A Chromecast device makes it easy and inexpensive to add your favorite apps to your TV screen. I can vouch for this from personal experience. It has made a huge difference in how I enjoy my entertainment. Thanks to the many popular apps that work perfectly with Chromecast, having one opens up a world of options. You have so many choices it’s like having a treasure chest full of them. I’ve been happy with the huge selection that’s available.
Most of the time, your choice of Google Chromecast apps comes down to what you like. Still, the most popular apps are usually good for a reason, so we’ve put together a list of the best Chromecast apps. We hope this helps you understand what your Chromecast can do and how to get the most out of it.
All the major streaming services are available, including one of the largest streaming services with live TV. In addition, you have access to the best pod catcher, a media library, and even an app that will enhance the appearance of your TV. The absence of an app store specifically for Chromecast sets it apart from any Fire TV Stick, Roku device, or even the new Chromecast with Google TV. To stream to a Chromecast, you need to download apps to your phone or tablet.
You will have to get used to this dynamic and fill your device with apps now that you have a Chromecast. Once you have them, you can use the Chromecast to “cast” streams to them. The app broadcasts the streaming information to the Chromecast so that it can play the video directly from the source, so it does not broadcast the video from one device to another. Below we have mentioned the best Chromecast Apps.
Best Chromecast Apps
Google Play Movies & TV
Features:
- Extensive collection of movies and TV shows for rent or purchase.
- Seamless streaming of content to your Chromecast-enabled TV.
- Ability to pause and resume playback across devices.
- Access to personalized recommendations based on your viewing history.
Suggestions based on previous purchases are highly promoted, although as long as you have not watched a large number of movies, you are likely to end up with a fair number of low-interest suggestions. The user is also encouraged to rate recent purchases, which will contribute to movie recommendations.
Although Google offers streaming and downloads in Full HD on some platforms, the overall quality of the videos offered disappointed us a bit. The screenshots below are enlarged to highlight any discrepancies between Google Play and the reference Blu-ray.
Pros
- Vast library of movies and TV shows to choose from.
- Easy to rent or purchase content directly from the app.
- Seamless integration with Chromecast for smooth streaming to your TV.
Cons
- Limited availability in certain regions, which may restrict access to content.
- Some movies or TV shows may require additional payment even with a subscription.
- Interface can be a bit cluttered and overwhelming for some users.
Netflix
Features:
- Vast library of movies, TV shows, and Netflix Originals.
- High-quality streaming with support for 4K HDR content.
- Multiple user profiles with individual recommendations and watch lists.
- Offline viewing feature for selected titles, allowing you to download content for later viewing.
Netflix also produces feature films, comedy specials, and documentaries for those looking for something more stand-alone. For example, Netflix’s El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie has received good reviews. Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman is another example. Netflix promises to add a new movie to its streaming library every week.
If you are a movie fan, check out our roundup of the best movie streaming services. Many of the services in this category, including The Criterion Channel and Filmatique, stand out for the curation of their collections. However, Netflix may no longer enjoy the untouchable status it once did when it comes to original programming.
Pros
- Extensive collection of movies, TV shows, and original content.
- User-friendly interface with personalized recommendations.
- Supports multiple devices, including Chromecast, for streaming on various screens.
Cons
- Requires a subscription to access most of the content.
- Content availability varies by region, and some shows or movies may not be available in certain areas.
- Playback quality can be affected by internet connection speed.
HBO Now
Features:
- Access to a wide range of HBO series, documentaries, and movies.
- Simultaneous streaming on multiple devices with one account.
- Option to create a personalized watchlist and receive content recommendations.
- Exclusive content, including popular series like Game of Thrones and Westworld.
Streaming quality was excellent on all the devices we tested. Loading times were short, blockages and interruptions were virtually nonexistent, and video quality remained high throughout viewing. Moving image quality (shown above) was sometimes slightly lower than on Roku.
Recording can be cumbersome on some devices, which is annoying. On Roku, we encountered an error during the payment process. Apparently this is a fairly common problem. We ended up registering on an Android tablet.
Pros
- Offers a wide range of critically acclaimed and popular TV shows, documentaries, and movies.
