In September 2021, Google Chromecast vs. FireStick . It’s a streaming dongle with a voice remote and an Android TV-based interface. This comparison between the FireStick and Google Chromecast will show you which streaming device is better to purchase and why.
Google Chromecast with TV Overview & Features
Casting devices, such as the older Google Chromecast devices, were mainly used for casting content from your computer or mobile device to the TV. They had no operating system.
Not only is the most recent Google Chromecast with TV a casting device. Rather, it is an OS-equipped streaming device in its entirety (Android TV OS). A stylish and small remote is also included with the most recent version.
You could think of Google Chromecast as an additional Android TV. It supports all of the main streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and others, and has an App Store. Unofficial apps can also be sideloaded using Chromecast with TV.
To set up this device, you will need the following:
- A television that has an HDMI connection
- WiFi
- An account on Google
Place the dongle into the HDMI port on the TV, establish an internet connection, and log in using your Google account to begin streaming.
Among Google Chromecast’s best features are:
- 4K (at 60 frames per second) video clarity
- Support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+ video quality
- Support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus,
- Dolby Digital audio quality
- RAM of 2 GB
- Google Assistant voice remote with 1.9 GHz quad core processor
See How to Set Up and Utilize the Greatest VPN on FireStick.
Amazon Fire TV Stick Overview & Features
Another Android-based streaming device is the Amazon FireStick. The Fire TV Stick Lite, Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Cube, and the All-New FireStick 4K Max and 4K are some of the variants available.
From the Amazon Store, you can download the official apps for Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and other services. Unofficial or third-party apps can also be sideloaded.
You will need the following in order to set up FireStick on your TV:
- A TV with HDMI connectivity
- Wi-Fi
- Amazon account.
Connect the stick to the HDMI port on your TV, then configure it by logging into your Amazon account and making an internet connection.
- Using this stick, you can watch TV in the following ways:
- Use free and paid apps like Hulu and Netflix to stream movies and TV series.
- Look it up online.
- Play games like Luna on the internet.
- Use audio streaming apps such as Pandora, Spotify, YouTube, and others to listen to music.
- Alexa can be used to control your Amazon Smart Home system.
If you already own Amazon’s Smart Home devices, the Amazon Fire TV Stick would be the most practical streaming service
- 4K (at 60 frames per second) video clarity
- S1. The brand-new FireStick 4K Max’s best features are as follows:
upport for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+ video quality - Support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Digital audio quality
- RAM of 2 GB
- Alexa assistant integrated with voice remote
- A quad-core processor running at 2 GHz
Google Chromecast vs. FireStick: Devices & Pricing
Let’s examine the financial offerings of each streaming service
Google Chromecast Devices & Pricing
Following the 2013 launch of the original Chromecast, Google went on to release the second, Ultra, and third generations in 2015, 2016, and 2018, respectively. But in 2020, the company decided to discontinue the Chromecast Ultra, which made room for the Chromecast with Google TV.
These are Google’s current Chromecast offers:
- Google TV HD Chromecast (£29.99): Only available in white (Snow).
- Google TV 4K with Chromecast (£49.99): Comes in three hues: Snow, Sunrise, and Sky.
Fire TV Devices & Pricing
There are multiple streaming device offers from Amazon Fire TV. Among them are:
Please take note that the discounted prices could change.
Fire TV Stick Lite
- Original Cost: £29.99
- £21.99 is the discounted price (limited-time offer).
The cheapest Fire TV Stick with voice control for Alexa. The TV control and volume buttons are absent from the remote, and 4K streaming is not supported.
On Amazon, get the Fire TV Stick Lite.
Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen)
- £39.99 was the original price.
- £24.99 is the discounted price (limited-time offer).
Similar to the FireStick Lite, the Fire TV Stick 3rd Gen boasts slightly better hardware and remote control buttons for TV control.
All New FireStick 4K Max (2nd Gen)
- Original Cost: £49.99
- £34.99 is the discounted price (limited-time offer).
This option offers some additional features like Dolby Vision, HDR, HDR10+, and 4K streaming quality, making it a slight upgrade over its predecessor.
Purchase Amazon’s All-New FireStick 4K (2nd Gen).
Fire TV Cube
- £139.99 was the original price.
- Reduced Cost: £114.99
With its hands-free streaming cube and voice-activated Alexa remote, this gadget is the pinnacle of streaming media players. It provides smooth navigation and amazing 4K Ultra HD streaming speeds.
