Chromecast is a streaming media adapter developed by Google to cast the media files on your TV that does not support built-in Chromecast. The first Chromecast device was launched on July 4, 2023. Currently, there are seven types of Chromecast devices launched by Google. As the lineup grew, some of the older Chromecast devices were not in sale and stopped production. The latest one is the Chromecast with Google TV HD, which acts as a streaming device that brings you entertainment for popular streaming services.
So, if you need to know the developments that Chromecast has gone through so far, take a look at the types of Chromecast models that currently exist, along with their features.z
Types of Chromecast
| Device Name | Release Date | Sales Discontinued Date | Price | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chromecast First Generation | July 24, 2013 | September 29, 2015 | $35 | Check for more details↓ |
| Chromecast Second Generation | September 29, 2015 | October 10, 2018 | $35 | Check for more details↓ |
| Chromecast Audio | September 29, 2015 | January 11, 2019 | $35 | Check for more details↓ |
| Chromecast Ultra | November 6, 2016 | September 30, 2020 | $69 | Check for more details↓ |
| Chromecast Third Generation | October 10, 2018 | September 22, 2022 | $35 | Check for more details↓ |
| Chromecast with Google TV (4K) | September 30, 2020 | Available for sale | $49.99 | Check for more details↓ |
| Chromecast with Google TV (HD) | September 22, 2022 | Available for sale | $29.99 | Check for more details↓ |
1. Chromecast First Generation
The first generation of Google Chromecast was released on July 24, 2013, at $35. It measures about 2.83 inches in length and weighs about 34 g. Google stopped selling this model on September 29, 2015, with the launch of the second-generation Chromecast models. The body of the media player had included the HDMI plug built into it. The first-generation Chromecast looks more or less similar to the memory stick.
Information Use !!
Concerned about online trackers and introducers tracing your internet activity? Or do you face geo-restrictions while streaming? Get NordVPN – the ultra-fast VPN trusted by millions, which is available at 69% off + 3 Months Extra. With the Double VPN, Split tunneling, and Custom DNS, you can experience internet freedom anytime, anywhere.
Specs
| Model Number | H2G2-42 |
| Operating System | Chrome OS |
| System-on-chip | Marvell Armada 1500 Mini 88DE3005-A1 |
| RAM Memory | 512 MB DDR3L |
| Flash Storage | 2 GB |
| Display | 1080p at 30fps, 720p at 60 fps |
| Software and Security Support | Ended in May 2023 |
| Audio DAC | – |
| Remote | – |
| Connectivity | HDMI, WiFi, Ethernet |
| Power | Micro USB |
| Dimensions | 72 mm × 35 mm × 12 mm |
Where to Buy: Not Available for Sale
2. Chromecast Second Generation
Chromecast’s second-generation model was an upgrade from the first-generation model. Google initially released the second generation on September 29, 2015, at $35. It measures almost 2.04 inches in length and weighs about 39.1 g. Its body looked like a disc shape, and on the other hand, it had a flexible short HDMI cable attached to it. However, this Chromecast model was discontinued on October 10, 2018.
Specs
| Model Number | NC2-6A5 |
| Operating System | Chrome OS |
| System-on-chip | Marvell Armada 1500 Mini Plus 88DE3006 |
| RAM Memory | 512 MB DDR3L |
| Flash Storage | 256 MB |
| Display | 1080p at 30fps, 720p at 60 fps |
| Software and Security Support | Supported |
| Audio DAC | – |
| Remote | – |
| Connectivity | HDMI, WiFi, Ethernet |
| Power | Micro USB |
| Dimensions | 51.9 mm × 51.9 mm × 13.49 mm |
Where to Buy: Not Available for Sale
3. Chromecast Audio
Chromecast Audio was launched along with the second generation Chromecast model on September 29, 2015, at $35. It is developed as a variation of the second-generation Chromecast. However, you can stream audio apps using this model. Chromecast Audio is a media player that can be used as an alternative to Sonos. Certainly, the device looks like a circular groove on one side. It measures about 2.04 mm in length and weighs about 30.7 g. Chromecast Audio supports multi-room playback, and most importantly, it can be used with the Google Home app. However, Google stopped selling this model in January 2019.
Specs
| Model Number | RUX-J42 |
| Operating System | Chrome OS |
| System-on-chip | Marvell Armada 1500 Mini Plus 88DE3006 |
| RAM Memory | 256 MB DDR3L |
| Flash Storage | 256 MB |
| Display | – |
| Software and Security Support | Supported |
| Audio DAC | AKM AK4430 192 kHz 24-Bit DAC |
| Remote | – |
| Connectivity | 3.5mm audio jack, mini TOSLINK socket, WiFi, Ethernet |
| Power | Micro USB |
| Dimensions | 51.9 mm × 51.9 mm × 13.49 mm |
Where to Buy: Not Available for Sale
4. Chromecast Ultra
Chromecast Ultra is similar to that of the second-generation model. However, it has upgraded hardware, and the user can stream 4K videos and a high dynamic range using HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats. It was released on November 6, 2016, at the cost of about $69. It weighs about 47 g and measures about 2.29 mm in length.
