No, Chromecast and Roku are separate casting systems that do not work together

You cannot cast directly from a Chromecast-enabled app or device to a Roku. Chromecast and Roku use different casting protocols—Google's Cast protocol versus Roku's proprietary system—and they do not communicate with each other. If you try to cast to a Roku from a phone or computer that supports Chromecast, you will not see the Roku as an available target.

This matters because it means you cannot use the "Cast" button in apps like YouTube, Netflix, or Google Photos to send video to a Roku TV or Roku streaming device. You would need to use Roku's own casting method instead, or use a different device altogether.

Key Takeaways

  • Chromecast and Roku use incompatible casting systems, so you cannot send a Chromecast stream to a Roku device.
  • Roku devices have their own casting feature called Roku Cast, which works only with compatible apps and phones.
  • If you own both a Chromecast device and a Roku TV, you can use either one, but not both at the same time for casting.
  • Some streaming apps work on both Chromecast and Roku natively, so you can cast to whichever device you prefer.
  • If you want to use Chromecast with your TV, you can plug a Chromecast dongle into an HDMI port on a Roku TV.

How Roku's casting system works instead

Roku devices have their own casting feature called Roku Cast, which lets you send content from your phone to a Roku TV or Roku streaming device. The process is similar to Chromecast—you tap a button in an app and select your Roku—but it only works with apps that have built Roku Cast support into them.

Not every app supports Roku Cast. Major apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify do, but smaller or newer apps may not. You can check whether an app supports Roku Cast by looking for a Roku icon (usually a small "R" or casting symbol) in the app itself. If the icon is not there, that app does not support Roku casting.

Roku Cast also works differently depending on your phone's operating system. Android phones and iPhones both support it, but the specific steps and which apps work can vary slightly between the two.

What happens if you have both a Chromecast and a Roku TV

If your TV is a Roku TV, it has Roku's casting system built in. You can still use Chromecast with that same TV by plugging a Chromecast dongle into one of the TV's HDMI ports. The TV will then have both systems available, and you can switch between them by changing the input.

This means you could cast a YouTube video to Chromecast on one HDMI input, then switch to a different input and cast a different video to Roku Cast. However, you cannot use both at the same time, and you would need to own a separate Chromecast device—the Roku TV's built-in system will not give you Chromecast functionality.

If you are buying a new TV and want Chromecast built in, you would need to choose a non-Roku TV, or plan to buy a Chromecast dongle separately to use alongside your Roku TV.

Apps that work with both systems

Many popular streaming apps support both Chromecast and Roku Cast, which gives you flexibility about which device to cast to. Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and Spotify all support both systems. When you open one of these apps and look for the casting button, you will see whichever casting system your device supports.

The advantage is that you are not locked into one ecosystem. If you have a Chromecast in your bedroom and a Roku TV in your living room, you can cast Netflix to either one depending on where you are. The disadvantage is that you have to own and maintain two separate devices if you want casting in multiple rooms.

Workarounds if you need to cast to Roku from a Chromecast app

If you are trying to cast something to a Roku but the app only supports Chromecast, you have a few options. The simplest is to check whether that same app is available directly on your Roku device. Many apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Plex are built into Roku or available in the Roku Channel Store, so you can open them directly on the TV without casting at all.

Another option is to use your phone's screen mirroring feature. Most Android phones and some iPhones can mirror their entire screen to a Roku TV, which means you can open any app and see it on the TV. This is slower and uses more battery than casting, but it works for any app. Look for "Screen Mirroring" or "Cast Screen" in your phone's settings, then select your Roku TV.

If the app is only available on Chromecast and you do not have a Chromecast device, you would need to either buy a Chromecast dongle or find an alternative app that supports Roku Cast.

Choosing between Chromecast and Roku for your setup

If you are deciding which casting system to use in your home, consider which apps you use most often and whether they support each system. Chromecast tends to have broader app support and integrates well with Google services like Google Home and Google Photos. Roku Cast works well if you already own a Roku TV or prefer Roku's interface and channel selection.

Neither system is objectively better—it depends on your habits and which devices you already own. If you have a Roku TV, you already have Roku Cast built in at no extra cost. If you have a different TV and want casting, a Chromecast dongle is usually cheaper than buying a new TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Chromecast dongle with a Roku TV?

Yes. Plug the Chromecast dongle into an HDMI port on your Roku TV, then switch to that input when you want to use Chromecast. Your TV will have both Roku Cast and Chromecast available on different inputs.

Does Roku Cast work the same way as Chromecast?

The process is similar—you tap a casting button in an app and select your device—but Roku Cast only works with apps that have built it in. Not all apps support Roku Cast the way they support Chromecast.

What if my app only has a Chromecast button and no Roku option?

You can try screen mirroring your phone to the Roku TV instead, which mirrors your entire screen. Alternatively, check whether the app is available directly on your Roku device so you can open it without casting.

Is Chromecast or Roku better for casting?

Both work well. Chromecast has broader app support and integrates with Google services. Roku Cast is built into Roku TVs and works well if you already own Roku devices. Choose based on which apps you use and which devices you own.

Can I cast from my computer to a Roku?

Roku Cast on computers is limited compared to phones. Some apps like Netflix support it, but many do not. Screen mirroring from Windows or Mac to Roku is also possible but slower than phone casting.