Compare the Google Chromecast 4K to the Apple TV 4K
The Google Chromecast 4K and the Apple TV 4K
- The remote has a built-in microphone, so you can control the Chromecast with your voice as well.
- Thanks to the powerful processor, you can watch movies and series in Ultra HD with HDR.
- With the Google TV platform, you can see all your movies and series in 1 menu. You can also save movies and series to watch when you're not home later.
- A suitable Bluetooth controller for gaming isn't included.
- It supports 4K HDR, so you can watch movies and photos in Ultra HD quality.
- The Apple TV 4K supports lots of apps, including Netflix, iCloud, and Takeaway.
- You can play games with multiple people. And you can use the included Siri Remote, your iPhone, or your iPod Touch as a controller.
- You can only enjoy the high 4K resolution and HDR if you have a television that supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, and if you have a (new) HDMI 2.0 cable to connect the Apple TV 4K with.
Most important differences between the Chromecast and Apple TV
| Google Chromecast | Apple TV | |
|---|---|---|
| I want to stream Netflix to my TV | Yes | Yes |
| I want to use my Android smartphone | Yes | No |
| I want to use my iPhone | Yes | Yes |
| I want to control the media player without a smartphone | Yes, only Google Chromecast 4K | Yes |
| I want to use other Apple products via AirPlay | No | Yes |
| I want to connect an Ethernet cable to the media player | No | Yes |
Size
Google Chromecast: pocket-sized media player
Thanks to its small size, the Google Chromecast 4K easily fits in your pocket. Its dimensions are 16.2x2.4x0.5cm, and it has foldable HDMI connectors. This makes it ideal to take with you on your travels. You can connect it to the television in your hotel room with the included connector, for example.
Apple TV: small box under your TV
The Apple TV 4K is much larger than the Google Chromecast. It has a 9.8x9.8x3.5cm dimension. The box is visible under your TV, but the sleek black design looks effortlessly good in various interiors.
Connector
Google Chromecast: hangs behind your TV
You can connect the Google Chromecast to an HDMI connector on the back of your TV. Thanks to the design, the Chromecast hangs behind your television and isn't visible. All that's left, is to plug it into the socket.
Apple TV: under your TV
You can connect the Apple TV to an HDMI connector on the back of your television. You can then place the box somewhere under your TV. If you want to watch the content on the media player with an optimal internet connection, connect an Ethernet cable to the back of the Apple TV.
Media player
Google Chromecast: Google TV
You can effortlessly stream content from your mobile device to the Chromecast. With the remote, you can control the built-in smart platform Google TV. With Google TV, you can see all your movies and series on your list in 1 clear menu. So you don't have to scroll through various apps anymore. Google TV tracks what you're watching and provides a personalized overview of series and movies the apps offer.
Apple TV: gaming
You can effortlessly stream content to the Chromecast from your iPhone. With the remote, you can scroll through installed apps like Netflix and iTunes. In addition to using your favorite apps, you can also game on the Apple TV thanks to the powerful AX10 Fusion chip. You can use your iPhone or remote as a controller to game. Apple TV+ is an optional paid service that allows you to watch exclusive 'Apple Originals', such as movies and documentaries.
Other models
In addition to the 4K Google Chromecast and Apple TV models, there are also older models. The older model of the Apple TV has a lower image quality, a less powerful chip, less storage space, and an HDMI 1.4 connector. Other than that, the services they provide are comparable. The other model of the Google Chromecast doesn't have a remote. That means that that model is only meant to stream content form your mobile device to the television. That Chromecast can only stream with a Full HD resolution. This makes the other model much more affordable.
Conclusion
The Google Chromecast is the budget-friendly option. With the Chromecast, you can stream content from your smartphone to the television. And thanks to its compact size, you can take it everywhere with you. If you want a media player that's optimized for Apple devices, choose an Apple TV. The powerful chip allows you to play games on your television. And if you want a perfect internet connection, you can connect an Ethernet cable. Are you an Android user? Choose the Chromecast to stream content from your smartphone to your television.
