Chromecast pricing depends on which model you choose

Google sells three main Chromecast models, and the price you pay depends on which one fits your setup. The Chromecast with Google TV costs around $30 and includes a remote control plus the ability to search across streaming apps from one interface. The older Chromecast (3rd generation), which has no remote and no built-in interface, typically costs $25 to $30 when you find it in stock, though Google has largely phased it out. The Chromecast Audio, designed for speakers and sound systems, was discontinued but may still be available used.

Prices vary slightly by retailer and by whether you catch a sale. Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and Google's own store all stock the current model. You may also see older stock or refurbished units at a discount, though the warranty and return policy differ from new devices.

Key Takeaways

  • The current Chromecast with Google TV costs around $30 and comes with a remote and a search interface built in.
  • Older Chromecast models without Google TV cost $25 to $30 but lack the remote and interface features.
  • Prices fluctuate by retailer and season, so checking multiple stores may save you a few dollars.
  • You do not need to pay a subscription to use Chromecast itself, though you will need subscriptions to the streaming services you want to watch.

What the Chromecast with Google TV includes for $30

The Chromecast with Google TV is the model Google currently sells as its main product. For $30, you get the device itself, a remote control with voice search, and access to Google TV—a unified search layer that looks across your installed apps and shows you where each show or movie is streaming. You plug it into an HDMI port on your TV, connect it to your Wi-Fi network, and you can start casting from your phone or searching directly on the TV.

This model replaced the older Chromecast (3rd generation), which cost less but required you to cast from your phone every time—it had no remote and no on-screen interface of its own. If you already own that older model, it still works and costs nothing more, but if you are buying new, Google is steering you toward the Google TV version.

Older Chromecast models and where to find them

The Chromecast (3rd generation) is no longer in Google's active lineup, but you may still find it at retailers who have old stock. Prices typically range from $25 to $30, sometimes lower if the retailer is clearing inventory. This model does not have a remote or built-in interface—you cast content to it from your phone, tablet, or computer using apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify. It works fine if you are comfortable casting from your device every time, but it requires more steps than the Google TV model.

The Chromecast Audio was designed to stream music and podcasts to speakers and sound systems. Google discontinued it several years ago, so you will only find it used or refurbished. Prices for used units vary widely depending on condition and seller. If you are looking for a way to add streaming audio to an existing speaker, a newer alternative like a Bluetooth receiver or a smart speaker may be easier to find.

Where to buy and how prices compare

Google sells the Chromecast with Google TV directly through its store at the $30 price. Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart all stock it as well, usually at the same price, though occasional sales or bundle deals appear. If you have a Best Buy membership or Amazon Prime, you might find free or faster shipping, which can matter if you are in a hurry.

Refurbished or open-box Chromecast devices sometimes appear at a discount—typically $5 to $10 off—but check the return policy and warranty before buying. A refurbished device from Google or an authorized retailer usually comes with a one-year warranty, while open-box items from retailers may have a shorter return window.

What you do not have to pay for

Chromecast itself has no subscription fee. Once you own the device, you can cast to it and use Google TV for free. You do not pay Google to use the casting feature or to search across apps. However, you will need to pay for the streaming services you want to watch—Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and others charge their own subscriptions. Chromecast is just the hardware that lets you watch those services on your TV.

Some free streaming apps like YouTube, Pluto TV, and Tubi work on Chromecast without any subscription at all. The device itself is the only one-time cost.

Comparing Chromecast to other streaming devices

At $30, the Chromecast with Google TV is one of the cheaper streaming devices on the market. The Amazon Fire TV Stick costs around $40 and uses Amazon's interface instead of Google TV. The Roku Streaming Stick runs $30 to $50 depending on the model and emphasizes Roku's own channel store. The Apple TV 4K costs $129 and is designed for people in the Apple ecosystem.

If you already own phones, tablets, or computers from one of these companies, the cheapest option is often the device that matches your ecosystem—Chromecast for Android and Google users, Fire TV for Amazon Prime members, Roku for people who like a neutral platform. The $30 Chromecast is competitive on price, and the remote and Google TV interface make it easier to use than older Chromecast models without spending much more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Chromecast without paying for anything?

You can use Chromecast to watch free streaming apps like YouTube, Pluto TV, and Tubi without any subscription. You do not pay Google for the device's casting or search features. However, you will need subscriptions to services like Netflix or Disney+ if you want to watch their content.

Is the Chromecast with Google TV worth the extra cost over older models?

If you want a remote and an on-screen interface where you can search and browse without picking up your phone, the Google TV model is worth the $30. If you are comfortable casting from your phone every time, the older model works fine and may cost a few dollars less if you find it in stock.

Do I need to buy a new Chromecast if I already have an older one?

No. Older Chromecast models still work and will continue to receive updates. You only need to buy a new one if you want the remote, the Google TV interface, or if your current device stops working.

Will the price go down during sales or holidays?

Chromecast prices sometimes drop during major sales events like Black Friday or Prime Day, though the discounts are usually small—$5 to $10 off. The $30 price is already competitive, so waiting for a sale may not save you much.