Why You Shouldn’t Buy a Chromecast

Google’s groundbreaking Chromecast first launched in 2013, and was one of many first streaming sticks that simply plugged into the again of your TV. And whereas Chromecast advanced over the last decade that adopted, it at all times stored its primary roots—particularly, its capacity to solid apps and different media from suitable cellular {hardware}.

Now it’s 2025, and there are every kind of streaming gadgets to select from, a lot of which additionally include some type of casting functionality. For those who’re scrappy and know the place to look, you possibly can nonetheless get your fingers on legacy variations of the Chromecast, in addition to the discontinued Chromecast with Google TV, however must you?

The corporate’s newest Google TV Streamer is pricier than most at $100, positive, however its person interface is slick, and the bundled distant places it in league with the likes of Apple TV and Roku, so why are some people nonetheless drawn to the older Chromecast gadgets? Even with their cheaper costs, should you ask me, I do not suppose any older model of the Chromecast is an efficient buy in 2025. This is why.

The Finish of Days for Chromecast Help is Nigh

Google formally stopped promoting the ultimate technology of the Chromecast model, the Chromecast with Google TV, earlier this yr. Which means that Google not produces any model of Chromecast-branded gadgets aside from the present Google TV Streamer. If you wish to get your fingers on one, you may have to seek out them at a third-party retailer like Amazon, or used.

Google formally ended help for the 1st-gen 2013 Chromecast in 2023. That implies that the gadget not receives software program or safety updates, and Google not supplies technical help for it. If that 10-year cycle performs out for the generations that adopted (as much as the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) that was launched in 2022), we may probably see help till 2032 for that newest model (2030 and 2028, respectively, for the 4K Chromecast with Google TV (4K) and Third-gen Chromecast), however Google hasn’t launched any official timeline that aligns with that.

Nonetheless, there have been reviews, such as this one from Android Authority, that recommend that help for each Chromecast with Google TV fashions might be coming to an finish as quickly as September 2025 and September 2027.

You may, after all, sustain with the firmware updates to all Chromecast and Google TV Streamer gadgets on Google’s help page, however eventually help will finish, which can be sufficient for a lot of shoppers to rethink throwing down their cash.

If Casting Is Your Factor, You Have Choices

Again when the Chromecast first launched, being able to solid from a cellphone, pill, or laptop computer to a TV was a novelty. Competitor devices just like the Apple TV and Roku’s lineup of web-connected sticks and set-top bins relied on built-in person interfaces that required navigation with a distant. Certain, you would obtain extra apps, video games, and finally films and TV exhibits, however all of this content material was locked into no matter OS your streaming gadget was powered by.

The primary-gen Chromecast got here alongside and mentioned, “To heck together with your interface!” All you wanted was your smartphone or pill related to Wi-Fi and plugged into your TV, and also you had been casting—no distant or different gadget essential.

These days, although casting (Google now calls this Google Forged) audio and video may be accomplished simply and utilizing every kind of gadgets and types. Apple’s AirPlay is baked right into a plethora of Apple gadgets, permitting casting and mirroring to gadgets reminiscent of Apple TV and even Mac computer systems. Non-Apple manufacturers, together with Roku streaming gadgets and TVs with Roku’s working system built-in (reminiscent of Hisense, LG, TCL, and Samsung) additionally help the usual. Miracast is one other broadly used casting protocol that helps Android gadgets, Home windows PCs, sensible TVs, and even streaming gadgets like Roku and Fireplace TV.

These are simply examples, however in 2025, you may be hard-pressed to discover a streaming gadget or sensible TV that does not help content material casting or display screen mirroring of some sort.

However should you’re adamant about sticking with Google {hardware}, the Google TV Streamer and most Google TV-powered sensible TVs and projectors do help Google Forged. You might simply should cope with a remote-navigable UI alongside your casting.

There Is No Scarcity of Different Streaming Gadgets

The unique 1st-gen Chromecast was simply $35, a steal for any sort of streaming gadget, even when it was designed to obtain content material from cellular {hardware} you already owned. In 2025, there are simply so many good and fairly priced choices round that there isn’t any want to purchase a discontinued Chromecast Third-gen or Chromecast with Google TV (which I’ve seen promote for $80 and $150 on Amazon, respectively, if yow will discover them).

Some various streaming gadgets may be had for as little as $30, together with the redesigned Roku Streaming Stick HD that helps AirPlay 2 (the 4K “Plus” model is simply $10 extra). Amazon’s newest Fire TV Stick 4K is underneath $50 and helps Miracast, whereas the $30 Walmart-owned Onn Google TV 4K Plus is extra of a set-top model with a distant and options Google Forged help.

Not solely will these three gadgets be supported by their builders for fairly a while, however they’re additionally much more highly effective than any Google product with the Chromecast label, particularly when it comes to Wi-Fi efficiency and general processor pace. Additionally, do not forget that should you’re nonetheless dedicated to Google TV in any case that, the Google TV Streamer is simply round $100, and options 4K decision, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Imaginative and prescient, and a ton of different premium options.

Ought to You Purchase a Chromecast?

Justin Duino / How-To Geek

Google gave us an incredible decade-plus of Chromecast gadgets to get pleasure from, however the streaming gadget panorama is teeming with dependable sticks and set-top items in 2025. I personally would not spend any amount of money on any Chromecast technology as a result of I understand how significantly better the competitors has gotten.

For those who’re decided to stay with Google for {hardware}, the Google TV Streamer is without doubt one of the top-rated streaming gadgets available on the market. Sure, it is pricier than the remainder, however the adage of “you get what you pay for” very a lot applies to the world of streaming.

Dimensions

6.4in x 3in x 1in

Model

Google

Wi-Fi

Sure

Ethernet

Sure

Expertise gorgeous 4K streaming with Google TV Streamer. Take pleasure in seamless entry to your favourite apps, exhibits, and films with a strong, easy-to-use interface. Elevate your leisure with voice management, customized suggestions, and easy efficiency in vibrant Extremely HD.