Google Chromecast (2nd Gen) vs Google Chromecast (3rd Gen)

Last Updated & Fact Checked:  April 19, 2026

Are you trying to decide between the Google Chromecast (2nd Gen) and the Google Chromecast (3rd Gen)?

Product Versus will provide you with all the product details so you can quickly compare the facts to find which product is right for you – the Google Chromecast (2nd Gen) or the Google Chromecast (3rd Gen) – and find out exactly what the differences are.

Both the Google Chromecast (2nd Gen) and the Google Chromecast (3rd Gen) are quality products, so read on to find out which one is best for your needs!

Google Chromecast (2nd Gen) quick facts

Google Chromecast (3rd Gen) quick facts

Google Chromecast (2nd Gen) product details

Bestseller No. 1
Google Chromecast - Streaming Device with HDMI Cable - Stream Shows, Music, Photos, and Sports from Your Phone to Your TV, Includes Pouch and Cleaning Cloth (Japan Version) - Compatible with US
  • JAPAN VERSION - Automatically adjusts to user's region language. Compatible with US Customers
  • Expand your home entertainment without buying a new TV; Google Chromecast lets you stream your favorites from your phone, tablet, or laptop; no remote needed
  • Works with the apps you already know and love; enjoy shows, movies, music, games, sports, photos, live TV, and more from over 2,000 streaming apps in up to 1080p
  • With Chromecast, you can stream, pause, play, or adjust the volume right from your phone with just a tap; while you’re streaming, you can still use your phone as you normally do
  • Mirror your laptop screen or turn your tablet into an even better entertainment system; surf the web or see your media on the big screen
Bestseller No. 2
Google Chromecast Streaming Media Player (2nd Gen) HD Media Streamer - Coral Red
  • Expand your home entertainment without buying a new TV; Google Chromecast lets you stream your favorites from your phone, tablet, or laptop; no remote needed
  • Chromecast is easy to set up up; just plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming to turn your TV into a smart TV; it works with almost any TV that has an HDMI port
  • Works with the apps you already know and love; enjoy shows, movies, music, games, sports, photos, live TV, and more from over 2,000 streaming apps in up to 1080p
  • With Chromecast, you can stream, pause, play, or adjust the volume right from your phone with just a tap; while you’re streaming, you can still use your phone as you normally do
  • Mirror your laptop screen or turn your tablet into an even better entertainment system; surf the web or see your media on the big screen
Bestseller No. 3
Google Chromecast - Streaming Device with HDMI Cable - Stream Shows, Music, Photos, and Sports from Your Phone to Your TV with Extra Cable- Charcoal
  • Google Chromecast Streaming Device with HDMI Cable
  • Chromecast device is easy to set up up; just plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming to turn your TV into a smart TV; it works with almost any TV that has an HDMI port
  • Works with the apps you already know and love; enjoy shows, movies, music, games, sports, photos, live TV, and more from over 2,000 streaming apps in up to 1080p
  • With Chromecast, you can stream, pause, play, or adjust the volume right from your phone with just a tap; while you’re streaming, you can still use your phone as you normally do
  • Mirror your laptop screen or turn your tablet into an even better entertainment system; surf the web or see your media on the big screen

