This fresh Chromecast with Google TV Review is brought to you by Troy from TROYPOINT. He penned this review after three days of consistent use of the Android TV dongle.

It’s worth noting that Troy bought this streaming device himself. Google isn’t sponsoring this post or providing any affiliate revenue.

This review is completely impartial. I’ll highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of the Chromecast with Google TV streaming device.

New Chromecast with Google TV

Google’s release of a new Android TV system has been a long time coming. The Nexus Player, released back in November 2014, was the last we saw.

Of course, Google has successfully launched numerous Chromecast models since then. However, they all required an external device like a phone or tablet for operation.

Previous Chromecast iterations allowed users to cast media. This could be done from a phone, tablet, or computer to a television.

While this was a groundbreaking concept at the time, devices like the Amazon Fire TV Stick and Roku quickly gained popularity. Consumers were drawn to the convenience and user-friendliness of the remote control experience.

The Chromecast with Google TV is a streaming dongle. It offers impressive support for up to 4K HDR resolution.

What sets this device apart from its Chromecast predecessors is its remote control. You no longer need to rely on your phone or tablet to cast media to your television.

This Chromecast has earned spots on our lists of Best IPTV Boxes and Best Streaming Devices.

While casting is still possible with Android and iOS devices, the new user interface revolves around the remote control. It brings a fresh Google TV experience to the forefront.

The remote features a dedicated Google Assistant button. It allows for quick voice searches for shows and other convenient voice commands.

The Google TV user interface is all about personalization. It offers tailored suggestions based on your streaming subscriptions, viewing history, and even content that you own.

A similar approach to content recommendations has been seen in the TiVo Stream 4K with its TiVo Stream application.

At its core, the Chromecast with Google TV runs on Android TV (specifically, Android 10). Think of Google TV as a user-friendly shell designed to enhance your overall experience.

As of this writing, the Chromecast with Google TV is priced at $49.99 / £59.99 / AU$99.

Setting Up the New Chromecast with Google TV

The process of setting up the Chromecast with Google TV is incredibly smooth and straightforward.

As an Android phone user myself, I opted to use my phone for linking my Google account. This eliminated the need to tediously type on the virtual keyboard.

I simply opened the Google Home App, scanned the barcode, and the setup process began!

I was greeted with the sleek Google TV interface after a few more setup screens.

Important Note: Once you’ve set up your Chromecast, make sure to check out our updated jailbreak tutorial below!

How to Jailbreak Chromecast with Google TV

Google TV

If you’re familiar with Android TV products, you might initially be a bit puzzled by the Google TV user interface. Products like the NVIDIA Shield, TiVo Stream 4K, and MECOOL KM3 come to mind.

Yes, Android TV is the underlying operating system. But it’s Google TV that serves as the new user interface.

In my view, Google TV has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

• Subscribers to services like Netflix and Hulu will appreciate the personalized recommendations. These are based on your viewing habits and subscriptions.
• You have the ability to customize application shortcuts, which adds to the convenience.
• The organization of the screens is well-structured. Sections include Search, For you, Movies, Shows, Apps, and Library.
• The settings seem to mirror those of Android TV. This means we can still make necessary adjustments and enable developer options, if needed.
• Another plus is the support for YouTube TV.

Cons

• Unlike Android TV, you can’t rearrange categories on each page. This might be a drawback for some users.

barebones Android TV.

• If you don’t use popular paid services, Google TV probably won’t be useful.
• Installing a new Android TV launcher doesn’t work well.

There are two types of users who use streaming devices such as the Chromecast with Google TV. The first type is someone who subscribes to premium services. You can think of Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, etc.

The new Google TV layout will be perfect for those people. I would imagine that the recommendations will be a huge hit.

The second type of user is someone who doesn’t subscribe to services. They tend to use free APKS, unverified IPTV services, or Plex Media Server.

For those people, the new user interface will provide hundreds of shortcuts for items that they will never use. There is no doubt that this new streaming device caters to those who pay for the premium streaming services. As of this writing, there is no way to revert to basic Android TV. But I’m sure some sort of mod or rom will arrive that will allow us to do so in a short time.

I personally prefer the Android TV layout over the new Google TV interface.

Internal Storage

I would imagine that the Amazon Fire TV Sticks will be the biggest competitor for the Chromecast with Google TV. The biggest complaint about the Fire TV Stick lineup is the lack of internal storage.

The Fire TV Stick 4K only comes with 8GB of storage. Only 4 to 5GB of that is available after their system apps are loaded which you can’t uninstall.

The Chromecast with Google TV only comes with 4GB of internal storage. Only 2.2GB is available after their system apps have been installed. This is crazy.

Users won’t be able to install very many apps and games with only 2.3GB of space. Thankfully, I’ve had success using a USB C hub with passthrough power so I can attach additional storage.  I can even expand internal storage as well which is nice.

More on the USB-C hub below.