- Exclusive access to HBO original content.
- Provides live streaming of HBO channels.
Cons
- Requires a subscription to access content, which can be relatively expensive.
- Limited content compared to other streaming services.
- Some users may experience buffering or streaming issues during peak times.
Amazon Prime Video
Features:
- Extensive collection of movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals.
- Ability to rent or purchase additional content not included with Prime membership.
- Integration with Alexa for voice control and hands-free navigation.
- Offline viewing option for selected titles, enabling you to download content and watch offline.
Amazon Prime Video is Amazon’s video streaming service (you may remember it was once called “Amazon Prime Instant Video”). All of Amazon Prime’s more than 150 million subscribers worldwide have access to a library of ad-free on-demand content, including movies, TV series, and a host of Prime original series, all of which are included in the standard Prime subscription.
This streaming service, included in any Amazon Prime subscription but also accessible as a standalone subscription, has many advantages. The fact that it is bundled with other Prime benefits makes it a great value for its price, and its original TV series, which often appear at awards shows, help keep fans happy.
Pros
- Extensive library of movies, TV shows, and Amazon original content.
- Included with Amazon Prime membership, which offers additional benefits.
- Supports Chromecast for easy streaming to your TV.
Cons
- Requires a Prime membership or separate subscription to access the full catalog.
- User interface can be less intuitive compared to other streaming apps.
- Content recommendations may not always align with user preferences.
YouTube
Features:
- Access to an enormous variety of user-generated videos, music, and live streams.
- Seamless casting of videos from your mobile device or computer to your TV.
- Option to subscribe to channels and receive notifications for new content.
- Ability to create and manage playlists, like, and comment on videos.
A Google account is required to sign up for YouTube TV. The streaming service offers a two-week free trial. After that, YouTube TV costs $64.99 per month for access to more than 70 channels. The exact channel offering on YouTube TV depends on where you live, so you need to enter your ZIP code to see what local networks are available.
The interface of YouTube TV is familiar to anyone who has ever used YouTube. The utilitarian design is simple, intuitive, and extremely easy to use. It is not pretty (the interface of the Philo streaming service is much more elegant) but it does what it is supposed to do. Finding shows and movies is a breeze, as is browsing the currently airing shows.
Pros
- Massive collection of user-generated content, music videos, and official channels.
- Free to use with ad-supported content or ad-free with YouTube Premium.
- Easy casting to Chromecast devices for viewing on the big screen.
Cons
- Advertisements can be frequent and interrupt the viewing experience.
- Limited availability of full-length movies or TV shows compared to other streaming services.
- Lack of exclusive content or original programming.
Hulu
Features:
- Large selection of current and past TV shows, including network and cable series.
- Ability to watch new episodes shortly after they air on TV.
- Personalized recommendations based on your viewing preferences.
- Option to add premium channels like HBO and Showtime for an additional fee.
Hulu’s site has a clean, well-organized design. Like most streaming services, the homepage features a large banner for a high-profile new release, followed by some more personalized TV and movie suggestions, presumably based on past ratings (two of the six movies he suggested to me starred Nicolas Cage, so he evidently knows something).
That said, the TV suggestions seem more random, pushing some of Hulu’s new originals ahead of other studios’ content. Other sections of the home page include “Hulu Picks,” “Newly Added Movies,” and “Award-winning TV.” There are currently five links at the top of each page.
Pros
- Offers a combination of current TV shows, classic series, and original content.
- Supports live TV streaming and DVR functionality.
- Wide range of genres and networks available.
Cons
- Requires a subscription for access to the full content library.
- Ad-supported plan may have frequent commercials during shows.
- Limited availability outside of the United States.
Google Play Music
Features:
- Access to a vast library of songs and albums for streaming.
- Ability to create custom playlists and radio stations based on your music preferences.
- Ad-free listening experience for subscribed users.
- Option to upload and stream your personal music collection from the cloud.
After choosing whether you want a single listener subscription or a family plan, you can log in with your Google account to Play Music. If you are on your phone, you can simply select your account from the list that appears. You will not need to log in again after setting up the app.
