Current Chromecast Prices

Google Chromecast prices range from around $30 to $100 depending on which model you choose. The standard Chromecast with Google TV costs about $30 to $35 and is the most common option for most homes. The Chromecast with Google TV 4K runs $50 to $60 and streams in 4K resolution if your TV and internet connection support it. Google also sells the Chromecast Audio for around $35, which streams music and podcasts to speakers instead of a TV.

Prices vary slightly by retailer and change during sales events. Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and the Google Store all stock Chromecast devices, and prices are usually within a few dollars of each other. You may find discounts during major shopping events like Black Friday or Prime Day, though the base prices listed above are what you should expect to pay on a regular day.

The device itself is a one-time purchase with no monthly subscription required to use it. You do need a Google account to set it up, and you'll need subscriptions to streaming services like Netflix or YouTube if you want to watch their content, but those are separate from the Chromecast cost.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard Chromecast with Google TV costs $30 to $35 and works with most TVs made in the last ten years.
  • The 4K model costs $50 to $60 and is worth the extra money only if your TV and internet can handle 4K video.
  • You can buy Chromecast devices from Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and the Google Store without price differences most of the time.
  • There is no monthly fee to use Chromecast itself, though you will need to pay for streaming services separately.

What You Get for Each Price Point

The $30 standard model streams video and audio in 1080p resolution (Full HD). It connects to your TV's HDMI port and plugs into a power outlet. The remote has a microphone so you can search by voice, and it comes with a USB power cable and HDMI extender in the box. This model works with almost any TV made after 2010 and handles most streaming apps without lag.

The $50 4K model does everything the standard version does but streams in 4K resolution and supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), which makes colors and contrast richer on compatible TVs. It has the same remote and setup process. The 4K model is noticeably faster at loading apps and scrolling through menus, but the difference only matters if your internet speed is above 25 Mbps and your TV actually displays 4K. If your TV is older or your internet is slower, the standard model will work just as well.

The Chromecast Audio is designed for speakers and sound systems instead of TVs. It costs around $35 and lets you stream music from your phone or computer to any speaker with an audio jack or Bluetooth. This is useful if you have older speakers you want to make wireless, or if you want to play different music in different rooms.

Where to Buy and How Prices Compare

Google sells Chromecast directly through the Google Store online. Best Buy carries all models in stores and online. Amazon stocks them both new and sometimes refurbished. Walmart sells them in-store and online. Target also carries Chromecast devices. Prices are almost always the same across these retailers unless there is a specific sale running.

Refurbished or open-box models sometimes cost $5 to $10 less than new ones. These are devices that were returned or had minor cosmetic damage but work normally. Amazon and Best Buy both sell refurbished Chromecast devices with a warranty, so they are lower-risk than buying used from a private seller. If you are on a tight budget, a refurbished standard model can save you money without sacrificing performance.

When Prices Drop and Sales to Watch For

Chromecast prices drop most often during Black Friday (late November), Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving), and Prime Day (mid-July for Amazon members). Discounts during these events are usually $5 to $15 off the regular price. The Google Store sometimes runs its own sales around Google's product launch events in the fall, though Chromecast itself is not always included.

Back-to-school sales in August and holiday sales in December also see occasional Chromecast discounts, though they are less predictable than the major events. If you are not in a rush, waiting for one of these sales can save you money, but the savings are usually small enough that buying now versus waiting a few months is a personal choice.

Hidden Costs and What Is Not Included

The Chromecast device itself has no hidden fees, but there are costs to consider beyond the purchase price. You need a TV with an HDMI port and a power outlet nearby. You need a Wi-Fi network to connect to — Chromecast does not work on cellular data. You need a smartphone, tablet, or computer to cast content to it, though you can also use the included remote to browse apps directly.

Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube Premium, and Spotify all charge their own monthly fees. Chromecast is just the hardware that displays them; it does not include any of the content. Some services offer free tiers with ads, so you can watch some content without paying, but most popular shows and movies require a subscription.

If you want to use Chromecast in multiple rooms, you will need to buy a device for each TV. There is no multi-room bundle discount, so a second Chromecast costs the same as the first one.

Comparing Chromecast to Other Streaming Devices

Roku streaming devices start at around $30 for the basic model and go up to $100 for premium versions. Amazon Fire TV devices range from $30 to $70. Apple TV starts at $99. All of these do roughly the same thing as Chromecast — they connect to your TV and let you stream apps. The main differences are the remote interface, which apps are easiest to use, and which voice assistant (Google, Alexa, or Siri) is built in.

Chromecast is usually the cheapest option and works well if you already use Google services like Gmail or YouTube. Roku is a good choice if you want a wider range of apps or prefer not to use Google. Fire TV is best if you use Amazon Prime Video heavily. Apple TV is the most expensive but integrates tightly with other Apple devices if you own an iPhone or Mac.

For most people, the $30 standard Chromecast is the best value because it does everything a more expensive device does, just with a slightly slower interface. The main reason to spend more is if you have a 4K TV and fast internet, or if you strongly prefer a different brand's remote or voice assistant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chromecast cheaper than a smart TV?

Chromecast is much cheaper upfront — $30 to $60 versus $200 to $1000 for a TV. But if your TV is old and does not have built-in streaming apps, Chromecast is a good way to add streaming without replacing the whole TV. If you are buying a new TV anyway, many modern TVs have Google TV built in, so you would not need a separate Chromecast device.

Do I need to pay a monthly fee to use Chromecast?

No. Chromecast itself is free to use once you buy it. You only pay for streaming services like Netflix or YouTube Premium if you want to watch their content. Free services like YouTube, Pluto TV, and Tubi work on Chromecast without any subscription.

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

Yes. Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and the Google Store all accept returns within 30 days if the device is unopened or in original condition. Some retailers have longer return windows. Check the specific retailer's return policy before you buy.

What if I want Chromecast in multiple rooms?

You need to buy a separate device for each TV. There is no discount for buying multiple units, so a second Chromecast costs the same as the first. You can name each device in the Google Home app so you know which one is in which room.

Is the 4K model worth the extra money?

Only if your TV supports 4K, your internet speed is at least 25 Mbps, and you watch a lot of 4K content. Most streaming services charge extra for 4K, and not all content is available in 4K. If you have a regular 1080p TV or slower internet, the standard model will work just as well.