowest price and stick to a few apps, it does the job; otherwise, spend a little more. Rating: 4.1/5.

Not sure about a term here? Look it up in the streaming glossary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chromecast with Google TV still worth it in 2026?

It is worth it as a cheap way to get the Google TV interface with 4K HDR, at around €59. It remains capable for everyday streaming, but its limited storage and ageing hardware show next to the newer Google TV Streamer. If budget is the priority and you want Google TV, it is still a reasonable pick.

What is the difference between Chromecast with Google TV and the Google TV Streamer?

The Google TV Streamer is the newer, faster replacement with more storage, built-in Ethernet and smart-home features. The Chromecast with Google TV is an older, cheaper dongle with limited storage and Wi-Fi only. Both share the same Google TV interface, but the Streamer is the better long-term device.

Does the Chromecast with Google TV have enough storage?

Storage is its main weakness. The 4K model has only about 8 GB, much of it used by the system, so it fills quickly if you install several apps. You can manage it by removing unused apps, but heavy users or those who sideload many apps will find it limiting compared with newer devices.

Can I still cast to the Chromecast with Google TV?

Yes. Despite having a full Google TV interface and remote, it retains Chromecast built-in, so you can still cast video and audio from a phone, tablet or computer. This makes it flexible: use the remote and apps directly, or cast content from another device when that is more convenient.

Does the Chromecast with Google TV support Dolby Vision?

Yes, the 4K model supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HDR10 for picture, plus Dolby Atmos passthrough for audio. It delivers a strong 4K HDR image for the price. You need HDR and Atmos content and compatible gear to enjoy the full quality it can output.