Dolby Vision, HDR, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos audio are supported by Fire TV Cube.
Order Fire TV Cube from Amazon.com.
Conclusion: FireStick is superior since it provides a wider range of devices to fit your budget and streaming requirements
Google Chromecast vs. FireStick: Design
Let’s examine the features that the two gadgets have in common and those that differentiate them.
Chromecast With Google TV Design
The small dongle that comes with Chromecast and Google TV has two ports on opposite sides, an HDMI port, a charging port, and an eight-button remote control.
The oval dongle fits comfortably in your hand and is simple to covertly attach to the back of your TV.
By giving Google Assistant instructions, you can use your voice to control the Chromecast with Google TV. You can ask Google to pause a video, open an app, or look up a TV show, for example.
Among other things, you can ask Google to dim the lights and change the temperature if you have other Google Smart home appliances.
Three colors are available for the Chromecast 4K from Google: Sunrise, Snow, and Sky.
Whereas the Sunrise color has a pink remote control, the Sky color has a grayish-blue dongle. You get a white dongle and remote control if you choose the Snow color.
Fire TV Stick Design
The Fire TV Stick is larger than the Google TV with Chromecast, being rectangular in shape. It is still sufficiently tiny, though, to blend in behind your TV.
FireStick Lite, FireStick 3rd Gen, FireStick 4K & 4K Max, and All-New FireStick 4K & 4K Max are among the various Fire TV Stick variations available.
There is also the Fire TV Cube from Amazon, which has a similar UI but entirely different hardware.
Conclusion: Since both devices have voice assistants and comparable features, this was a difficult decision. Nevertheless, due to generational differences in features and functionality, Google Chromecast defeats the Amazon Fire TV Stick.
Google Chromecast vs. FireStick: Specs and Performance
Let’s examine the two devices’ technical specifications.
Chromecast with Google TV Specs and Performance
2GB RAM and a 1.9 GHz quad core processor power Google TV with Chromecast. The Chromecast will turn on in a matter of seconds if you’ve already set it up with Google, and it will take ten to fifteen seconds for apps to load.
Applications open without any lag, and navigating the UI is similarly simple.
Here’s a brief summary of Chromecast’s Google specifications:
- 2GB RAM,
- 8GB Storage,
- 1.9 GHz Quad Core Processor, Up to 4K Ultra HD, HDR, and HDR10+ Resolution
- Support for Dolby Vision, VP9, HLG decoding, and Dolby audioin both video and audio
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are connected.
Fire TV Stick Specs and Performance
The FireStick’s specifications change based on the generation of device. The specifications and performance of the FireStick Lite and 3rd Generation FireStick 4K are compared with Google Chromecast.
It might take a little longer to set up than Chromecast, but once that’s done, the navigation and interface loading times are nearly identical.
The 1.8 GHz quad core processor that powers the FireStick 4K Max (1st Gen) provides quick and responsive interface loading times. I also observed that there are very few lagging issues and that the apps open rapidly.
For this comparison, though, we’ll be using the New Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen). These are its specifications:
- 2GB of RAM,
- 16GB of storage,
- a 2 GHz quad-core processor, and 4K, ultra HD resolution
- Support for Dolby Vision, HDR, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos audio and video
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 + BLE connectivity
Conclusion: The FireStick 4K and the All-New FireStick 4K Max are superior to Chromecast. Due to its improved processor, the FireStick 4K Max is now marginally faster. It also boasts improved connectivity, more storage, and a higher resolution
Chromecast with Google vs. FireStick: Remote
The FireStick and Chromecast remotes are similar in size and design, but they differ slightly. Let’s talk about a few of each remote’s unique features.
Chromecast with Google Remote
The oval shape of the dongle is complemented by the curved, small remote control of the Chromecast. There are two hotkeys for premium services on this remote for YouTube and Netflix. At the bottom are the power and source buttons.
The remote also has buttons for Home, Back, Mute, and Google Assistant. Using the assistant button, you can quickly navigate your TV thanks to the functional and responsive remote.
The remote has curved edges and is smaller than the Amazon Fire TV Stick. Among its buttons are:
- Back button
- Google Home Mute YouTube Assistant
- Netflix
- Influencer Power
- controls for volume on the side
The IR buttons on your device that automatically sync with your TV are input, mute, volume, and power.
