Current Chromecast prices range from $30 to $100 depending on the model

Google sells three main Chromecast models, each at a different price point. The Chromecast with Google TV costs around $30 and includes a remote control and access to streaming apps. The Chromecast HD is the budget option at roughly $20, though it streams at 1080p instead of 4K. The Chromecast with Google TV 4K runs about $50 to $60 and handles 4K video with a remote included.

Prices vary slightly by retailer and change during sales events. Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and the Google Store all stock these models, and prices are usually within a few dollars of each other at any given time. Older models sometimes appear at discount retailers or secondhand marketplaces, but they may lack current software support.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard Chromecast with Google TV costs around $30 and works with most TVs made in the last decade.
  • The 4K model costs $50 to $60 and is worth the extra money only if your TV supports 4K and you watch 4K content regularly.
  • The budget Chromecast HD at $20 streams in 1080p and lacks a remote, so you control it from your phone.
  • Prices are consistent across major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, so shopping around rarely saves money.
  • Refurbished models from Google's official store cost less but come with the same warranty as new units.

What each model includes in the box

The Chromecast with Google TV ($30) comes with the device itself, a remote control with a Google Assistant button, a USB-C power cable, and a power adapter. You plug it into an HDMI port on your TV and a power outlet, then connect it to your Wi-Fi network. The remote lets you navigate apps and search without picking up your phone.

The Chromecast HD ($20) includes the device, a USB-C power cable, and a power adapter, but no remote. You control it entirely from your phone using the Google Home app or by casting from apps like YouTube and Netflix. This model is simpler but requires your phone nearby every time you want to change what's on screen.

The 4K model ($50–$60) includes everything the standard model has—device, remote, cables, and power adapter—but with 4K video support and a faster processor. All three models come with a one-year limited warranty from Google.

Where to buy and current availability

Google sells Chromecast directly through the Google Store online, where you can also find refurbished units at a discount. Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target all stock the current models and usually have them in stock. Prices are nearly identical across these retailers, so the choice comes down to where you prefer to shop and how quickly you need it.

If you need it today, Best Buy and Walmart often have units available for in-store pickup. Amazon offers next-day or two-day delivery depending on your membership and location. The Google Store ships within one to three business days for standard orders.

Refurbished and older models cost less

Google's official refurbished store sells previous-generation Chromecast models and refurbished current models at 15 to 20 percent below retail price. These units have been tested, cleaned, and repackaged, and they come with the same one-year warranty as new devices. Refurbished units are a real way to save money if you do not mind an older model or a unit that has been returned and restored.

Older Chromecast models (the third-generation Chromecast without Google TV, for example) sometimes appear on Amazon, eBay, or local marketplaces at steep discounts. These work fine for basic casting, but they lack the Google TV interface and built-in apps, so you cast everything from your phone. Google no longer updates these models, so they may lose compatibility with newer apps over time.

Factors that affect which model to choose

If your TV is older than 2015 or does not have an HDMI port, any Chromecast will work as long as you have an available HDMI input. If you watch mostly standard-definition content (YouTube, news, older movies), the $20 HD model is sufficient. If you stream 4K movies on Netflix or Disney+ and your TV supports 4K, the $50–$60 4K model is worth the extra cost.

The remote matters more than the price difference suggests. The $30 model with a remote is easier to use than the $20 model without one, especially if you live with others or do not want to fumble for your phone every time you pause. If you live alone and your phone is always nearby, the budget model works fine.

Consider your Wi-Fi strength too. All Chromecast models need a stable 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection. If your router is far from your TV or your signal is weak, a Chromecast will buffer during 4K playback. In that case, upgrading your router might matter more than upgrading the Chromecast itself.

What is not included and what you might need to buy

Chromecast comes with everything you need to plug in and use it—power cable, adapter, and HDMI cable are all included. You do not need to buy anything extra to get your free guide. However, if your TV is mounted on a wall far from an outlet, you may want to buy a longer USB-C power cable (usually $10 to $15) so you can plug the Chromecast into a nearby outlet instead of running the short cable across your wall.

If you buy the $20 HD model without a remote, you can purchase a Google TV remote separately for about $20 to $30, though this defeats the purpose of buying the budget model. The standard remote works with all Chromecast models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 4K Chromecast worth the extra $20 to $30?

Only if your TV supports 4K and you regularly watch 4K content on Netflix, Disney+, or YouTube. If you mostly watch standard-definition content or your TV is 1080p, the standard $30 model is all you need. The 4K model also has a slightly faster processor, so it navigates apps a bit quicker, but the difference is not dramatic.

Can I use Chromecast on a TV without an HDMI port?

No. Chromecast requires an available HDMI input on your TV. If your TV is very old and has only composite or component inputs, Chromecast will not work. You would need an HDMI-to-composite converter (around $15 to $25), though this is uncommon and not officially supported by Google.

Do I need a Google account to use Chromecast?

Yes. You set up Chromecast by signing into a Google account on the device. This account is how it connects to your Wi-Fi and syncs your preferences. You do not need to pay for anything, but you do need an active Google account.

Will Chromecast work if my Wi-Fi is slow?

Chromecast will work on slow Wi-Fi, but you may see buffering, especially with 4K video. Standard 1080p content usually streams fine on Wi-Fi as slow as 5 Mbps. For 4K without buffering, Google recommends at least 25 Mbps. If buffering is a problem, moving your router closer to your TV or upgrading to a faster internet plan may help more than buying a new Chromecast.

Can I return a Chromecast if I do not like it?

Yes. Google offers a 30-day return window from the Google Store. Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart have their own return policies, typically 30 days as well. Keep your receipt and the original packaging if you think you might return it.