Chromecast vs Firestick: Which Is The Better Streaming Device? (A Complete Guide)

Updated on 08 May 2024

Chromecast vs Firestick, who would you think is better? Let’s find the answer in this blog.

Both streaming tv device is best in their respective terms such as streaming quality, content delivery, voice response, and content availability.

Amazon Fire TV Surpasses 200 Million Fire TV Devices Sold Globally, resulting in the company introducing Smart TV to more countries.

Compared to the Google Chromecast device, Amazon Fire TV innovation is popular and affordable in many countries.

Additionally, the availability of Chromecast devices is limited whereas Amazon Fire TV devices available at larger quantities.

Reportedly, Google discontinued their first-generation Chromecast, earlier last year.

Chromecast vs Firestick — Which Should You Buy?

It would be a good option for home buyers to purchase Firestick instead of Chromecast because of better support, more content delivery, flexible accessibility, and cost effectiveness.

Chromecast vs Firestick is a prolonged debate in which many experts have reviewed their thoughts based on their learning and user experience.

Today in this blog, The Next Tech experts are also putting their thoughts on the Fire Stick vs Chromecast review to conclude which one is better and more valuable.

We’ve posed major factors in this blog, various impeccable topics that help viewers and readers to decide between chromecast vs fire stick which is better to choose.

So, relax and read this article while having your cup of coffee.

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What Is Chromecast?

Chromecast is a device designed, developed and distributed by Google. It is also abbreviated as Google Chromecast is a streaming media gadget (typically in the form of a circle) having USB connectivity which can be plugged into TV’s HDMI port that allows users to play online audio-visual content with the help of the internet.

With the new Chromecast model ‘Chromecast with Google TV’ it comes with 1000+ Chromecast enabled-apps, 2,00,000+ TV shows and movies, and 30,000,000+ songs along with an intelligent, voice-assistant remote that could handle a given command at speed.

Firestick vs Chromecast with Google TV was a winning strategy for Google as it sold millions of Chromecast devices in the year 2020 and 2021.

Overview To Google’s Chromecast Reception

Well, Google Chromecast was the first invention in the field of digital entertainment that sought users to watch digital content on TVs using Chromecast.

Which Fire Stick vs Chromecast generation model do you have?

Look at the various Google’s Chromecast model generation by generation.

First generation model

The first generation of Chromecast was released on July 24, 2013 is only 2.83 inches (72 mm) in length and has an HDMI plug built into the body with a replica of a standard dongle. Since the launch announcement, it was available in the market to purchase at a price of US$35 (equivalent to $40.71 in 2021).

Second generation model

The second generation of Chromecast was released on September 29, 2015 with a change in a design having a disc-shaped body with a short length of HDMI cable attached. It was available in the market with the same price as the 1st generation.

Third generation model

The third-generation Chromecast was released on October 10, 2018 at the same price US$35 with minor changes such as added 60 frames-per-second playback support at a resolution of 1080p and with 15% increase in speed compared to the previous generation.

Chromecast with Google TV

On January 3, 2019, it was reported that hackers took control of Chromecast devices and bleached data(s) from nearly 70,000 devices. This was the time Google faced a great deduction in Chromecast users. But, in 2020, Google launched its new Chromecast device called Chromecast with Google TV which comes with major enhancement and features. The two foremost talkative features of this device is its brand new user interface and voice-assistant remote control technology.

How Does Google Chromecast work?

Google Chromecast works on the principle of HDMI connectivity and Wi-Fi signals. As the Google Chromecast vs Firestick device contains worldwide applications, TV shows and movies, and songs of millions of artists, you can watch them, listen to them, and experience them on your TV instantly.

You can also connect your phone and laptop with Chromecast using the Wi-Fi feature. Upon successful sync and connection, you can convert your phone as a remote to control your content as per your choice.

The Chromecast with Google TV adds an isolated experience to your TV, rather than solely casting content from other devices (your phone and laptop), you can dispense them and also play content directly on the device in one tap using a remote. Using in-built remote voice assistance, you can command whatever you wish either to play a particular movie or music on TV.

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What Users Can Watch on Google Chromecast?

Using Chromecast with Google TV, users can enhance and jazz up their streaming experiences with 1,000+ Chromecast-enabled apps, 200,000+ TV shows and movies while blinging with 30,000,000+ songs.

On top of that, Fire Stick vs Chromecast users can watch their latest shows, movies of their choice, and songs they listen to most on popular apps like Netflix, HBO Max, Spotify, and others on TV.

Additionally, you can visit Google’s Software Development Kit platform to know what new apps and services are being added to Chromecast gadgets.

How to watch any shows on Google Chromecast?

Suppose you are craving to watch ‘The Witcher’ on your Google TV, for instance.

• Set up your Google TV and connect it to an internet connection. Wi-Fi; for example.
• Now, press the Netflix button from the Chromecast remote or use the Google Assistant to open via voice command.
• Once the app opens, Sign in with your account credentials.
• Use the search bar to search the show you want to watch.
• At last, simply select the episodes that you want to watch.

What kind of TV do I need to use a Chromecast?

All you have to do is look out for the availability of the HDMI port on your TV. Chromecast has a USB based connection which is inserted into the TV’s HDMI port and another into the power plug. Remember to connect your Chromecast device and your TV with a stable internet connection.

However, Chromecast with Google TV works on selected TV brands. Google listed out the brands that incorporate Android TV OS with Chromecast built-in. Those are –

• VIZIO
• SHARP
• SONY
• TOSHIBA
• PHILIPS
• Polaroid
• Skyworth
• SONIQ

That’s the end of the first-phase of our topic ‘Chromecast vs Firestick’, moving ahead, let’s see if Fire Stick devices are better than Chromecast.

