Chromecast is not discontinued, but Google has shifted which models are actively sold

Google still makes and sells Chromecast devices, but the product line has changed. As of 2024, Google no longer manufactures the older Chromecast (3rd generation) or the Chromecast Ultra. The current models you can buy new are Chromecast with Google TV (the standard version with a remote) and Chromecast (4K), which is the higher-end model. If you own an older Chromecast that still works, Google continues to support it with software updates, so you can keep using it.

The confusion often comes from Google retiring older hardware while keeping the Chromecast name alive on newer products. This is normal for tech companies — they discontinue old models to make room for newer ones with better features. Chromecast with Google TV, released in 2020, is the main product Google pushes now, and it includes a remote control and access to Google TV's interface, which older Chromecasts did not have.

Key Takeaways

  • Google still manufactures and sells Chromecast with Google TV and Chromecast (4K), so the product line is active, not discontinued.
  • Older models like the 3rd-generation Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra are no longer made, but devices already in homes continue to receive software updates.
  • The current Chromecast with Google TV includes a remote and Google TV interface, which is different from older models that required a phone or tablet to control.
  • You can buy new Chromecast devices from Google Store, Amazon, Best Buy, and other major retailers that carry Google products.

Which Chromecast models are still being made

Chromecast with Google TV is the primary model Google manufactures and sells. It comes with a remote control, costs less than the 4K version, and streams in 1080p and 1440p resolution. This is the model most people buy because it covers standard TV setups and is the most affordable option.

Chromecast (4K) is the premium option. It streams in 4K resolution and is designed for people with 4K televisions. It also comes with a remote and Google TV interface, just like the standard version, but with higher video quality.

Both models work the same way: you plug them into an HDMI port on your TV, connect them to your Wi-Fi, and then use your phone, tablet, or the included remote to send video, music, or photos to your screen. Google TV (the interface that comes with both) lets you browse apps, search across services, and see recommendations without needing to open individual apps.

What happened to older Chromecast models

Google stopped making the Chromecast (3rd generation) — the small, puck-shaped device without a remote — several years ago. This was the original Chromecast design that required you to use your phone or a voice assistant to control it. You cannot buy it new from Google anymore, though used versions are still available on secondhand marketplaces.

The Chromecast Ultra, which was the 4K model before the current Chromecast (4K), was also discontinued. It worked similarly to the older standard Chromecast but supported 4K streaming. If you own either of these devices, they still work — Google sends software updates to keep them functioning, and you can cast to them the same way you always have.

How to tell if your Chromecast is still supported

If you own a Chromecast and want to know whether Google still supports it, check your device's settings. Go to the Chromecast's settings menu (usually found in the Google Home app on your phone) and look for system updates. If updates are available or if the device shows it is up to date, Google is still supporting it.

Older Chromecasts may eventually stop receiving updates, but Google typically supports devices for several years after they stop being sold. The company has not announced an end-of-life date for any current Chromecast model, so if you own one that is working, you can expect it to continue working and receiving updates for the foreseeable future.

Where to buy a new Chromecast

You can purchase Chromecast with Google TV and Chromecast (4K) from several retailers. Google Store (store.google.com) sells both models directly. Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target all carry current Chromecast devices in stock. Prices vary slightly between retailers, but the official retail price for Chromecast with Google TV is typically around $30 to $35, and Chromecast (4K) is usually $50 to $60.

Before buying, check the product listing to confirm you are getting the current model with Google TV and a remote, not an older version. The packaging will say "Chromecast with Google TV" or "Chromecast (4K)" — if it just says "Chromecast" without those qualifiers, it may be an older model.

Why Google discontinued older models

Google retired older Chromecast versions because the newer models with Google TV and a remote offer more features and a better user experience. The older Chromecast required you to use your phone to control everything — you could not browse apps or see what was available without opening your phone first. The new version lets you use the remote to explore apps, search, and see recommendations directly on your TV, similar to how a Roku or Fire Stick works.

This shift reflects how streaming has evolved. When Chromecast first launched, the idea of casting from your phone was novel. Now, most people expect a streaming device to have its own interface and remote. By discontinuing the older models, Google simplified its product line and pushed customers toward the more capable version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my old Chromecast stop working?

No. Google continues to send software updates to older Chromecast devices, so they will keep working. However, Google may eventually stop supporting very old models, though the company has not announced when that will happen. If you own a Chromecast that is currently working, you can expect it to function for several more years.

Is Chromecast with Google TV the same as a regular Chromecast?

No. The older Chromecast (3rd generation) was a straightforward casting device — you sent video from your phone to your TV. Chromecast with Google TV includes a remote and a full interface on your TV, so you can browse apps and search without using your phone. It is a more complete streaming device.

Should I buy Chromecast with Google TV or Chromecast (4K)?

Buy Chromecast with Google TV if you have a standard 1080p or 1440p TV. Buy Chromecast (4K) if you have a 4K television and want to stream in 4K resolution. Both include the same Google TV interface and remote — the only difference is video quality.

Can I still buy the old Chromecast without Google TV?

Not new. Google no longer manufactures the older Chromecast (3rd generation). You may find used versions on secondhand marketplaces like eBay or Facebook Marketplace, but they are not sold by Google or major retailers anymore.

Does Chromecast work with all streaming apps?

Most major apps support Chromecast — Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Disney+, and others all work. Check the app's settings to see if it has a cast button. Some apps may not support casting, so if you use a specific app, search for its name plus "Chromecast" to confirm compatibility before buying.