From here, you can use the search bar to find the music you like. At this point, click on the three dots to the right of the song or album. At this point you can add the music to your library or a playlist of your choice. You can also start a radio station based on that song or album if you wish.
Pros
- Access to a vast library of music tracks, albums, and playlists.
- Easy synchronization across multiple devices.
- Integration with Chromecast for streaming music to speakers or TV.
Cons
- Will be deprecated in favor of YouTube Music, which may result in limited future updates or support.
- Some features and content may not be available in all regions.
- User interface can be overwhelming for users looking for a simple music streaming experience.
Spotify
Features:
- Huge catalog of songs, playlists, and podcasts for streaming.
- Personalized recommendations and discover weekly playlists based on your music taste.
- Ability to create and share playlists with friends and followers.
- Offline listening mode for premium subscribers, allowing you to download music and listen offline.
Spotify’s versatility and constant innovation keep it at the head of the pack, but advances by competitors have caused its crown to slip slightly. And it is not just with algorithms that Spotify maintains its position. It has expanded to podcasts, audiobooks, added an in-app voice assistant, and paired with Tinder, so you can see who shares your musical tastes as you “swipe right.”
The free subscription level of the desktop version is quite unlimited in terms of search and streaming options. Of course, you must tolerate advertising, which appears every few songs. Sound quality is limited to 160kbps, but at least the Android and iOS app allows free users unlimited listening to up to 750 tracks in 15 playlists each month.
Pros
- Extensive music catalog with millions of tracks and playlists.
- User-friendly interface with personalized recommendations and discovery features.
- Seamless integration with Chromecast for streaming music to compatible devices.
Cons
- Free version includes advertisements and limitations on certain features.
- Some artists or albums may not be available due to licensing restrictions.
- Quality settings for audio streaming may require a premium subscription.
Slacker Radio
Features:
- Wide selection of curated radio stations across various genres.
- Option to customize stations based on your preferred artists and songs.
- Offline listening feature for premium subscribers.
- Ability to skip songs and view song lyrics on supported devices.
The latest version of Slacker Radio for Android reflects another visual overhaul. The company’s previous redesign (earlier this year) brought bright colors, more white space and a tiled dashboard to the app, but this iteration takes a completely different direction with full-bleed images and an overall dark theme with gradients and translucent panels.
As in other similar radio applications, Slacker allows you to create a radio station uniquely programmed around an artist, song or album. As you listen, you can enhance the programming by voting tracks up or down, or by changing a station’s settings one by one. Different artists and tracks can be added to a station to influence its algorithm.
Pros
- Offers a variety of curated music stations across different genres.
- Ability to customize stations based on individual preferences.
- Supports Chromecast for streaming music to speakers or TV.
Cons
- Limited free version with advertisements and skip restrictions.
- Lack of on-demand playback for specific songs or albums.
- Content library may not be as extensive as other music streaming platforms.
Plex
Features:
- Organizes and streams your personal media collection, including movies, TV shows, and music.
- Ability to access your content remotely through a secure connection.
- Automatic metadata retrieval for your media files, providing detailed information and artwork.
- Support for multiple user accounts, enabling personalized media libraries and recommendations.
Plex is the solution to the clutter of ripped DVDs, movies, and TV shows that you have accumulated over the past decade and are now scattered on your computer and dusty external hard drives. Unlike most streaming applications such as Netflix or Disney Plus, Plex is primarily a personal media library tool designed to bring your cluttered files together in an interface as elegant and pleasing as that of the big streaming providers.
The simplest version of a Plex server is a convenient library that you run and watch on a PC. But with a few extra tricks, you can stream from the Plex server to the TV in your living room, to a game console, or even to your smartphone when you are away from home. You can share your media library with friends, create custom playlists, or use Plex as a DVR to record live TV.
Pros
- Organizes and streams your personal media collection, including movies, TV shows, photos, and music.
- Provides access to various channels and plugins for additional content.
- Works well with Chromecast for streaming your media to the TV.
Cons
- Requires setup and management of a personal media server.
- Limited functionality without a paid Plex Pass subscription.
- Reliance on personal media collection, which may be limited compared to dedicated streaming platforms.
