The Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is the least expensive Chromecast yet, with the same features as the 4K Chromecast with Google TV, but for HDTVs.

I’ve been PCMag’s home entertainment expert for over 10 years, covering both TVs and everything you might want to connect to them. I’ve reviewed more than a thousand different consumer electronics products including headphones, speakers, TVs, and every major game system and VR headset of the last decade. I’m an ISF-certified TV calibrator and a THX-certified home theater professional, and I’m here to help you understand 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and even 8K (and to reassure you that you don’t need to worry about 8K at all for at least a few more years).

The Chromecast with Google TV is one of our favorite media streamers and an Editors' Choice in the category, though at $50 it's more expensive than the original $35 Chromecast. That's because it has an on-screen interface that Chromecast initially lacked, and supports 4K video.

Google is now returning to the streamer's cheap roots, with a 1080p version of the Chromecast that costs even less than the first model.

The Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is the second Chromecast device to feature the Google TV smart TV platform built-in. As its name indicates, it only supports streaming up to 1080p content, a quarter the resolution of 4K. The new model targets users who still have HDTVs and haven't made the jump to 4K, or who might use older TVs in guest rooms, garages, or any place they wouldn't serve as the main TV of the home.

The Chromecast with Google TV (HD) can output video at 1080p60, and supports high dynamic range (HDR) content in HDR10 and HDR10+. It offers the full Google TV platform, which covers all major streaming services and incorporates the Google Assistant through the microphone on the included remote. Like all Google TV devices, it also has Google Cast, so you can treat it like an original Chromecast and stream your Android smartphone screen or Chrome tab to it.

The Chromecast with Google TV (HD) retails for $29.99 and is currently available directly from Google and at retail. Unlike the Chromecast with Google TV's blue and pink variants, the HD version is only available in white. Google and Peacock are offering a promotion that includes six months of Peacock Premium with the purchase of the device.

With the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) now sold alongside the standard Chromecast with Google TV, the latter device has now been renamed the Chromecast with Google TV (4K).

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I’ve been PCMag’s home entertainment expert for over 10 years, covering both TVs and everything you might want to connect to them. I’ve reviewed more than a thousand different consumer electronics products including headphones, speakers, TVs, and every major game system and VR headset of the last decade. I’m an ISF-certified TV calibrator and a THX-certified home theater professional, and I’m here to help you understand 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and even 8K (and to reassure you that you don’t need to worry about 8K at all for at least a few more years).

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