About Chromecast
Table of Contents
Chromecast is a digital media player device built by Google and is one of the very few hardware developed by Google itself. With Chromecast, you can cast your smartphone’s screen or laptop screen to your TV or audio system using Google Cast Technology.
Nowadays, the majority of smartphone applications are compatible with Chromecast for the ease of casting content to your TV on the go. It is regularly updated by Google to fix any bug on a regular basis. Since its launch back in 2013, Chromecast has upgraded its hardware at regular intervals. Today we will discuss the types of Chromecast since its release and will have a comparison.
Types of Chromecast
Google Chromecast 1st Generation
| Release Date | Price |
| July 24, 2013 | $35 |
The first Chromecast device was more like a pen drive, comparatively bigger in size, and instead of a USB 2.0 slot, it has an HDMI slot. The very first Chromecast device has a storage capacity of 2GB with 512MB RAM. It was able to cast videos at 1080p quality.
The 1st Gen Chromecast device worked only with 02.11 b/n/g WiFi technology, and thus it would only connect to the 2.5GHz frequency band. It has a Marvel Armada 1500-mini 88DE3005 SoC running ARM Cortex A9 processor. 1st Gen Chromecast was a massive hit but its sales were discontinued after the launch of 2nd Generation Chromecast.
Google Chromecast 2nd Generation
| Release Date | Price |
| 29 Sept 2015 | $35 |
There was a major change in the design of the second-generation Chromecast as compared to 1st Gen Chromecast. It was more like a disc-shaped body with a short length of HDMI cable attached to it instead of the HDMI head directly being connected to the device. This flexible cable really helps while connecting behind the television because it can magnetically attach to the device.
Unlike the 1st Gen Chromecast, the second-generation Chromecast had a lesser storage of only 256MBs but with the same RAM of 2GB. It has the capacity to cast 1080p videos at 30fps and 720p videos at 60fps. It would connect to both 2.5GHz and 5GHz. It uses Marvell Armada 1500 Mini Plus 88DE3006 SoC running dual ARM Cortex A7 processor. It was a hit device too but the sales were discontinued on October 10, 2018.
Chromecast Audio
| Release Date | Price |
| Sept 29, 2015 | $35 |
Chromecast Audio was launched in combination with the second-generation Chromecast that was designed for use with audio streaming apps. It has a 3.5mm audio jack through which it would connect to the audio and speaker system. Chromecast Audio has a flash memory of 256MBs combined with a RAM of 256MBs.
One of the most famous features of Chromecast Audio is the multi-room playback where users can simultaneously play audio across multiple Chromecast Audio devices in different locations by grouping them together using the Google Home mobile app.
Check Out: How to fix Chromecast Lagging issue & How to Cast Ace Stream on Chromecast
Chromecast Ultra
| Release Date | Price |
| November 6, 2016 | $69 |
Chromecast Ultra was more of an upgrade to the existing second-generation Chromecast. The most noticeable upgrade was Chromecast ultra which was able to cast 4K Ultra HD videos and also allows us to cast HDR videos as well. Unlike second-generation Chromecast, Chromecast Ultra requires a separate power adaptor to connect it to a wall outlet.
As per Google, Chromecast Ultra loads 1.8 times faster than second-generation Chromecast. The power supply port also offers an ethernet port for a typical wired connection that may be necessary to stream 4K content which requires high speed. Chromecast Ultra is also the first-ever Chromecast device to support Google’s cloud gaming service Stadia.
Chromecast 3rd Generation
| Release Date | Price |
| October 10, 2018 | $35 |
The third-generation Chromecast is the latest Chromecast device that can cast 1080p quality videos at 60fps. As per Google, third-generation Chromecast is 15 percent faster than the second-generation Chromecast. It also supports Dual-Band (2.5GHz & 5GHz) 802.11ac Wi-Fi Connectivity.
In the third generation of Chromecast, the magnetic attachment between the dongle and the HDMI plug is also missing. The third-generation Chromecast device is powered by a micro-USB and Plugs directly into your display.
Chromecast with Google TV
| Release Date | Price |
| October 6, 2020 | $49.99 |
Chromecast with Google TV is different as compared to its former versions. It is more of a competitor to other streaming devices like Firestick, Roku, and Nvidia Shield. It runs the Android operating system and comes with a brand new user interface. As it runs Android OS, you can access PlayStore on Chromecast with Google TV and download unlimited apps.
As Chromecast with Google TV is more of a streaming device, you can navigate it with Bluetooth remote control. The remote control has dedicated keys for YouTube, Netflix, and Google Assistant. It can cast outputs videos up to a 4K resolution and supports HDR through the Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR+. It also requires a dedicated power adaptor that connects to the dongle USB-C port via USB cable.
Comparison of Different Types of Chromecast
| Chromecast Version | Launch Date | Storage | Resolution | RAM |
| 1st Gen | July 24, 2013 | 2GB | 1080p | 512MB |
| 2nd Gen | Sept 29, 2015 | 256MB | 1080p @ 30fps | 512MB |
| Audio | Sept 29, 2015 | 256MB | – | 512MB |
| Ultra | Nov 6, 2016 | – | 4K | – |
| 3rd Gen | Oct 10, 2018 | – | 1080p @ 60fps | – |
| Google TV | Oct 6, 2020 | 2GB | 4K | 2GB |
Wrapping Up
These are the Types of Chromecast that have been available in the market and are being used and loved by its users. In the latest models of smart TV comes a built-in Chromecast so that you don’t have to buy a standalone device. If you want to stream content from your PC or smartphone to your TV, then go with Chromecast 3rd generation. If you want to install certain apps to stream its content, then the best suit is Chromecast with Google TV.
If you have any queries about different Types of Chromecast, you can ask us via the comment section and also let us know out of these Types of Chromecast, which one is your favorite and why?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best Chromecast?
The latest is the best, so Chromecast with Google TV is for sure the best Chromecast device to date because it supports 4K Ultra HD. HDR support: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and more features.
What is the difference between different types of Chromecast devices?
The primary difference other than design is the capacity of the device to cast the video in the highest quality. Like in the 3rd generation you can cast 4K video while in the 2nd generation, you can only cast 1080p video.
What is the fastest Chromecast?
As per Google, Chromecast Ultra loads 1.8 times faster than the rest of Chromecast devices and also includes major Wi-Fi improvements to support streams from full HD to Ultra HD without a hitch.
