Naturally, the Apple TV 4K and the Chromecast with Google TV are two of the most popular streaming devices available. Some say there are even better than Roku for non-Smart TVs.
The Apple TV 4K is a superior set-top box if you’re permanently tethered to the Apple ecosystem, but the Chromecast with Google TV is the finest streaming device for both Android and iOS users.
While there are some excellent alternatives available, such as the 4K-upscaling Nvidia TV Shield Pro, Apple TV and Google Chromecast are your two best choices for the widest selection of streaming apps.
Which of the two is, nonetheless, the better choice today? Does it matter if you use an Android or iPhone? Compare the Chromecast with Google TV and Apple TV 4K to find which performs better.
After months of testing, I’ve come to the conclusion that Chromecast with Google TV is the streaming device that most people should get because it offers an excellent value for only $49 and has a better method of content organization.
On the other hand, the combination of the remote and keypad in Apple TV 4K (Gen 2) is fantastic for iPhone users. It’s speedier than Chromecast and offers better privacy, but it’s not a great value at $179.
Do you want to know how I came to this conclusion? Continue reading to view a full analysis of the apps, user interface, performance, and remotes that influenced my final judgement.
Apple TV vs Chromecast
Devices
Apple TV vs Chromecast, Both streaming devices offer Dolby Atmos audio and can display content in 4K HDR Dolby Vision.
Without any glaringly evident streaming service omissions, both systems include an app store. Along with hundreds of other well-known services, you’ll have access to Amazon Video, Vudu, Hulu, Netflix, Showtime, HBO, Sling TV, YouTube, FuboTV, AT&T TV, Peacock, and YouTube TV. On both devices, there is even the Apple TV app.
When you can’t find an app on the best streaming device, however, there are Cast and AirPlay possibilities.
Chromecast is available in three colours and as a dongle. It conceals itself behind the TV unnoticed, which is a nice feature. The HDMI connection and electricity are still needed for Chromecast. The majority of TVs have a USB port, but if you can, it’s best to use a wall outlet to power the Chromecast.
Chromecast
Apple TV vs Chromecast, As long as the app has a “cast” option, streaming services can be cast from iPhone and Android smartphones. By selecting the “cast” button on your Chrome browser window from a Mac or PC, you may send any material in the world to your TV.
When using some apps, like YouTube, casting is my preferred method of viewing as opposed to using the app on the Chromecast.
The casting art’s beauty? On the streaming device itself, you don’t need to configure or sign into any apps. Use the cast button after using the app on your phone. While casting, your phone can be used for other tasks without breaking the broadcast, and casting has no impact on your phone’s battery life.
Price
Apple TV vs Chromecast, You can get Google TV 4K with the Chromecast for a cool $99, but Apple TV 4K is, well, more expensive. Apple-priced. The most recent Apple TV 4K is less expensive than Google’s top streaming gadget, costing $219 for a 64GB model, but it is still significantly more expensive.
Even the Siri Remote alone will set you back $79, which is only marginally more affordable than the Chromecast with Google TV (for those with older Apple TV devices).
A Chromecast with Google TV HD will set you back just $59 at full price if you want to save even more money. Chromecast devices also have a good track record for selling for a discount over the holiday season.
Video Quality
Apple TV vs Chromecast, Don’t be fooled by the Chromecast with Google TV’s pricing; choosing the less expensive model won’t result in any reduction in video quality. Both offer the most recent streaming technology: 4K HDR video with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and HDMI 2.1 support, up to 60 frames per second.
Having said that, the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) basically boots up and assumes that you will believe it is utilizing those characteristics.
The setup process is actually guided by the Apple TV 4K, which also has a few user-friendly features that make setup and optimization simple for the average home theatre user.
You can check video quality information, test HDMI connections, and use Apple’s fancy Colour Balance feature in the Apple TV 4K’s settings. This cool feature uses the camera on your iPhone to adjust the Apple TV’s color profile to best match the display on your TV. You can simply make the most of your Apple TV 4K and television by doing away with all the guessing.
Watching TV shows and movies
Apple TV vs Chromecast, while some streaming services will consider whether it is worthwhile to continue supporting an Xbox or Wii U app, Apple TV and Chromecast will always be supported, if not through a native app then at the very least through AirPlay and Casting from the mobile apps.
And now that Google TV and Chromecast also support the Apple TV+ app, your options are more numerous than ever.
So there is a tie in terms of native streaming app support. Having said that, AirPlay and Chromecast don’t work together as well. Simply put, Chromecast compatibility is more prevalent than AirPlay, which is only available on Apple devices.
While your Android cannot AirPlay to an Apple TV 4K, your iPhone can cast to Chromecast.
