If you watch movies and TV on a 1080p screen, this Chromecast with Google TV (HD) delivers a rock-solid streaming experience for cheap. This is the HD version of Engadget the best choice for streaming devices. You can get it for $10 off on Amazon today, making it a near-record low price of just $20 for an HDR10-capable streaming stick.
Stream over 700,000 movies and TV episodes on Chromecast with Google TV (HD).
The Chromecast with Google TV (HD) plugs directly into an open HDMI port on your TV. (There’s an optional power adapter with a USB cable if your TV can’t provide enough juice.) If you have a 4K TV, you’re better off. more expensive model designed for high quality displays. But for HD screens, this model is hard to beat. It offers the same great user experience as the top-end model, only cheaper and scaled down for 1080p.
Installation is quick and easy. In the Google Home app, you scan a QR code with your phone to start the sign-in process. (This is also where you add your Wi-Fi network.) So you don’t have to worry about typing in long email addresses and passwords using a remote and a clunky on-screen keyboard.
The device has relatively light specifications (1.5 GB RAM and Amlogic S805X2 chip), which can detect almost imperceptible lags when navigating the UI, especially right after startup. But it delivers smooth performance when it matters most: playing content.
The app makes everything as easy as possible, including the Live tab, which lets you continue or skip to new content directly from the home screen using several streaming services. Google advertises support for over 700,000 movies and TV episodes, and you can install just about any streaming service you can name, including Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Max, Peacock, YouTube TV and more.
The remote has a built-in microphone and a dedicated Google Assistant button. The latter allows you to control TV content and smart home features with your voice. It also has standard IR integration, so you can control some of your TV’s essential functions and keep the remote in a drawer.
If you don’t want to wait for Amazon to ship, Target has the same contract. If your local stores stock them, you can get instant gratification by saving five percent on your purchase if you check out using the Target Red Card.
Watch it @EngadgetDeals Twitter and Subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying tips.