Fire TV Stick Remote
The FireStick 4K stick remote is lightweight, compact, and has slightly curved edges, just like Chromecast. It is, nevertheless, marginally larger than the Chromecast remote.
The remote is very responsive and quick, and it fits comfortably in your hand. This remote features a navigation pad slightly below, power buttons at the top, and a unique Alexa voice control.
The FireStick remote has four present buttons, while Chromecast only has two for Netflix and YouTube. Vendor-specific preset button mapping differs. But generally speaking, the following preset services are available: Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime, etc.
All FireStick devices share the following buttons:
- Alexa
- Guide
- Choose Back Home Menu
- Fast-forward to the past
- Four preset app buttons
- play/pause
- TV Guide
With the exception of FireStick Lite, every device has the following extra buttons:
- Mute,
- Power
- Volume Control
Last but not least, a set of extra Channel Switcher buttons found on the 2nd Gen FireStick Max are not present on any other FireStick device.
All things considered, the FireStick remote has an elegant appearance that complements your other gadgets. The remote works well overall, and the Alexa button responds to sound rapidly.
Conclusion: Because Chromecast is smaller, it’s a better option for those who prefer a minimalist setup. Your priorities will ultimately determine which option is best, with the FireStick remote having more functionality and ranking higher.
Chromecast vs FireStick: Video Quality
When selecting a streaming device, video quality is crucial because it has the power to make or break your streaming experience. Now let’s examine each device’s details:
Fire TV Stick Video Quality
The All-new FireStick 4K Max’s HDR10+ support upgrade results in a clear and colorful picture quality.
Although 4K (up to 60 frames per second) video resolution was available on earlier FireStick models, the HRD10+ provides a notable improvement in video quality, particularly when used in conjunction with a 4K resolution TV. Additional formats that are compatible are Dolby Vision and HRG.
Verdict: Chromecast with Google, which offers 4K (up to 60 frames per second) resolution, is superior to FireStick in terms of video quality. But thanks to its HRD10+ support, the All-new FireStick 4K Max outperforms Chromecast in this category.
Chromecast with Google Video Quality
Google TV and Chromecast can support 4K at up to 60 frames per second. Additionally, it supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+, among other HDR formats.
Good contrast, color, and brightness make for an immersive streaming experience with this video quality.
Google Chromecast vs. FireStick: Sideloading third-party apps
Third-party apps can be sideloaded onto both streaming devices. See how the two stack up.
Sideloading on Chromecast
You can sideload third-party apps in addition to installing official apps from the Google Play Store. In essence, an Android TV is Chromecast combined with Google TV. As such, the techniques for sideloading Android TV can also be applied to this device.
Applications can be sideloaded using File Commander or another app downloader.
The APK file URL from the official website or any other website that hosts the file is required in order to sideload an app using Downloader. Please use the app store to find and install the Downloader app on your Google Chromecast.
All of the popular third-party apps, including Cinema HD, Tea TV, Bee TV, Live Net TV, and others, are supported by Google TV. Installing third-party app stores is another option. such as AppLinked, Aptoide, etc.
Using FireStick for sideloading
One of the main factors contributing to FireStick’s popularity is sideloading. Put differently, FireStick is an extremely sideload-friendly device.
Contrary to Chromecast, FireStick does not support multiple sideloading methods when used with Google TV or any other Android TV. On the other hand, it supports Downloader, the easiest sideloading option available on FireStick. The majority of users wouldn’t need anything extra.
Check out our guide on using Downloader on FireStick for additional details on installing third-party apps on your FireStick.
Conclusion: Once more, it’s challenging to decide between the two devices in terms of sideloading. The Downloader app allows sideloading on both devices.
What and Why Should You Purchase?
For your streaming needs, the FireStick and Google Chromecast are both great streaming devices. Your decision will be based on your personal preferences and the Smart Home appliances you currently own.
For example, Chromecast with Google TV would make sense if you have the Google Nest speaker, Nest Doorbell, and Nest Cam—all of which integrate with Google Assistant.
In a similar vein, you should pick a Fire TV Stick if you are already heavily reliant on the Amazon ecosystem for home entertainment, cameras, climate control, and other services. Nevertheless, you have a choice, so you ought to purchase the gadget that best meets your requirements and tastes.
Wrapping Up
To assist you in selecting the superior device, this post compared Google Chromecast and FireStick. Personally, I think FireStick is a better option. Chromecast isn’t terrible, though. Please use the comments section below to ask me any questions or offer suggestions.