Specs
| Model Number | NC2-6A5-D GA3A00403A14 |
| Operating System | Chrome OS |
| System-on-chip | Marvell Armada 1500 Mini Plus |
| RAM Memory | 1 GB DDR3L |
| Flash Storage | – |
| Display | 4K Ultra HD, High dynamic range |
| Software and Security Support | Supported |
| Audio DAC | – |
| Remote | – |
| Connectivity | HDMI, WiFi, Ethernet |
| Power | Micro USB |
| Dimensions | 58.2 mm × 58.2 mm × 13.70 mm |
Where to Buy: Not Available for Sale. But available in third-party retailers.
5. Chromecast Third Generation
The Chromecast Third Generation model was launched on October 10, 2018, at $35. It looks like a circular dongle with a built-in HDMI cable on one side while the other has a micro USB port. It measures about 2.04 mm in length and weighs about 40 g. Above all, it loads videos at a faster rate and works with lots of apps. Chromecast Third Generation works with the Google Home app. Chromecast 3rd gen is an updated version of Chromecast 2nd gen but a degraded version of Chromecast Ultra.
Specs
| Model Number | NC2-6A5B GA00439 |
| Operating System | Chrome OS |
| System-on-chip | – |
| RAM Memory | – |
| Flash Storage | – |
| Display | 1080p at 60fps |
| Software and Security Support | Supported |
| Audio DAC | – |
| Remote | – |
| Connectivity | HDMI, WiFi, Ethernet |
| Power | Micro USB |
| Dimensions | 51.81 mm × 51.81 mm × 13.8 mm |
Where to Buy: Not Available for Sale. But available in third-party retailers like Amazon.
6. Chromecast with Google TV (4K)
Google broke the pattern of casting devices and launched a full-fletched streaming device, Chromecast with Google TV. The device comes with a dedicated OS (Google OS), a standalone UI, and a remote control, which were missing in the previous devices. Google TV is more similar to Android TV. The device looks like a streaming stick but with an oval shape. It weighs about 567g and costs $49.99 in the USA.
Specs
| Model Number | GZRNL/G9N9N GA01919 |
| Operating System | Android TV |
| System-on-chip | Amlogic S905X3 |
| RAM Memory | 2 GB DDR3L |
| Flash Storage | 8 GB |
| Display | 4K Ultra HD at 60 fps, HD |
| Software and Security Support | Supported |
| Audio DAC | – |
| Remote | Included |
| Connectivity | HDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet |
| Power | USB-C |
| Dimensions | 162 mm × 61 mm × 12.5 mm |
Where to Buy: Google Store and Amazon.
7. Chromecast with Google TV (HD)
Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is the recent addition to the Chromecast types. It is a downgraded version of the 4K models. The dimensions and specs are almost the same. The HD models cost $29.99. HD quality is the video output limit. You can’t stream 4K videos in the HD models. This is the major lag in the device. The 4K model is available in three colors, namely Snow, Sunrise, and Sky. The HD model is available in only one color, Snow. The HD model weighs 55g, which is slightly lighter than the 4K model.
Specs
| Model Number | G454V/G9N9N GA03131 |
| Operating System | Android TV |
| System-on-chip | Amlogic S805X2 |
| RAM Memory | 1.5 GB DDR3L |
| Flash Storage | 8 GB |
| Display | 1080p HDR at 60 fps, HD |
| Software and Security Support | Supported |
| Audio DAC | – |
| Remote | Included |
| Connectivity | HDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet |
| Power | USB-C |
| Dimensions | 162.5 mm × 61 mm × 12.5 mm |
Where to Buy: Google Store and Amazon.
Which is the Best Chromecast Device?
So far, Google has released seven types of Chromecast devices. Which Chromecast device are you using now? Which Chromecast device do you wish to buy? The answer depends on your requirements for streaming. If you want a streaming device with built-in Chromecast support, you can buy Chromecast with Google TV (4K). It is available in the Google Store and Amazon. If you already have a Streaming device or Smart TV and want only a device that supports casting, you can buy the Chromecast 3rd Gen from Amazon or any other retail store.
Disclosure: If we like a product or service, we might refer them to our readers via an affiliate link, which means we may receive a referral commission from the sale if you buy the product that we recommended, read more about that in our affiliate disclosure.
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
Tech Follows
