Google Chromecast Vs Firestick: the question is real!
If you’re in the market for a media streaming device, you may be considering the Google Chromecast vs Firestick. Both of these smart home devices allow you to turn your regular television into a smart TV, complete with access to a wide range of streaming apps and other features.
The Google Chromecast is a dongle that plugs into your TV’s HDMI port and wirelessly connects to your mobile phone, tablet, or PC. With the Chromecast, you can stream videos, play music, and use a variety of apps on your TV. It’s a great choice if you already have a lot of apps on your phone or PC that you want to use on your TV.
On the other hand, the Amazon Firestick is a media streaming device that is based on the Android platform. Like the Chromecast, it connects to your TV’s HDMI port and allows you to access a variety of streaming apps and other features. However, the Firestick also has its own app store, where you can download and install apps directly onto the device. It also comes with an Alexa Voice Remote.
When it comes to choosing between the Chromecast vs Firestick, there are a few key differences to consider. The Chromecast is generally more affordable and easier to set up, but it may not have as many features or as much storage as the Firestick. Meanwhile, the Firestick is a bit more expensive but offers more storage and the ability to download apps directly onto the device.
Ultimately, the choice between Chromecast vs Firestick will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider what features and apps you want to use on your TV, as well as your budget and technical expertise, to make the best choice for you.
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Chromecast VS Firestick – What to Pick?
There are, however, some major differences between the two, and this article will give you a thorough description of these differences and elaborate on Chromecast vs Firestick so that you are better able to decide between the two when you consider buying either.
Since both the Google Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV Stick are devices with a similar function which is to cast media onto a TV, their connection processes are also fairly similar. Simply connect either of your devices to a TV and turn it into a smart TV. The device will cast all the media from your laptop or PC connected to your TV.
To discuss the differences between these devices more in detail, we will first go through the pros and cons of the Google Chromecast device and then the Amazon Fire TV Stick.
The Google Chromecast Device
The Google Chromecast vs Firestick is a media streaming device that was released before the Amazon Fire TV Stick. The first generation of Chromecast was launched in 2013, followed by newer versions in 2015, 2016, and 2018. The latest version, the Chromecast with Google TV, was released in 2020.
To use the Chromecast, you simply connect it to your TV using an HDMI cable and a power adapter (optional). To activate it, you need to download the Google Home app on your device and connect to the Chromecast.
When comparing Chromecast vs firestick, it’s worth noting that the Chromecast is generally more affordable and easier to set up. However, it may not have as many features or as much storage as the Firestick. One advantage of the Chromecast is that it can work with a wider variety of apps since it mirrors your phone or tablet’s screen onto your TV.
Ultimately, whether you choose Chromecast vs Firestick will depend on your needs and preferences. The Chromecast is a good option if you’re looking for a simple and straightforward way to stream content on your TV. But if you want more advanced features, such as access to an app store and the ability to download apps directly onto the device, the Amazon Firestick may be a better choice for you.
a. Google Chromecast Pros
First off, let’s talk about all the pros of a Google Chromecast device. We have mentioned them in the list below:
1. Easy to Hide
The Google Chromecast device is very compact and you can easily place it behind your TV and it will not be visible. This is quite a positive for people who like to have things in a certain orderly manner and neatness is their topmost priority over anything.
2. Your Smartphone is the Controller
The ability to make your smartphone your Chromecast device’s controller is highly convenient. All the user has to do is tap on the cast icon on your mobile device, and the media will start streaming from your device to your TV. This feature is handy because not only can you stream Netflix, YouTube videos, and video games but you can even use it for work purposes.
3. Setup
The setup procedure is absolutely user-friendly. You do not need to be tech-savvy to be able to operate or set up your Chromecast device. All you have to do is plug your Chromecast device into your TV and download the Google Home app on your smartphone. A code will be sent to your phone that you will have to verify. Afterward, you are good to go.
4. Voice Control
Once you connect your Google Chromecast device to your Google Home app, you have access to several pretty cool features. One of them is the voice recognition system. You can play your desired shows, change the volume and turn the Chromecast device powered on or off simply by instructing it to. This is quite a futuristic feature that Google has adapted to.
b. Google Chromecast Cons
Like everything else, Google Chromecast also comes with its cons. Let’s see if they weigh over the pros. Here is a list of all the cons of the Google Chromecast device:
1. No Alternative Remote
The Google Chromecast device does not come with a remote. Some users might prefer using a TV remote with the Chromecast device deeming it to be more convenient. This can be frustrating for some users who wish to use their phone for other purposes but cannot due to the continuous use of it with the Chromecast device. This means that when you are casting any media onto your TV using the Chromecast device, you will not be able to use the smartphone for other functions such as texting, calling, scrolling through your socials, etc. Whereas the Amazon Firestick comes with an Alexa Voice Remote.
