Apple TV 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV

Which is better? - the Apple TV 4K or Chromecast with Google TV? What are the features they have in common, which features set them apart, and which device do we recommend for the average TV viewer looking for the best streaming box experience?

We'll take you through some of the top features of these devices including AirPlay, Google Cast, Recommendation UI, using AirPlay speakers & AirPods for sound from the Apple TV, SharePlay, the pricing difference between the two and which one we think performs better over the long-term.

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Video production equipment we use:

0:00 - Performance
0:55 - Apple TV sound cut outs
1:21 - AirPlay for video & sound
2:25 - Spatial Audio with AirPods
2:49 - Pixel Buds Pro Spatial Audio
3:16 - Audio sharing feature
3:31 - SharePlay
4:06 - Apple Fitness
4:22 - Siri Remote
4:58 - Chromecast priced significantly less
5:33 - Google TV & Cast support
6:08 - Cast speaker groups
6:29 - Content discovery and availability
7:16 - Recommendations

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Pixel 6 Pro phones seen in this video were supplied to the channel by Google. The channel purchased the Pixel 6 seen in this video.

Any Amazon links we provide in our descriptions are in conjunction with our Amazon partnership. The channel receives a small percentage of revenue from any sales generated by viewers clicking the links.

#appletv4k
#chromecast
#google
#apple

[MonthsLater]

**Update Nov 2022** The issue with audio cutouts has been resolved and shows and movies on Netflix and other services now play normally.
**Note on sales** We've seen the Apple TV 4k go for as low as $119 and the Chromecast with Google TV go for $39.99. Click the purchase links below to check the latest prices on Amazon:

[dvTechHub]

I've tested both in my home as I use both iPhone and Android phones, and I have to say I always gravitate to the Chromecast. Apple interface is better but it doesn't work with my smart home devices, Nest, Ring, etc. I do like Apple's GUI however. But Chromecast offers better recommendations based on ratings.

[elguapo]

Chromecast with Google TV competes with firestick. They give you all the basics you need and keep the price down so that more people will put them in their homes. And there was no mention of google assistant. It would be nice to see a comparison of how both those features work on each device.

[tomm]

Nice review, I looked at both, I didn't see enough differences over the 2 platforms. I chose Google over apple mainly because i have all google products in my house. Thanks for the review, great information as always.

[rickystafford]

for $20 im super impressed with the chromecast. Didn’t need more than 1080p as it’s going on an older TV and I’m happy to be able to use one remote for power/volume/controls. I always used chromecasts before and just casted everything but having the remote is nice.

[tsenif]

bought my Chromecast with Google TV on sale for $30... had a $10 off coupon as well, so $20? Easy buy for me lol

[ErnPrivado]

I go for Chromecast just because it has Apple TV+. It just completed the Chromecast experience with a cheaper price, if it does not offer that then it would suck if you were an apple user. but if you can buy a new android TV with Apple TV+ app (since apple lock it to selected andriod TV devices you can't even work it on sideload) like Sony then just get that.

[cthomas]

I wish that Google would release a higher end Chromecast to properly compete with AppleTV's hardware. I would definitely buy just one of those for the main living room TV while just having the reagular Chromecast dongles on any other TV.

[alexkarthik]

the big difference is "GOOGLE VOICE ASSISTANT". It's just incredibly smart and useful to navigate around either the "home UI" or any other "Platform UIs"

[HShango]

I prefer Chromecast Google TV, since my ecosystem is windows & android (android tends to be a little bit more friendly towards windows over apple walled garden ecosystem, which I hate) that's why I can't bother investing in Apple inc.

[ES-qyju]

Im an Android user happy with the Apple TV.

I used Chromecast with Google TV for a few months because i use an Android Phone, I'm not an Apple User. But the UX is quite bad, the home screen is always full of ads of content that i dont watch. The Google TV UI isnt even in 4K and is noticeable, also doesn't have Frame Rate Matching which is crucial to enable Film mode.

I bought an Apple TV 4K and is much much better, i dont even have an iPhone so i cant use a lot of stuff, but for a streaming box is quite enough.
The UI us so smooth, and the TV app is much better organized that Google TV with curated collections.
Also Apple Music is simply superior to Spotify and is a shame that it doesn't exist an app for Android TV, but i doubt that the Chromecast could run it smoothly.
I didnt have to setup the Plex app or Emby, i went completely with Infuse 7 and works much better than the Plex or Emby app for Android TV.

[uh]

buddy is comparing a $220 product to a $37 product....

[Beardog]

Dealing with the audio cut out on my subwoofer is quite annoying. You are right, didn't always have this issue. I really hope they patch that soon.

[YasinHasan]

nothing comes close to Chromecast in terms of UI & apps. but they should add tensor chip to this

[TheSSarmyn]

Turn off animations through developer mode and this speeds up the lag on the Chromecast with Google TV.

[pedrosanchopires]

On Chromecast you can connect external storage. It works quite fine with all the streaming platforms and is much cheaper than Apple TV. I don’t see reasons to recommend Apple TV over Chromecast.

[Taskmasterexecutioner]

Can you do a review of the Google Chromecast 4K maybe that one's better

[lusther]

I’ve been using Chromecast since 2019 and I’ve been enjoying it so far. But I am very curious about Apple TV and would love to check it out. Also I’m an iphone user so i can’t cast anything from my iphone to the tv. Thank you for this review and I’ll go ahead and purchase one. 😊

[TabascoTex]

Did you mention that you can access Apple TV remote through your Apple phone? Makes it so easy but I still prefer the Google TV

[mbovb]

I have both and I prefer Apple TV 4K. Holy goodness gracious the screensavers are the most beautiful images I've seen. Its smoother, faster, and doesn't need a restart all the time. Chromecast is great. I recommend it over Apple TV 4k if budget is a concern. If not - absolutely go for Apple TV 4k. I can literally experience the difference in speed and performance between the two. Not to mention no invasive, constant ads on my screen that the lovely creeps at Google bring. Ahem, Youtube. :)