Fire Sticks Do Not Have Chromecast

Amazon Fire Sticks do not include Chromecast. They are separate streaming devices made by different companies — Amazon makes Fire Sticks, and Google makes Chromecast. A Fire Stick will not receive a Chromecast signal from your phone, and a Chromecast device will not work with Fire Stick apps or the Fire Stick remote.

Both devices stream video to your TV, but they use different technology and different app ecosystems. If you own a Fire Stick, you control it with the Fire Stick remote or the Fire Stick app on your phone. If you own a Chromecast, you cast content to it from apps on your phone or computer. They do not overlap in function.

Key Takeaways

  • Fire Sticks run Amazon's operating system and work with Amazon apps like Prime Video, while Chromecast devices run Google's system and work with Google apps like YouTube.
  • You cannot cast to a Fire Stick from your phone the way you can with Chromecast — Fire Sticks require a remote or the Fire Stick app to control playback.
  • Some streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+ work on both devices, but the way you launch and control them is different on each platform.
  • If you want Chromecast functionality on a TV that has a Fire Stick, you would need to buy a separate Chromecast device and plug it into another HDMI port.

How Fire Sticks and Chromecast Control Video Differently

Fire Sticks use a remote-based model. You hold the Fire Stick remote, navigate menus on your TV screen, and select what to watch. The Fire Stick itself decides what plays. You can also use the Fire Stick app on your phone as a remote, but the phone is still controlling the Fire Stick — not sending video to it.

Chromecast uses a casting model. You open an app on your phone or computer — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify — and tap a cast button. Your phone then tells the Chromecast device what to play, and the Chromecast fetches and plays it. Your phone is the remote, but it is not the screen. Once you cast, you can close the app or put your phone away, and the video keeps playing.

This difference matters if you have multiple people in your home. With a Fire Stick, one person holds the remote. With Chromecast, anyone with the app can cast to the same device, which can create conflicts — or convenience, depending on your household.

Which Streaming Apps Work on Fire Sticks vs. Chromecast

Amazon Prime Video, Alexa, and Fire TV-exclusive apps run on Fire Sticks. YouTube, Google Play, and Google TV apps run on Chromecast. Some apps exist on both — Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and Paramount+ all have versions for Fire Stick and versions that work with Chromecast casting.

The difference is how you launch them. On a Fire Stick, you open Netflix from the home screen and use the remote to search and play. On Chromecast, you open Netflix on your phone, find what you want, and tap cast. If an app you use regularly is only available on one platform, that narrows your choice.

Can You Use Both a Fire Stick and Chromecast on the Same TV

Yes. Most TVs have multiple HDMI ports. You can plug a Fire Stick into one port and a Chromecast into another, then switch between them using your TV remote. This is useful if you have family members who prefer one system over the other, or if you want access to both Amazon and Google ecosystems without choosing.

The downside is cost — you are buying two devices instead of one. A Fire Stick 4K costs around $50, and a Chromecast with Google TV costs around $30 to $50 depending on the model. If you only need one streaming platform, buying both is unnecessary.

Fire TV vs. Google TV: Which Ecosystem Fits Your Needs

Fire Sticks run Amazon's Fire TV operating system. If you subscribe to Prime Video, use Alexa voice commands, or buy content through Amazon, a Fire Stick integrates with your existing Amazon account. Fire Sticks also support Alexa — you can use voice commands to search, play, and control playback.

Chromecast devices run Google TV. If you use Google services like YouTube, Google Play, or Gmail, or if you prefer casting from your phone, Chromecast fits that workflow. Google TV also supports voice commands through Google Assistant, though the experience varies by device.

Neither system is objectively better. The right choice depends on which services you use most and how you prefer to control your TV. If you are already deep in Amazon's ecosystem, a Fire Stick makes sense. If you are already deep in Google's ecosystem, Chromecast makes sense.

What to Know Before Buying a Fire Stick or Chromecast

Fire Sticks come in several versions: Fire Stick Lite (the cheapest), Fire Stick (standard), Fire Stick 4K, and Fire Stick Max (the most powerful). The main differences are video quality, processing speed, and remote features. For most people, the standard Fire Stick or 4K model is sufficient.

Chromecast also comes in versions: Chromecast (the basic model, which is just a dongle with no remote), Chromecast with Google TV (which includes a remote and a full interface), and Chromecast with Google TV 4K. The basic Chromecast is cheaper but requires you to cast from your phone every time. The version with Google TV is more like a Fire Stick because it has a remote and a home screen.

Before buying, check which apps you use most and whether they are available on the platform you are considering. Both systems have most major apps, but some niche services may only work on one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from my phone to a Fire Stick?

Not in the traditional Chromecast sense. Some Fire Stick apps support AirPlay (Apple's casting standard) or Miracast (Android's casting standard), but this is app-specific and not built into Fire Stick the way Chromecast is. Your best option is to use the Fire Stick app on your phone to control the Fire Stick remotely.

Can I use Chromecast apps on a Fire Stick?

No. Chromecast is a Google product, and Fire Stick is an Amazon product. They do not share apps or compatibility. However, many apps like Netflix and YouTube exist in versions for both platforms, so you can use those apps on either device — just not the Chromecast casting feature itself.

Which is cheaper, Fire Stick or Chromecast?

The basic Chromecast (without a remote) is cheaper at around $30, but it requires casting from your phone. Chromecast with Google TV (with a remote) costs $40 to $50. Fire Stick starts at around $40 for the Lite model and goes up to $150 for the Max. If you want a remote included, both systems cost roughly the same.

Do I need a smart TV to use a Fire Stick or Chromecast?

No. Both devices work on any TV with an HDMI port, including older non-smart TVs. The device itself handles all the streaming — your TV is just the display. This is one reason people buy them: to add streaming capability to a TV that does not have it built in.

Can I use voice commands on a Fire Stick or Chromecast?

Fire Sticks with Alexa remotes support voice commands through Amazon's Alexa assistant. Chromecast with Google TV supports voice commands through Google Assistant. Both work, but they are tied to their respective ecosystems — Alexa commands work with Amazon services, and Google Assistant commands work with Google services.