What Is Fire Stick TV?

Fire Stick is a device owned and developed by Amazon and which is why it is abbreviated as Amazon Fire TV and Amazon Firestick. It is another digital content streaming device that lets users watch movies, install apps, play music, and even games on TV using the HDMI plug-in stick.

Firestick vs Chromecast media streaming sticks is available in two form factors. The first one is a Set-Top-Box and another one is an HDMI plug-in stick.

The set-up box model is called Amazon Fire TV Cube which has two generation models, while the other HDMI plug-in encompasses four generation models; Fire TV Stick Lite, Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Stick 4K, and Fire TV Stick 4K Max.

Overview To Amazon’s Firestick Reception

Take a brief look at Amazon’s Fire TV models from inception (first-generation) till current (fourth-generation).

First generation

The first generation of Firestick was released on November 19, 2014 with a remote without the voice search interface, with code name “Inigo”.

Second generation

The second generation of Firestick was released on October 20, 2016 with some changes on the remote and is now capable of performing voice searches urged by users, with the code name “Tank”.

Third generation

In the same month in 2020, two third-generation firestick models were released. The first one Fire TV Stick model includes a remote with TV control accessibility while the other model which is Fire TV Stick Lite does not include TV controls.

Fire TV Stick 4K

This Amazon media streaming device was launched in 2018, before the third generation. But, eventually, it succeeded the third-generation Fire TV. The Fire TV Stick 4K comes with enhancements in hardware and in performance. After the launch of the third-generation fire stick, it was upgraded to a 1.7 GHz quad-core processor and supports 4K output along with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.

Fire TV Stick 4K Max

It is just an advanced version of Fire TV Stick 4K with more functions and features tweaks. The device was released on October 7, 2021. It recently received an update to the 3rd generation Alexa Voice Remote and has Wi-Fi 6 support. It is the only device that comes with hardware accelerated AV1 support.

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How Does A Firestick Work?

Chromecast vs Firestick works simply and conveniently. Users don’t have to do maths or even struggle in setting up. All you need is an HDMI port available in your TV and a stable network connection.

Once you connect the Fire TV plug-port into your TV with network connection such as WiFi or mobile data, you will be asked to login to your Amazon account. Upon login it will add your, if any, purchased music and videos immediately. Also, if you have stored your images on Amazon cloud storage, you can access them too on your TV.

Additionally, To watch any particular shows or apps, you can watch by downloading them.

On top of that, all Fire TV sticks come with Alexa built-in remote with various control buttons which enhances media streaming experiences.

Amazon Fire Stick TV is simple to set up and use.

 

What Users Can Watch on Firestick Devices?

Almost everything including prime video content! Users can use popular streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, PBS Kids and other streaming apps, popular online music streaming apps like Spotify, Pandora and Deezer, even proprietary channels such as HBO, Lionsgate, and more with add-on subscriptions.

What kind of TV do I need to use an Amazon Firestick?

Leaving the traditional TVs, all the modern-age developed TVs having HDMI ports available can enjoy the boom of Amazon Fire Stick streaming experiences. With an easy setting up process you can watch your shows in no time.

Google Chromecast vs Amazon Firestick: Which Is Better?

Well, both are pretty interesting smart home devices, so far.

It is literally hard to tell which one is better between Chromecast vs Firestick, but, here are some factors which we can count on for conclusion.

Those factors are discussed below and a final conclusion has been drawn respectively.

Design and Size

• Both require a power plug slot to operate.
• Chromecast comes in big sizes compared to Fire Stick. The Amazon Fire Stick is no bigger than a standard USB device.
• Both come with their respective voice assistant technology. But Amazon’s Alexa is pretty much fast.

Use

• Both are media streaming devices and used for streaming content online using the internet.
• Both smart home devices come with uncounted numbers of pre-installed apps and can host apps of choice instantly.
• Both support screen mirroring but Google’s screen mirror is convenient and easy to use.

Setting It Up

• Both devices prompt compact and easy to set up experiences to users.
• Google’s Chromecast setting up process is about 4-5 steps.
• Amazon’s Fire Stick setting up process is just about 3 steps.

Parental Control

• Both support parental control options.
• Firestick vs Chromecast, offers more parental control features.

Voice Search Remote

• Both come with voice-assistant features.
• Both respond to voice search results or voice commands instantly.
• However, the Amazon voice assistant function delivers better results as we found in our research.

Speed and Storage

• Both offer incredible streaming experiences on TV.
• Fire TV is pretty fast and quick as it works well even on a 1mbps plan and streams HD.

Price

• Chromecast vs Firestick devices are available at lower prices.
• Firestick devices are available at lower prices than chromecast.
• If you have a squeezed budget, you can go with Amazon Fire Stick TV.
• There are no monthly or yearly charges associated with the Amazon Fire Stick or Chromecast.
• However, if you have apps that require recurring fees to work, you have to pay for that.

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Fire Stick vs Chromecast: Pros & Cons

Chromecast vs Firestick Final Thoughts

Now it is easy to conclude the debate between Chromecast Vs. Firestick as we know the pros and cons of both devices.

We conveniently agree that Amazon’s Fire Stick is a good option to purchase because of low cost and tons of features.

In case you already have Chromecast and are thinking of changing with other Roku vs Firestick, you can go with Amazon Firestick latest series.

Which is better chromecast or fire tv stick? Currently, Amazon TV Stick holds the most positive review among global customers to this date.

In battle betweeen Chromecast vs Firestick – Fire Stick is definitely a winner in this debate.