Best USB-C Hub for Chromecast with Google TV

IMPORTANT NOTE: A new update is now available for all Chromecast with Google TVs. This update will increase your internal storage.

Watch the video below to learn how to update this device. You can also learn how to add over 500 MB of storage.

How to Install Apps from Unknown Sources

Click Settings.

To start, click on the settings.

From there, proceed by clicking on System.

And then, you’ll want to go ahead and select About.

Click on the Android TV OS build. Do this repeatedly, around 7 times, until you get a message confirming that the Developer Options are now enabled.

Navigate back until the Apps menu item is visible. Once you find it, click on it.

Next, click on Security & Restrictions.

Use the right arrow to navigate to the right side of your screen. This is where you’ll find your apps listed.

For each app where you want to enable this feature, simply turn on unknown sources.

Download Speeds

This device, unfortunately, doesn’t include an Ethernet adapter. However, they do plan on selling one soon. It is important to note that it won’t offer Gigabit speeds.

For the wired tests below, I used my UtechSmart USB C Hub with Gigabit Ethernet adapter for connectivity.

The Analiti Speed test app was my tool of choice for these tests.

My internet service provider offers a 1 GB Fiber download speed plan, which I utilize.

Throughout the WiFi tests, my connection was to the 5Ghz band on my Asus AC3100 Router.  It’s worth noting that this router is in the same room as my Chromecast with Google TV. They are roughly 20 feet apart.

I use IPVanish VPN as my VPN on the Chicago Server 04 (chi-a04).

Ethernet via UtechSmart USB C Hub with Gigabit Ethernet

VPN On: Download = 76 Mbps & Upload = 59 Mbps

VPN Off: Download = 326 Mbps & Upload = 125 Mbps

WiFi

VPN On: Download = 71 Mbps & Upload = 43 Mbps

VPN Off: Download = 333 Mbps & Upload = 123 Mbps

The WiFi chip in this device is really something. It’s quite impressive.

Its performance matches the external Gigabit Ethernet on the USB C hub that I used. It was quite surprising to see that level of parity.

If you’re looking to learn how to install a VPN on a Chromecast, you can find a guide in our tutorial below.

How to Install VPN on Chromecast with Google TV

Gaming

I took the opportunity to install a few games through the Google Play Store. They all functioned flawlessly, with no noticeable lag.

While Google’s new streaming game service, Stadia, isn’t supported on this device yet, it’s expected to be sometime in 2021.

I did manage to sideload the Stadia app. The installation went smoothly, but there were some hiccups. It was a little choppy, and navigating back to the main Stadia home screen after claiming a game proved to be a challenge.

If you’re interested in trying Stadia on this device, you can install it through the Downloader App. Just use the shortcut iptvproviders.info/stadia. Keep in mind that you’ll need to have a Stadia account set up beforehand.

I’m quite interested to see how the Stadia service will integrate with the new Chromecast with Google TV in the future. Google seems to be heavily invested in this streaming game service. It’ll be interesting to observe how it all unfolds.

USB C Hub With Passthrough Power

I mentioned earlier that I connected a UtechSmart USB C Hub with Gigabit Ethernet adapter. This setup proved beneficial, allowing me to connect a USB drive and utilize the Gigabit Ethernet port for a direct network connection.

The setup worked remarkably well. Notably, the included power adapter was sufficient. It powered both my SanDisk 256GB USB 3.0 drive and the onboard Gigabit Ethernet Adapter concurrently without any issues.

There have been some reports of users needing to upgrade the power supply. This was necessary when the provided adapter wasn’t robust enough to power all their connected devices.

I also ordered the Aukey USB C Adapter with GigabitEthernet port.  Sadly, the Ethernet didn’t function properly for me with this device. Not every USB C hub is compatible, but this UtechSmart USB C model has been working seamlessly.

I’ve heard from others who have successfully connected webcams, keyboards, and other peripherals using a USB C hub. I plan to release a video demonstrating this setup shortly.

Chromecast with Google TV Photos

New Chromecast with Google TV Specs

Google has been quiet about the specs of this device.  It almost feels as if they are being intentionally secretive about something. I suspect it might be the limited internal storage. 

While it’s been reported that the internal storage is 8GB, that’s not entirely accurate. I decided to investigate further. I used the AIDA64 app to delve into the system’s components.

CPU: Quad Core ARM Cortex-A55

GPU: ARM Mali-G31

RAM: 2GB

Storage: 4GB

OS: Android 10.0 (Android TV)

Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)

Ports: HDMI for direct TV connection & USB Type-C for power

Resolution: Supports up to 4K HDR at 60 FPS, offering resolutions up to 4K and high dynamic range (HDR).

Video Formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+ for exceptional picture quality.

Audio Formats: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos

BluetoothVersion: 4.2

Dimensions & Weight
Length: 6.4 in (162 mm).
Width: 2.4 in (61 mm).
Height: 0.5 in (12.5 mm).
1.9 oz (55 g).

