Google Chromecast with Google TV (HD) vs Chromecast with Google TV: What’s the difference?

The Chromecast with Google TV is an easy-to-recommend streaming device that comes at a very reasonable price of $50. But Google added a new option to the mix: the Chromecast with Google TV (HD), a physically identical device that drops the already cheap price even further to $30. Unless you’ve been following the Chromecast saga very closely, it might not be immediately obvious what’s different between the two devices. But don’t worry – we break it down here.

Chromecast with Google TV (HD) vs Chromecast with Google TV: What’s different?

The biggest difference between Google’s two Chromecast options with Google TV is the resolution. While the 2020 Chromecast with Google TV can output videos in 4K at 60 frames per second, the new Chromecast with Google TV (HD) only manages 1080p, also up to 60 frames per second. If you have a 4K TV, you’ll need to buy the older $50 Chromecast with Google TV to get all those pixels. 1080p resolution TVs pair well with the $30 Chromecast with Google TV (HD).

The new HD version also doesn’t support Dolby Vision HDR, but supports HDR10 and HDR10+. You need to check what HDR protocols your specific TV supports to know if this might matter to you.

There are some differences under the hood as well, but these are things that most users won’t notice. For one, the new Chromecast with Google TV (HD) ships with a version of Google TV based on Android 12, while the older 4K model still runs Android 11. But the version jump doesn’t change much and the older model is scheduled to receive the same update in the near future. The 1080p model also supports AV1 video decoding – due to hardware differences, the 4K model doesn’t. AV1 is a video codec known to be particularly efficient, so the newer 1080p Chromecast may need less bandwidth to stream video. The 1080p version has less RAM: 1.5GB, while the 4K model has 2GB. That sounds like a downgrade, but in our experience it is not particularly noticeable in normal use.

Finally, the color options vary between the two models. While the 4K Chromecast with Google TV is available in Snow (white), Sky (blue), and Sunrise (a Google Store-exclusive pink), the new Chromecast with Google TV HD is only available in the white Snow color variant.

Chromecast with Google TV (HD) vs Chromecast with Google TV: What’s the same?

Both versions of Chromecast with Google TV share most of the features. The HD version is only available in white, but is visually identical to the white version of the 4K model. Each comes with the same voice-activated remote control, and each runs Google TV — the more modern, ad-heavy user interface that’s sitting on top of Android TV on a growing number of devices. They’re each powered via USB-C, but can’t be powered from the USB ports on the back of your TV – each requires a dedicated power brick (and each comes with one).

Storage space, a sore point for many users of the original 4K Chromecast with Google TV, is also unchanged in the 1080p version. Both come with just 8GB, which can be limiting if you use a lot of different streaming services. Neither model comes with built-in expandable storage, but both accept a compatible USB-C hub, allowing you to add additional storage this way if you need it.

Chromecast with Google TV (HD) vs Chromecast with Google TV: Which should you buy?

Knowing the differences makes it easy to figure out which Chromecast with Google TV is right for you. Assuming price isn’t an issue, the older 4K model should be your go-to choice if you intend to use it with a 4K display – the HD model only goes up to 1080p. And if you happen to have a 1080p display that supports Dolby Vision, the 4K edition might be better for you too, as the 1080p model offers HDR10 and HDR10+, but not Dolby Vision.

However, if your screen is 1080p or lower and doesn’t support Dolby Vision, then the $50 Chromecast with Google TV won’t give you any advantages over the $30 HD model. Go for Chromecast with Google TV (HD) if your TV (or budget) demands it.

Buy Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K)

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Buy Google Chromecast with Google TV (HD)

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