It's simple to use a Chromecast. You can either stream movies or music directly from your device to the Chromecast, even if it isn't available through the app store.

You probably want to know more about how Chromecast works, which model you should buy, what the deal is with the new Google TV OS, and any tips or tricks you need.

Here is everything you need to know about your future device.

Price and availability

Chromecast 3rd Gen plugged into back of television

(Image credit: Android Central)

There are two versions of the Chromecast, the 3rd Gen and the 2nd Gen.

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The regular Chromecast is the most affordable of the two, coming in at a retail price of just $30. The price for the Chromecast with Google TV is $50.

Both models are available from a number of major retailers. If you want to buy the baseline Chromecast from Amazon, you need to shop elsewhere.

You will only find the Chromecast Ultra used these days.

Chromecast: Which should you buy?

Chromecast with Google TV

(Image credit: Android Central)

If you are in the market for a Chromecast but are not sure which one is right for you, we will help you decide right now. The main choice is between the two.

The regular Chromecast (3rd Gen) is a really good buy for shoppers who don't care about 4K and want to spend as little as possible. You can send movies, TV shows, and music from your phone to the big screen by plugging it into your TV. If you have more than one TV in your home, you can afford to get a couple of them if you want to watch your content in Full HD.

It is difficult to not recommend spending more for the Chromecast. You can use the included remote to interact with the user interface you can use to stream content in 4K.

If you ask us, that added power and function is worth the increased price. You can still use your phone to cast content from your phone to the Chromecast with Google TV whenever you want, giving you plenty of ways to stream whatever tickles your fancy. It is one of the best TV boxes money can buy.

If you want to keep things simple and limit your spending, the regular Chromecast is a good choice, but if you can afford it, the Chromecast with Google TV is a great upgrade.

If you want to spare an HDMI port for something else, you may want to look into the best TVs that have built-in Chromecast. Check to see if the TV supports the new OS or the old one.

If you prefer to look into another streaming OS, you can always check out our picks for the best Chromecast alternatives. You will not be able to cast content.

Casting

The ability to connect different devices to your television is a difference between a Chromecast and other streaming dongles. Most of the major streaming apps can be found in the app store, but casting lets you step beyond that and stream nearly anything from a browser to your television.

We have a guide on how to use a Chromecast that will show you how to use it. You can connect any Chrome device to your TV, even if it's only for streaming. If you want to try out unsupported apps, you can sideload them on your Chromecast.

Google TV

Chromecast with Google TV home screen

(Image credit: Android Central)

One of the main draws to the Chromecast with Google TV is the ability to use the internet. It is an interface on top of Android TV that helps simplify your streaming apps and more easily discover content to watch.

On this page, you can browse through a bunch of recommended TV shows and movies based on what's currently happening in the world, what you think you're interested in, and how much you're willing to pay. If you pick a title, you will get more information about it, as well as a way to instantly start watching it on whichever service is hosting it.

Google TV interface

(Image credit: Android Central)

Rather than jumping back and forth between different streaming apps, you can find all of your available content in the same place. And you know what? It works well. It is easy to navigate and find new things to watch, and the content recommendations are useful.

You will need the right apps in order to get the best recommendations. We have a guide on how to uninstall Chromecast.

You can also create a watchlist of movies and shows you want to watch, and receive notifications when they become available for free on specific apps. You can wait for something and not pay to rent it.

You can learn more about the device in our review, but it is a huge selling point for the device.

Stadia

Stadia Controller and Chromecast With Google TV

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Stadia is a platform for cloud gaming and we should mention it. If you have a consistent internet connection and a compatible controller, you can stream games to your TV through your device.

Being able to play games with a tiny device instead of a powerful console is a cool perk, and Stadia is technically free, though you will need Stadia Pro to get the free library and 4K-quality streaming. When it comes to the best Stadia games, you will have to buy them separately, unlike services such as Amazon Luna or Game Pass where you pay a monthly subscription fee.