Current Chromecast pricing

Google sells three Chromecast models at different price points. The Chromecast with Google TV costs around $30 and includes a remote control and the Google TV interface built in. The Chromecast (standard), which has no remote and no TV interface, runs about $20. Google also makes the Chromecast Audio, a speaker-only device for around $35, though it has been discontinued and is harder to find new.

Prices vary slightly by retailer and change during sales events. Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and the Google Store all stock these devices, and you may find discounts during holiday shopping periods or back-to-school sales. The prices listed here are the manufacturer's suggested retail price—what Google officially charges—but the actual price you pay depends on where you shop and when.

None of these devices require a subscription to work. Once you buy one, you can cast from your phone, tablet, or computer to your TV at no additional cost. Streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ do charge their own subscriptions, but those are separate from the Chromecast itself.

Key Takeaways

  • The Chromecast with Google TV costs around $30 and comes with a remote and built-in TV interface.
  • The standard Chromecast without a remote costs about $20 and requires you to cast from your phone or computer.
  • Prices vary by retailer and may drop during sales events, but there are no hidden monthly fees once you own the device.
  • You can cast from any phone, tablet, or computer to a Chromecast without paying extra, though streaming services themselves may charge subscriptions.

What the difference in price means

The $10 difference between the standard Chromecast and the Chromecast with Google TV is mostly the remote control and the TV interface. With the standard model, you control everything from your phone—you open an app, tap the cast button, and your phone becomes the remote. With Google TV, you get a physical remote and a home screen on your TV that shows your apps, recommendations, and search results, similar to what you see on a smart TV.

If you already have a smartphone or tablet you use constantly, the standard Chromecast works fine and saves you money. If you prefer not to hold your phone while watching, or if you want a traditional remote and on-screen menu, the Google TV version is worth the extra cost. Neither model requires internet beyond what your TV already needs for streaming.

Where to buy and how prices compare

Google sells Chromecast directly through the Google Store, but you will also find them at Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, Target, and most electronics retailers. Prices are usually the same across retailers when the device is in regular stock, but online marketplaces sometimes undercut by a few dollars, and warehouse clubs like Costco occasionally offer bundle deals.

Refurbished or open-box Chromecast devices sometimes sell for $5 to $10 less than new ones. These are returned items that Google or retailers have tested and repackaged. They come with the same warranty as new devices in most cases, though you should check the return policy before buying. If you see a price significantly lower than the standard retail price—more than 30 percent off—verify that you are buying from an authorized seller, because counterfeit devices do exist.

What is not included in the price

The Chromecast itself is just the hardware. You need a TV with an HDMI port (nearly all modern TVs have at least one), a Wi-Fi network, and a phone or computer to cast from. The device does not come with an HDMI cable in most cases, though the Google TV version includes one. If your TV is older or your HDMI ports are already full, you may need to buy a cable or an HDMI splitter separately.

Streaming services—Netflix, Disney+, YouTube TV, Hulu, and others—charge their own subscriptions and are not part of the Chromecast cost. Some services offer free tiers with ads. The Chromecast itself does not add any monthly fees on top of what you already pay for internet and streaming.

Comparing Chromecast to other casting devices

Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV all offer similar casting functionality at different prices. A basic Roku Streaming Stick costs around $30 to $40 and works much like the Chromecast with Google TV. Amazon Fire TV devices range from $25 to $100 depending on the model. Apple TV starts at $99 for the base model. If you already own an Apple device and use Apple services, Apple TV may make sense; if you use Android or just want the cheapest option, Chromecast is usually the most affordable choice.

The main difference is the interface and which services are easiest to access. Chromecast emphasizes casting from your phone; Roku and Fire TV emphasize their on-screen app stores; Apple TV emphasizes integration with Apple devices. All three work with most major streaming services, so your choice often comes down to price and which remote experience you prefer.

Sales and discounts throughout the year

Chromecast prices drop most often during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the winter holiday shopping season. You might see the standard Chromecast drop to $15 or the Google TV version to $25 during these events. Back-to-school sales in August sometimes include discounts as well. Google occasionally runs its own promotions on the Google Store, especially when launching new products.

If you are not in a hurry, waiting for a sale can save you $5 to $10. If you need one now, the regular price is stable and fair compared to competing devices. Sign up for price alerts on Amazon or Best Buy if you want to be notified when the price drops.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Once you buy the device, there are no monthly fees to use it. You pay for streaming services separately if you want them, but the Chromecast itself has no subscription cost.

Can I use Chromecast without Wi-Fi?

No, Chromecast requires a Wi-Fi network to work. It connects to your home network and receives the video stream over Wi-Fi. If you do not have Wi-Fi, you cannot use it.

Is the Chromecast with Google TV worth the extra $10?

That depends on how you watch. If you like using your phone to control everything and do not mind casting each time, the standard model is fine. If you want a traditional remote and a home screen on your TV, the Google TV version is worth it. Try the standard model first if you are unsure.

Will my old TV work with Chromecast?

As long as your TV has an HDMI port, yes. Most TVs made in the last 15 years have HDMI. If your TV is older and has only composite cables (red, white, yellow), you would need an HDMI converter, which adds cost and complexity.

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

Yes, most retailers have a 14- to 30-day return window. The Google Store allows returns within 15 days. Keep your receipt and the original packaging if you think you might return it.