Despite being able to stream Apple TV+ natively on Chromecast with Google TV, you cannot Chromecast Apple TV+ content or anything else you have purchased through iTunes from an Apple iPhone. It’s a strange limitation that seems to be a holdover from Apple’s closed-off ecosystem.
For some Apple TV 4K customers, there is an additional bonus: spatial audio.
You can enjoy the astounding Spatial Audio function if you purchased a pair of AirPods Max or AirPods Pro. In essence, spatial audio is an improved form of immersive 360-degree audio technology. Apple’s Spatial Audio technology locks the position of the audio to the screen or device you’re watching on, making it an in-ear surround experience with one significant difference. Voices with AirPods continue to sound like they are coming from the TV’s location even if you swivel your head.
Turning your head to the left will make a sound off-screen to the left appear to be exactly in front of you (whereas typical 360-degree audio would continue to play the sound through the left ear).
Playing games
Games are available on Chromecast with Google TV, although the selection is somewhat limited, and the one game we tried to play—Aliens Pinball—crashed upon launch.
In addition to a large selection of App Store and Apple Arcade games, the Apple TV now lets you start a game of NBA 2K21 on your iPhone and continue where you left off on your Apple TV by syncing your save data and progress with the Game Centre. Additionally, you may play those games on the Apple TV 4K using the controller from your PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series S/Series X.
Some truly good games are available on Apple Arcade that run well on tablets and smartphones and look great on a large screen.
Tech specs
After highlighting the key distinctions between the Chromecast with Google TV and the Apple TV 4K, let’s recap by contrasting the two devices’ technical specifications side by side.
The A15 Bionic CPU, which is the same technology found in the ordinary iPhone 14, powers the new Apple TV 4K, making it incredibly quick. The streaming gadget we tested has the best responsiveness. The Chromecast with Google TV, on the other hand, sometimes feels a touch laggy. However, it is not a big concern to wait a few more
The improved WiFi technology (WiFi 6) and Gigabit Ethernet port of the Apple TV 4K are one item we haven’t discussed yet (on the 128GB model). For individuals with ultrafast broadband or those who prefer a wired connection, those two items could significantly alter their experience.
Remote
The original Apple TV remote was slick, uncomfortable in the hand, and depended on an unintuitive trackpad.
The new 2021 design has a rounded back that conforms to your hand and is nearly twice as thick as the current remote. It is constructed from the same unibody metal as a MacBook. Additionally, the weight is ideal.
Traditional directional buttons are present. To go in each direction, press the top, bottom, left, or right buttons. But for those who like the swipes from the old remote, the directional pad is also touch-sensitive.
Apple’s Siri Remote is a fantastic addition, even though it costs $79 if you buy it separately. In contrast to the old remote’s glass touch panel, the new touch-enabled click wheel provides a delightful tactile sensation. It is also a little bulkier, so it should be (hopefully) a little tougher to lose.
The Google TV remote control for Chromecast is also very functional. It has almost all of the same features as the Siri remote, including voice control through Google Assistant. However, vs Apple TV, it seems a touch flimsy, and getting new AAA batteries is a hassle.
On the other hand, the Siri Remote charges using a USB-C cable, just like the majority of iPads.
Speed
With its A10X Fusion Chip, the first Apple TV 4K was by far the fastest streaming device available. The A12 chip found in iPhone Xs is used in the new Apple TV 4K (Gen 2) model.
Since it is overkill for practically all activities, there is never any lag. You can quickly navigate menus and animations move quickly. It has the same feel as a current iPhone or iPad.
Chromecast isn’t as sluggish as older Fire TV Sticks, but it’s also not very quick. In a head-to-head comparison with Apple TV 4K, Apple TV comes out on top.
It occasionally stalls for 5 to 10 seconds after starting on before becoming usable.
Even apps take a while to load. On your first try, it may take up to 15 seconds to open. However, it only takes a few seconds the second time around once the program has been cached.
Conclusion
Which is the better choice for most?
Chromecast and Google TV are the winners.
Please pardon me, Tim Cook, but I can’t pass up the Chromecast’s price. Both Android and iPhone users can utilize it, making it the most flexible and accessible streaming gadget on the market.
Having said that, I’ve tried the forbidden fruit and it was excellent. For those who have fully embraced the Apple ecosystem, the luxurious Apple TV 4K is the best premium set-top box despite its ungodly price.
There are a few factors that would make Apple users in particular spend more money on the Apple TV 4K. The inclusion of Spatial Audio for users of Apple AirPods Pro and AirPods Max is also a great plus if you want to get the most out of Apple’s lineup of premium services. You can also play Apple Arcade games on a big screen. Also difficult to dispute is the performance’s seamless quickness.
However, if you only use an iPhone and are not overly reliant on the ecosystem, the Chromecast with Google TV offers a lot of value at a low cost.