Colors
Snow.
Sunrise.
Sky.

Voice Remote
Dimensions.
Length: 4.8 in (122 mm).
Width: 1.5 in (38 mm).
Height: 0.7 in (18 mm).
Sensors.
Accelerometer.
Connectivity.
Bluetooth®.
IR to control TV, soundbar, or receiver.
Weight: 2.2 oz (63 g).
Mic: Integrated microphone for Google Assistant.
Power: 2 AAA batteries included.
Compatibility: Requires Chromecast (Google TV).

What’s in the Box

• Chromecast with Google TV.
• Power Adapter.
• Remote Control.
• 2 AAA Batteries.
• Quick Start Guide.

Final Thoughts

I’ve been really happy with video playback from this device. I have had no issues at all.

I don’t really love to use voice commands. However, I do appreciate that Google Assistant is integrated. Plus, there is even a dedicated button for it on the remote.

Speaking of the remote, it doesn’t have play, pause, or stop buttons. This means users need to click the OK button on the remote. Then, they have to click the playback bar on the screen.

Even without those buttons, the remote control is pretty great.

The WiFi chip included in this unit is really powerful. I was able to get fantastic download speeds. And that’s with my VPN both on and off.

There’s no Ethernet adapter, but I’m not sure how much of an issue that will be for people. The WiFi reception has been amazing.

From what I’ve seen, there doesn’t seem to be any bloatware on the Chromecast with Google TV. You can even uninstall any preinstalled apps, which is awesome.

This feature helps a bit with the limited internal storage, but it’s not a perfect solution.

My main concern is the minimal internal storage this device offers. I’m saying this because of the feedback we often see about the Fire TV Stick lineup. The Fire TV Stick offers 8GB and this has half of that!

Of course, there is the option of connecting a USB-C hub to expand storage. But, I’m not sure people want to spend an extra $30 or more on a USB drive.

However, the ability to connect peripheral devices is a significant advantage.

For example, my USB-C adapter lets me connect a USB drive. I can then mount it as internal storage. The hub also allows me to use an Ethernet cord for Gigabit speeds.

The Google TV user interface seems designed for those who rely on paid services. Think Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube TV.

For cord-cutters who prefer free APKs, Kodi, Plex, and unverified IPTV services, this might not be the ideal solution.

Most Google devices allow bootloader access. I’m really hoping that becomes an option for this device soon.

If it does, we’ll have the ability to use barebones Android TV. I personally think that’s better than Google TV.

I have a hunch that we might see some interesting custom ROMs and hacks for this device. That could potentially change things.

Currently, I’m not totally sure how I’d rank the Chromecast with Google TV. It has a lot of potential.

The pros and cons I’ve listed below are just my opinion; your experience might be different. It all depends on your viewing habits.

Pros

• Simple setup.
• Excellent video playback.
• Strong WiFi chip.
• Ability to expand internal storage. Plus, you can connect various peripherals. This even includes a Gigabit Ethernet adapter via a USB-C hub.
• 2GB RAM.
• Built on the Android TV architecture.
• Google Assistant works effectively.
• Integration with Google Home products.
• Hopefully, based on previous Google products, there will be an option for rooting. This would allow users to change additional system settings, which is a big plus.
• High-quality remote control.
• Google TV is a good fit for people who subscribe to paid video services.

Cons

• Only 4GB of internal storage.
• No built-in Ethernet connection. Adapters will work, but transfer speeds will be limited to 100Mbps.
• Google TV might not be the best for people who don’t use paid streaming services.
• No dedicated play, pause, or stop buttons on the remote.
• The boot-up time can feel a little slow.

Where to Buy Chromecast with Google TV

The best places to buy the Chromecast with Google TV online are directly from Google or Best Buy.

Buy Chromecast with Google TV from Google Website

Buy Chromecast with Google TV from Best Buy Website

If you prefer not to order online, you can usually find it in stores that sell Google products. If you see the Chromecast with Google TV available for purchase on a store’s website, it’s probably in stock at their physical location too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chromecast with Google TV better than Fire TV Stick 4K?

It’s a tough call, honestly. I really like them both. But, I think the Chromecast might become the more popular choice. That’s because it could get root access and custom ROMs down the road.

Can you sideload apps onto the Chromecast with Google TV?

Absolutely. Just check out my screenshot guide above to enable unknown sources.

Does a VPN work well on Chromecast with Google TV?

It sure does. In fact, it works incredibly well. Take a look at my speed tests above with IPVanish VPN. You can see the results using both WiFi and Ethernet.

How much does a Chromecast with Google TV Cost?

Right now, the Chromecast with Google TV is priced at $49.99. But you can often find it on sale for less.

I give the Chromecast with Google TV a 4.5 out of 5-star rating. It’s a really solid device.

What are your thoughts on this new streaming device? Let me know in the comments section below. If you’ve already tried it out, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts!