The rivalry between Apple TV and Chromecast is intensifying, but which one should you choose? This comprehensive comparison will help you make the right decision. At a glance: -Chromecast features HDMI input, 4K HDR streaming with Dolby Atmos sound (not available on Apple TV), built-in speakers, 1080p video output with 60fps for smooth playback; -Apple offers 5th generation processor power in an all aluminum chassis that’s easy to clean; it can’t be compared directly to its plastic rival.
The “apple tv vs chromecast” is a comparison of the two popular streaming devices. The article compares hardware, software, and features to help you decide which device is best for you.
Apple TV vs. Chromecast in a Nutshell
Apple TV and Google Chromecast are two of the most popular streaming gadgets on the market, produced by Apple and Google, respectively.
Despite the fact that Apple TV and Google Chromecast are both streaming devices, comparing the two is difficult. It’s difficult to make a fair comparison since they follow drastically different streaming philosophies — and target dramatically different populations.
Apple TV is an operating system-based streaming device with a user interface, while Chromecast has neither an operating system nor an interface. Apple TV is one of the most costly and high-end streaming gadgets on the market, whilst Chromecast is one of the most affordable. Furthermore, Apple TV offers the best Apple ecosystem integration, whilst Chromecast has the best Google ecosystem interaction.
These are only three of the many differences between Apple TV and Chromecast.
However, in this piece, I’ll examine each of these streaming devices in detail to see how they compare to one another.
What exactly is Apple TV? Apple TV Devices Overview
Apple TV is one of the most prestigious streaming gadgets on the market. It is well-known for its ability to interface with the rest of the Apple ecosystem. If you own a number of Apple devices, you should consider purchasing an Apple TV.
Apple TV, like other Apple products, is highly powerful, elegant, and has a basic design. The most serious flaw with Apple TV is that it costs twice or three times as much as most competing streaming devices.
When the going gets tough, you have to ask yourself, “Is it worth it?”
Apple TV is available in three models: HD Apple TV, Apple TV 4K 32GB Apple TV 4K 32GB Apple TV 4K 32GB Apple, and Apple TV 4K 64GB Apple TV 4K 64GB Apple TV 4K 64GB Apple.
Apple TV HD
The Apple TV HD is the entry-level Apple TV streaming device, with video compatibility up to 1080p Full HD. It features 32GB of internal storage.
Apple TV 4K 32GB
The Apple TV 4K 32GB is the top-of-the-line Apple TV streaming device, with support for 4K Ultra HD and HDR Dolby Vision. It features 32GB of internal storage.
Apple TV 4K 64GB
The Apple TV 4K 32GB is the top-of-the-line Apple TV streaming device, with support for 4K Ultra HD and HDR Dolby Vision. It features a 64GB internal storage capacity.
Apple TV Devices’ Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- The most appealing streaming gadget on the market.
- Installation is simple.
- Supports Dolby Vision HDR.
- It works well with other iOS devices.
- A powerful operating system with a lovely user interface.
- It has the capability of creating several accounts for various users.
- A remote control is included.
- Casting and mirroring are simple (with iOS devices).
- Siri and HomePod compatibility.
- Accessibility elements for those with physical, motor, literary, visual, or auditory disabilities are present.
Cons
- It’s very pricey.
- Only Siri and HomePod are supported; Alexa and Google Home are not.
- Android smartphones are not supported.
- Android devices do not have a smartphone app.
- Apple’s ecosystem of Apple TV, Apple TV+, and Apple TV apps is a little befuddling.
- There is no gaming support.
Apple TV and Chromecast Devices are compared.
Comparing Apple TV to Chromecast, as we have said, is akin to comparing apples and oranges, or possibly apples and googles. It’s hardly a fair comparison since they obviously target distinct audiences, with the former focused mostly on people who are involved with their local ecosystems. As a result, in addition to their particular features, I’ll merely compare their overall streaming philosophies.
Design of Apple TV vs. Chromecast
Apple TV
Apple TV is a compact black box with a matte top and glossy edges. On the top, the Apple TV logo is glossy black over matte black. The Apple TV remote has a similar design, with just the most critical buttons and rotating between glossy and matte black. You won’t have to hide the Apple TV gadget since it’s meant to be seen.
Chromecast
Chromecast is a black circular gadget with a diameter of 2 inches and a width of 0.5 inches. The earlier Chromecasts have a matte black finish, whilst the newer Chromecasts have a glossy black finish. In most situations, the Chromecast is hidden behind the TV. Even though it’s next to your television, it’s not an eyesore. Chromecast does not include a remote control or a pre-installed operating system.
Tie for first place (design)Both Apple TV and Chromecast feature unique and basic designs. They’re both rather appealing, so there’s no need to be concerned about them being an eyesore. |
Installation of Apple TV vs. Chromecast
Apple TV
Apple TV is straightforward to set up, particularly for iPhone owners. Connect the Apple TV device to the HDMI connection on your TV as well as a separate power outlet. You may also connect it to your router through the ethernet connector for maximum speed.
You must set up the Apple TV once it has been connected. To configure your TV manually, connect it to your WiFi, log into your Apple account, and follow the on-screen instructions. iPhone users, on the other hand, can just touch their iPhones to the Apple TV, and their WiFi credentials and account information will be instantly transmitted.
You may download the applications you desire after you’ve signed in. This may be done via the on-screen interface or your smartphone app.
Chromecast
It’s simple to connect the Chromecast to your television. Connect your Chromecast to an HDMI port on your TV as well as a power source. If the TV has enough power, you may utilize the USB connection, or use the provided converter and USB wire to connect it to an external power outlet. There isn’t an ethernet port on it.
After you’ve connected the Chromecast, you’ll need to configure it. Because Chromecast doesn’t have its own operating system, everything is done via the smartphone app. Download the Google Home app and link it with your Chromecast by connecting it to your WiFi network.
Both iOS and Android users will go through the identical installation procedure.
Tie for first place (installation)Both Apple TV and Chromecast have straightforward setup procedures. The Apple TV device and Chromecast must both be connected to an HDMI port and a power outlet in the same manner. You may also use Chromecast to connect to the USB port on your TV. Apple TV, on the other hand, comes with an ethernet connector for greater speed. The setup phase is where the two actually vary. Apple TV comes with an operating system that you must install. Log into your Apple account, connect to WiFi, and then follow the on-screen instructions. Chromecast, on the other hand, lacks a built-in operating system, so you’re completely reliant on your smartphone app. It’s worth noting that iPhone owners will have an easier time installing Apple TV since they can just touch the Apple TV device with their phones. |
Content Quality: Apple TV vs. Chromecast
Apple TV
- HD: The entry-level Apple TV plays Full HD video, while the high-end Apple TV devices can play Ultra HD 4K material if you have a 4K TV.
- HDR: HDR material, such as HEVC Dolby Vision and HDR10, is supported on Apple TV 4K. However, you’ll need a TV that supports Dolby Vision and has an HDCP connector.
- Audio: If you have Dolby Atmos-compatible speakers, all Apple TV devices support Dolby Atmos audio.
Chromecast
- Chromecast supports Full HD content, whereas Chromecast Ultra offers Ultra HD 4K playback, assuming you have a 4K TV.
- HDR: If you have a Dolby Vision-compatible TV with an HDCP connector, Chromecast Ultra supports HDR content with HDR10 and Dolby Vision compatibility.
- If you have Dolby Atmos-compatible speakers, all Chromecast devices offer Dolby Atmos audio.
Winner (in terms of content quality): a tie.Content support is similarly robust and future-proof on Apple TV and Chromecast. Dolby Atmos, a dramatic sound experience that envelops your surroundings with moving sounds that echo all around you, is supported by all Apple TV and Chromecast devices. Without HDR capability, the entry-level Apple TV and Chromecast devices are limited to Full HD. Ultra HD video with HDR10 and Dolby Vision compatibility is available on high-end Apple TV and Chromecast devices. In HDR content, Dolby Vision is the gold standard. Dolby Vision compatibility effectively future-proofs both Apple TV and Chromecast since, despite its present limited support, it will eventually become the standard in video streaming platforms. |
Apple TV vs. Chromecast: What’s the Difference?
Apple TV
Apple TV runs on tvOS, Apple’s own operating system. It also has a 64-bit A10X Fusion Chip, which is the same as the one found in the iPad Pro.
The operating system and CPU are both cutting-edge, probably the finest in the business. The operating system on Apple TV is exceptionally elegant, minimalistic, and appealing. Furthermore, navigating the menus is simple, and you have a number of useful built-in features, such as, which displays a list of forthcoming episodes from your current series.
Chromecast
Because device functions as a conduit for transferring material from your smartphone, Chromecast does not have an operating system. As a result, you must manage it entirely via your smartphone, with no menus, search bars, or other controls.
Apple TV is the winner in terms of user interface.Because Apple TV is the only one of the two with a working operating system, it plainly wins. One of the most significant distinctions between the two devices is this. It’s a little unfair to knock Chromecast down since it doesn’t have an operating system. After all, Google chose to forego a built-in operating system in order to guarantee that you had complete control over your smartphone. Chromecast isn’t the ideal solution for you if you like to use your TV as a typical TV with a remote and on-screen menus. Apple TV, on the other hand, offers one of the most visually appealing operating systems of any streaming device. |
Remote Control: Apple TV vs. Chromecast
Apple TV
The Siri remote control for Apple TV is slim and beautiful, with just the most important buttons. It has a keypad with which you may swipe your way through the menu. If you don’t like it, you can use your iPhone to transform it into a directional keypad. A microphone button on the Siri remote control allows you to use Siri voice commands.
The Siri remote control is a Bluetooth-enabled controller rather than an IR remote control, as conventional remote controls are. This provides you more flexibility, and you can even control the TV from another room. However, you must charge the remote control with the provided lightning wire around once a month.
Chromecast
Because Google thinks that your smartphone is the only remote control you need, Chromecast does not include one.
Some TVs, however, enable you to couple your remote control with an external device if you want to use a conventional remote control. Whether you choose this option, you’ll need to look into your TV’s settings to see if you can use your TV’s remote to control your Chromecast.
If that’s the case, you’ll be able to operate basic functions like power on/off, volume, and so on using your usual TV remote, but nothing more complex.
Apple TV is the winner in terms of remote control.It’s that simple: Apple TV has a remote control, but Chromecast has not. You can convert your TV’s remote to operate with your Chromecast, but this isn’t possible with all TVs. Although your smartphone app may be used as a remote control, some people prefer classic remote controllers. Apple TV can also be managed with a smartphone, but it allows the user to make their own choice rather than forcing it. |
Chromecast vs. Apple TV app
Apple TV
Apple TV can be completely managed with your smartphone, but only if you have an iPhone. If you have an Android phone, you will have very little control over the Apple TV device.
This is normal Apple behavior: the business wants to entice you further into the Apple ecosystem by improving its interactivity while making things tough for Android customers.
If you have an iPhone, you can use it as a remote control even if you don’t have an app. With your iPhone, you can accomplish the following:
- By swiping up and selecting the Screen Mirroring option, you can easily mirror your phone’s screen.
- To access private listening, connect your Bluetooth headphones to your iPhone.
- For voice commands, use Siri on your iPhone.
- Passwords on your Apple TV may be entered using the keypad on your iPhone.
- Use your phone’s playback controls to operate Apple TV. The lock screen may also be used to access the playback controls.
You may now download the Apple TV app on your iPhone in addition to these fantastic controls. The software is only accessible on iOS devices once again.
Traditional controls aren’t available in the Apple TV app since they aren’t required. It does, however, serve as an additional cellular interface for your Apple TV. You can browse your collection, download films, applications, watch programs, and control playback, among other things.
The Apple TV app is available for download from the Apple Store.
Chromecast
Chromecast was created with the intention of being used mostly via a smartphone app. As a result, Chromecast requires a fantastic app experience, which it offers. The Google Home app, which serves as a remote control and a mirroring app in one, can operate Google Chromecast.
As a remote control, Google Home transforms your whole smartphone into a Chromecast interface. You don’t have to use the Google Home app to access your streaming services. You may instead download all of the necessary applications to your phone. When you’re using your phone to access an app, touch the casting symbol on the screen to send it to the Chromecast. The video will begin to play on your television. You may also use your smartphone to fast forward, skip, stop, play, and adjust the volume.
Google Home can cast material from your phone, web browser, or PC as a mirroring and casting app. You may use your Chromecast TV to cast your picture collections, home movies, and even online browsers. This function is particularly beneficial since it allows you to cast any material on your phone, even that which you view via your Google Chrome web browser. Although most streaming devices have a basic casting function, Chromecast boasts one of the most stunning casting capabilities available.
Private listening is the one area where the smartphone interface and control fall short. Chromecast doesn’t offer a private listening option for wired or wireless headphones, which is a feature that other streaming devices have adopted.
The Google Home app is available on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
Chromecast is the winner (app).The whole Chromecast ecosystem is centered on the usage of a smartphone as a remote control. As a result, it’s only natural that Google would include everything in their smartphone user experience. Both Chromecast and Apple TV provide ideal smartphone interaction and interfaces for iPhone users. Both offer excellent playback controls, excellent casting and mirroring capabilities, and simple navigation. Furthermore, you may use these functions without utilizing a smartphone app in both circumstances since your smartphone is attached to the streaming device and acts as a remote control. Apple TV, on the other hand, provides little to no assistance for Android users. It’s doing what Apple does best: luring you closer to an all-Apple environment. Chromecast, on the other hand, works just as well with Android phones as it does with iPhones. Both streaming devices are compatible with iPhones, and both provide excellent smartphone interaction. Android users, on the other hand, should avoid using the Apple TV gadget if they want to keep their smartphone controls. |
Voice Control on Apple TV vs. Chromecast
Apple TV
Speech control is available on Apple TV through the iPhone, HomePod, and remote control – but only with the Siri voice assistant.
A microphone button is included on the remote control. When issuing voice instructions, you must keep this button pressed. You may also use your iPhone to access Siri’s voice commands. If you have an Apple HomePod, you may also offer voice instructions by saying “Hey Siri.”
Your words display on the Apple TV screen when you offer voice instructions, enabling you to amend the command if it’s not exact. Siri, on the other hand, is usually really good at deciphering your orders.
Only Siri’s speech assistant, not Amazon Alexa or Google Home, is compatible with Apple TV.
Chromecast
Voice control is possible with Google Chromecast through the smartphone app or Google Assistant devices such as the Google Home and Google Home Mini smart speakers.
To provide voice requests and explore Chromecast, touch the microphone icon in the Google Home app. You may also offer voice instructions by saying “Hey Google” if you have a device with Google Assistant.
One of the most effective and accurate voice assistants is Google Assistant. As a result, you can browse around Chromecast with a reasonable amount of precision and ease.
Chromecast is a Google-centric device that exclusively works with Google Assistant, neither Siri or Alexa.
Chromecast is the winner in terms of voice control.Apple TV and Chromecast are both platform-specific. The Siri voice assistant is the only way to operate Apple TV, and Google Assistant is the only way to control Chromecast. For their respective platforms, both voice assistants are quite accurate and handy. Google Home, on the other hand, can be downloaded on your iPhone or Android mobile, enabling you to use Google Assistant from anywhere. Siri, on the other hand, is exclusively available on iPhones and not on Android phones. This implies that Android users can only use their Siri remote control or a HomePod to access Apple Voice commands. In conclusion, Chromecast outperforms Apple TV not because it is superior, but because it is more compatible. |
Ease of Use: Apple TV vs. Chromecast
Apple TV
The Siri remote control, iPhone controls, and HomeKit devices like HomePod can all be used to operate Apple TV. Apple TV only allows iPhone users to manage their phones, not Android users.
Both the internet user interface and the smartphone controls are very user-friendly. The Apple operating system is simple and quick to use, making it easy to explore menus and search alternatives. iPhone users may use their phones to access a variety of capabilities, such as private listening and mirroring, without the need for a third-party software.
Apple’s biggest stroke of brilliance, though, is in its accessibility features. Apple has announced a set of features aimed towards those who have visual, auditory, physical, motor, or literary disabilities. For those with disabilities, accessibility features enhance the user interface.
Some of the most popular and helpful accessibility features are as follows:
- VoiceOver: The built-in screen reader narrates what’s going on on the screen, enabling you to navigate menus without having to look at the screen.
- Zoom: You may increase all of the text, menus, and symbols to make it easier for folks with poor vision.
- Increase Contrast: This raises the contrast between the icons and menus and lowers the transparency, making the icons and menus more visible.
- Reduce Motion: While scrolling through the menus, this option removes transitional motion effects.
- Closed Captioning and SDH Support: Apple TV programming has closed captions that describe all conversations and sound effects for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Voice Explanations: For the visually handicapped, Apple TV programming includes audio descriptions of what’s on the screen.
- You may dictate what you wish to write, type, or search for voice commands with Siri and Dictation.
- Individuals with motion disabilities may utilize this function to browse menus without the need of a remote control.
Chromecast
Chromecast is managed through the Google Home smartphone app and Google Assistant-enabled devices. Chromecast, on the other hand, provides ideal smartphone controls for both iPhone and Android users, with no preference for one over the other.
There are no special accessibility features in Chromecast. Because you can explore Chromecast menus and pronounce material without seeing, you might argue that voice commands qualify as an accessibility feature. However, rather than being the intended result of voice orders, this is a secondary consequence.
Apple TV is the winner in terms of ease of use.Remote control, voice control, and iPhone control are all available on Apple TV. It boasts some of the best smartphone controls of any streaming device, and they’re even better than Chromecast’s. Apple TV also contains specialized accessibility controls, a thoughtful collection of functions that every device should have but does not. For both iOS and Android users, Chromecast certainly provides the greatest smartphone controls. For those who prefer a more conventional method, it lacks a remote control and an on-screen interface. It also lacks certain accessibility features. Apple TV provides considerably greater controls and engagement in general. It does, however, have one fatal flaw: it doesn’t function well with Android, forcing you to go all-Apple. As a result, users of Google Home, Android smartphones, and other similar devices may wish to avoid Apple TV. |
Apps & Channels on Apple TV vs. Chromecast
Apple TV
- Streaming Apps: The Apple TV app store includes Prime Video, Vudu, Hulu, Netflix, Showtime, HBO, Disney+, Sling TV, AT&T TV, and YouTube TV, among other popular streaming providers. Apple TV comes preloaded with Apple Music. Apple TV, on the other hand, does not support Spotify or Google Play Music, however you may listen to them on your phone and cast them to your TV.
- Apple enables you to import your cable and pay-TV subscriptions through apps. Apple TV Channels also allows you to subscribe to cable TV providers, like Acorn TV, BritBox, CBS All Access, Eros Now, HBO, PBS Living, Showtime, Starz, Sundance Now, and others.
- Apps for 4K HDR Video: Apps and platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, Epix, Vudu, FandangoNOW, and Apple TV+ all provide 4K HDR content.
- Games: There are no game applications available for Apple TV. You may, however, play video games on your smartphone while having the screen mirrored using screen mirroring.
- Apple TV offers a one-year complimentary membership to Apple TV+, the company’s native streaming platform. After the first year, you’ll have to pay a $50/year membership charge. There is no free material or channels in the Apple TV ecosystem, but you may download third-party applications that may provide free content.
Chromecast
- Streaming Apps: Chromecast gives you access to Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, YouTube, YouTube Music, Google Play Music, Netflix, and Spotify, among others. Because Apple TV+ only supports AirPlay, you won’t be able to cast it to your Chromecast TV. You may, however, use the Google Chrome browser to view Apple TV content and cast it to your Chromecast TV.
- Chromecast enables you to stream videos from a variety of cable TV networks, including Fox, NBC, NHL, CBS, and others. Even if your cable TV provider doesn’t have a casting app, you can still cast from their website using Google Chrome.
- Apps for 4K Material: There is no separate app or menu for 4K content on Chromecast. You may, however, cast 4K material from any streaming platform or app that supports 4K content, such as Netflix or Prime Video.
- Games: You can use Chromecast to play a variety of popular video games, including Twitch, Angry Birds, Monopoly, and more. You may use Chromecast Ultra with a Stadia controller to enjoy high-definition video games with fascinating narratives if you want to take your gaming to the next level.
- Free Channels: There are no specialized free applications for Chromecast. You may, however, transmit free material from YouTube or any other third-party app to your television.
Chromecast (apps and channels) is the winner.In terms of content, Apple TV and Chromecast are quite comparable. Both work with the majority of popular streaming services and cable television channels. They’re also both quite protective of their habitats. As a result, Spotify and Google Play Music aren’t supported on Apple TV, and Apple TV+ isn’t supported on Chromecast. However, there are straightforward ways to get past these limits in both circumstances. Chromecast takes the lead over Apple TV since it supports gaming. Chromecast is compatible with Google’s subscription-based Stadia service in addition to having specialized applications. |
Support for Apple TV vs. Chromecast
Apple TV
Apple TV features an excellent support system, which includes a knowledge base, a paid AppleCare Protection Plan, a support network, and live assistance.
There are instructional guides and troubleshooting suggestions throughout the knowledge base. You may also initiate a conversation by posting your problems to the Apple support community. If none of those options work, you may contact live assistance by completing a few questions.
You may also join up for the premium AppleCare Protection Plan if you’re prepared to pay for it.
Chromecast
Although Chromecast includes a wealth of instructional instructions and troubleshooting suggestions, it lacks live chat assistance.
Apple TV is the winner (at the support level).Apple TV comes with a variety of premium and free support options. In addition, everything is written out in a clear and obvious manner. |
Cost of Apple TV vs. Chromecast
Apple TV
- $149 for Apple TV HD
- $179 for Apple TV 4K 32GB
- $199 for Apple TV 4K 64GB
Chromecast
- $29.99 for Chromecast
- $69 for Chromecast Ultra
Chromecast is the winner in terms of price.The most sophisticated Chromecast gadget is half the price of the cheapest Apple TV model. That pretty much sums it up! Apple TV is a high-end gadget, while Chromecast is a low-cost option. |
Apple TV and Chromecast Devices: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple TV compatible with Chromecast?
If you’re referring to the Apple TV device, both the Apple TV and the Chromecast are content providers. You may attach them to the same TV through various HDMI ports, but you won’t be able to access them simultaneously.
If you’re talking about the Apple TV app or the Apple TV+ subscription service, you won’t be able to stream them straight to your Chromecast TV. To cast material to the TV, Apple employs its own protocol, AirPlay. As a result, you won’t be able to watch Apple TV+ video on your Chromecast using the app. Instead, you’ll have to use your Google Chrome browser to enter tv.apple.com and cast the browser to your Chromecast TV to see the video.
What’s the difference between Chromecast and Apple TV?
The main difference between Apple TV and Chromecast is how they approach streaming.
The Apple TV is a typical streaming device with an operating system built in. As a result, the Apple TV gadget has a CPU with storage and programs that can be used directly on the television.
Chromecast, on the other hand, is a dongle with no operating system. As a result, you can only operate Chromecast from your smartphone. You can use your phone to play material and then cast it to your Chromecast TV.
The “apple tv vs chromecast reddit” is a comparison between the two popular devices. It includes both hardware and software differences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is better Chromecast or Apple TV?
A: Apple TV has a larger selection of apps, while Chromecast only allows you to use the apps that it is compatible with.
Is Google TV better than Apple TV?
A: Technically, yes because Google TV does not have a separate app store like Apple TV. This means that people are unable to pirate content on the platform. On the other hand, you cannot purchase apps through it either so there is less freedom for developers due to restrictions from Google itself.
Is Chromecast better than AirPlay?
A: This is a little bit like comparing apples to oranges. AirPlay allows you to cast your devices audio and video content, while Chromecast streams whatever is on your phone or tablet.
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