Google Chromecast (3rd Gen) product details

Bestseller No. 1
Google Chromecast - Streaming Device with HDMI Cable - Stream Shows, Music, Photos, and Sports from Your Phone to Your TV, Includes Pouch and Cleaning Cloth (Japan Version) - Compatible with US
  • JAPAN VERSION - Automatically adjusts to user's region language. Compatible with US Customers
  • Expand your home entertainment without buying a new TV; Google Chromecast lets you stream your favorites from your phone, tablet, or laptop; no remote needed
  • Works with the apps you already know and love; enjoy shows, movies, music, games, sports, photos, live TV, and more from over 2,000 streaming apps in up to 1080p
  • With Chromecast, you can stream, pause, play, or adjust the volume right from your phone with just a tap; while you’re streaming, you can still use your phone as you normally do
  • Mirror your laptop screen or turn your tablet into an even better entertainment system; surf the web or see your media on the big screen
Bestseller No. 2
Google Chromecast - Streaming Device with HDMI Cable - Stream Shows, Music, Photos, and Sports from Your Phone to Your TV with Extra Cable- Charcoal
  • Google Chromecast Streaming Device with HDMI Cable
  • Chromecast device is easy to set up up; just plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming to turn your TV into a smart TV; it works with almost any TV that has an HDMI port
  • Works with the apps you already know and love; enjoy shows, movies, music, games, sports, photos, live TV, and more from over 2,000 streaming apps in up to 1080p
  • With Chromecast, you can stream, pause, play, or adjust the volume right from your phone with just a tap; while you’re streaming, you can still use your phone as you normally do
  • Mirror your laptop screen or turn your tablet into an even better entertainment system; surf the web or see your media on the big screen
Bestseller No. 3
Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen - 4K UHD, Google TV, 32GB Memory, Dolby Vision & Atmos, WiFi 6, HDMI 2.1, Fast Streaming, Compact and Powerful
  • 4K Ultra HD with Cinematic Visuals & Sound: Supports 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) at 60FPS, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ for enhanced contrast, brightness, and color accuracy. Delivers immersive audio via Dolby Audio and DTS:X surround sound
  • High-Performance Hardware: Equipped with a Quad-Core CPU (up to 2.5GHz) and ARM G310 V2 GPU for seamless navigation and multitasking. Includes 2GB RAM and 32GB internal storage (ROM) for ample app and content space
  • Google TV Smart Platform: Runs the latest Google TV OS, offering personalized content recommendations, access to thousands of streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, etc.), and voice control via Google Assistant
  • Advanced Connectivity & Decoding: Features dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI 2.1, and USB 2.0 ports. Supports decoding of 4K 60FPS video formats and Google Cast for screen mirroring
  • Complete Setup Included: Comes with Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen), voice remote control, power adapter, HDMI cable, and user manual. Compact design (95.25 x 95.25 x 16.7 mm) for discreet placement. Be sure to upgrade software to latest version

New products & alternatives to the Google Chromecast (2nd Gen) and the Google Chromecast (3rd Gen)

New
Google Chromecast Streaming Media Player (2nd Gen) HD Media Streamer - Coral Red
  • Expand your home entertainment without buying a new TV; Google Chromecast lets you stream your favorites from your phone, tablet, or laptop; no remote needed
  • Chromecast is easy to set up up; just plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming to turn your TV into a smart TV; it works with almost any TV that has an HDMI port
  • Works with the apps you already know and love; enjoy shows, movies, music, games, sports, photos, live TV, and more from over 2,000 streaming apps in up to 1080p
  • With Chromecast, you can stream, pause, play, or adjust the volume right from your phone with just a tap; while you’re streaming, you can still use your phone as you normally do
  • Mirror your laptop screen or turn your tablet into an even better entertainment system; surf the web or see your media on the big screen
New
Google TV Streamer 4K - Fast Streaming Entertainment on Your TV with Voice Search Remote - Watch Movies, Shows, Live TV, and Netflix in 4K HDR - Smart Home Control - 32 GB of Storage - Hazel
  • The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
  • HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
  • See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
  • Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
  • Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
New
Google TV Streamer (4K) White 4K Ultra HD 32 GB Wi-Fi, W129012026 (Ultra HD 32 GB Wi-Fi)
  • Google TV Streamer (4K) gives you your favorite content quickly, easily and personalized. Enjoy exceptional performance, fast browsing, and personalized recommendations with Google 's most advanced streaming device to date
  • Super fast performance and personalized recommendations.
  • Up to 4K resolution with HDR and Dolby Vision to enjoy lifelike and fascinating detail.
  • Discover movies and TV shows from all your services in one place.
  • A 22% faster processor and twice memory for stable streaming.

Our conclusion on the Google Chromecast (2nd Gen) vs Google Chromecast (3rd Gen)

Both the Google Chromecast (2nd Gen) and the Google Chromecast (3rd Gen) are high quality products and we are sure you will be happy with either one. In the end it comes down to your budget and the value for money you are looking for.

Either way, the Google Chromecast (2nd Gen) and the Google Chromecast (3rd Gen) are both excellent products that will more than do their job!