2. Width of the Chromecast
The size of the Chromecast, though relatively smaller, the width of it could cause trouble. If you do not have adequate space behind your TV, you might not be able to properly hide it. If the space is not enough to fit a USB, you can even have issues trying to connect the HDMI cable to the TV. If you are using a USB port to power the Chromecast as well, that is twice the problem. However, this can be avoided if you are attaching the USB cable directly to a power adapter.
3. Stream Sources
The most major and troublesome drawback of the Google Chromecast device that has been a concern for many users is that it does not have inbuilt apps such as Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc. The device can only be used to cast these screens from other sources. This could occupy your source device and you might not be able to multitask.
Chromecast with the Google TV
Google offers you to get a Chromecast with your Google TV as a choice. This has proved to be a superior choice than getting a regular Google Chromecast or even the Amazon Fire TV stick. This device has built-in apps such as Netflix and Hulu etc. This frees the user from connecting an external source with the Chromecast device which instead just uses the built-in Google TV OS.
a. Chromecast with the Google TV Pros
We have listed all the pros of a Chromecast with the Google TV:
1. Alternate Remote Option
Unlike the Google Chromecast device that only lets you have a remote control via your smartphone, Chromecast with Google TV comes with a separate remote control. The remote itself is a compact device but has a number of functionalities for the navigation of your system. It is equipped with Google voice, HDMI CEC power/volume, and input buttons for the uber-popular apps like Netflix and YouTube.
2. Ample Streaming Sources
Here is another positive of Chromecast with Google TV over the Google Chromecasts, it features an App Store. This enables the users to download any app they wish to stream and thus, gives them a variety of options to choose from. This also means that you do not have any external source to connect to your Chromecast so your laptop or smartphone is free for your use.
A lot of us like to use our phones and watch television simultaneously so this becomes the perfect solution for us.
3. Regular Updates
Chromecast with the Google TV works on the Google TV Operating System which receives regular updates and security fixes. This not only provides a seamless function of the device but if there are any new games or apps, the Chromecast will definitely have them. The update of February 18, 2021, has now also incorporated the Apple TV app.
b. Chromecast with the Google TV Cons
Moving onto the cons of the Chromecast with the Google TV:
1. Setup
Since the Chromecast with Google TV offers a variety of functionalities than the Google Chromecast, the setup process becomes a bit complex as well. This complicated setup process requires data from your smartphones, WiFi, and your WiFi-connected devices.
2. Lack of Apple TV+ Casting from iPhones
The Chromecast with Google TV has a variety of streaming apps available, as already discussed. Not only this, the device keeps updating with more and more apps as well. However, regardless of the number of apps available in the device, it does not allow the casting of any Apple apps or content purchased through an iPhone. The only exception is the streaming process.
Amazon Fire TV Stick
This device works similarly to Google Chromecast. It can cast media from your device to a TV and turn it into a smart device. The device is extremely compact and resembles a large flash drive.
One major difference between the Chromecast and the Amazon Fire TV stick would be that the Amazon Fire TV stick comes with a separate remote and works with the voice control of Alexa. Fire TV stick (3rd Generation) supports 4K and Dolby Vision.
a. Amazon Fire TV Stick Pros
The Amazon Fire TV Stick came a year after the Google Chromecast and it is the only device that can be put as a competitor to it. Here is a list of all the pros that you need to know before deciding on what device to go for:
1. Alexa Remote
Unlike the Google Chromecast device, the Amazon Fire TV Stick comes with a separate remote control. There are only a few buttons on it, meaning only a few commands can be made. However, the built-in voice assistant system can help carry out voice commands and other functionalities.
2. Setup
The setting up of the Fire TV Stick is a piece of cake. You simply need to connect your device to your TV via the HDMI cable, connect your Alexa remote with the Wi-Fi and you are good to go.
3. Cast from Phone
Firestick allows you to mirror your phone screen much like the Google Chromecast device. You can cast your entire phone screen to your TV and carry out the streaming. The feature is still not as good as the Google Chromecast but it is good enough.
b. Amazon Fire TV Stick Cons
The Amazon Fire TV Stick only has one notable drawback which is:
1. Only Works with Amazon App Store
As mentioned above, the Chromecast vs Firestick is the only device that is a competition with the Google Chromecast. For that reason, it only works with the Apple apps. You cannot download anything from the Google App store, any Android features, or any sort of UI.
Chromecast VS Firestick – Conclusion
While both the Google Chromecast device and the Amazon Fire TV Stick have a similar function, the pros and cons merely depend on the user. If a user is surrounded by mostly Android or Google devices, it would be better for him or her to adopt the Google Chromecast device. On the other hand, if a person is an iOS enthusiast, he or she would adapt better to the Amazon Fire TV Stick. The one edge that the Google Chromecast does have over the Firestick, is the availability of a number of functionalities and options. While the Firestick is limited to an iOS setting.
Hope you now have all the information to make the right choice for your TV streaming needs.
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