A Chromecast is nothing without great Chromecast apps to get it to run.

Google‘s streaming dongle is a useful tool that doesn’t have a smart TV or all-powerful gaming console. Thanks to updates from its initial 2013 design, a Chromecast is one of the best – not to mention cheapest – ways to watch all kinds of content on your TV.

There are loads of Chromecast apps out there to download, but your phone, tablet, or laptop only has so much space. We’ve collected the essential apps, from home media titans to more specialist apps.

1. Best Chromecast Apps: Google Home

Android, iOS

Previously known as the Chromecast app, Google Home is a versatile app for setting up Google devices in your…well, home. You’ll need it to set up your Chromecast, as well as Chromecast Audio and Google Home devices. With the Chromecast, you can use it to browse trending content, customize your TV screen, and play or pause content. It’s a key app to have installed, especially if you’re considering multiple Chromecasts for your home.

2. Best Chromecast Apps: Netflix

Android, iOS & Online



Netflix is a film and TV junkie’s dream. After every episode in a box set, it tries to hook you into the next one – sit down for a four-season binge session and Netflix is ready to pump it straight into your veins.

It’s addictive, as anyone who has a Netflix subscription can attest, but there’s nothing worse than paying for Netflix and only being able to enjoy it on a tinny laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Now, thanks to Chromecast, you can wirelessly stream all of your Netflix desires onto the big screen and get comfy for the long-haul.

3. Best Chromecast Apps: Spotify

Android & iOS



It’s been a long time coming, but Spotify finally now supports Chromecast – you can stick on those party classics and have them belt out through your TV’s speakers. Spotify is an essential download for anyone who owns a Chromecast

4. Best Chromecast Apps: Disney+

Android, iOS & Online

Disney+ and all of its wonderful content is available for streaming on your Chromecast. Want to relive childhood favorites? Explore the world with Nat Geo? The Disney+ and Chromecast duo makes this possible for anyone with wifi and the Disney+ Subscription.

5. Best Chromecast Apps: YouTube

Android, iOS & Online



YouTube is the perfect app for any Chromecast owner, letting you stream its mix of absolute absurd home videos, never-ending music mashups, and intriguing web-only documentaries. Whether you want to rent movies or stream home movies from your own YouTube channel for your friends and family to see, this app is one of the best.

Thankfully, as YouTube is a Google-owned service, its integration with Chromecast is as slick and seamless as you’d expect.

6. Best Chromecast Apps: Amazon Prime Video

Android & iOS

Amazon Prime fans rejoice. Assuming you have a Prime subscription you can stream your favorite content directly to your Chromecast. No Firestick? No problem, simply pull up the Prime app on your favorite device and cast it directly to your TV.

You can rent or buy movies, TV series, and browse the free section for an endless stream of great content.

7. Best Chromecast Apps: Facebook

Android, iOS



Have you ever scrolled through your Facebook News Feed and clicked on a video then found yourself hours later still watching videos? What about your favorite home movies that you’ve uploaded? When you want to show off the best that the social media giant has to offer to friends, connect to your Chromecast.

Bring everything that makes Facebook great right to your TV screen for everyone to enjoy. It’s simple to connect so you won’t have twenty people looking over your shoulder to view a five-inch screen.

8. Best Chromecast Apps: Google Play Movies

Android and iOS



Rent or buy new releases right on the Google Play Movies app and put them up on your screen for everyone to enjoy. Does movie night keep getting canceled? Afraid of germs and $9 small bags of popcorn?

Download the Google Play Movies app and cast the best new movies right to your TV for an “at-home” movie night everyone can enjoy!

9. Best Chromecast Apps: Popcorn Flix



Android & iOS

Interested in streaming free content anytime? Popcornflix is one of those apps that lets you do this! Although the legality of free streaming can be a thin line, Popcornflix is a great service available for both Android and Apple users alike.

Simply download the app, search for something you’d enjoy watching and connect to your Chromecast. It’s simple and free!

10. Best Chromecast Apps: HBO Max

Android & iOS



One of our new favorites is HBO Max. Offering the best content from HBO, Cartoon Network, and even Cartoon Networks’ prodigy ‘Adult Swim’ you can have it all right on your TV. What’s even better? You get full access to Crunchy Roll and Turner Classic Movies so there’s something for everyone in this bundle.

HBO Max is $15/mo. but when you see it on your TV using your Chromecast device, definitely worth it!

11. Best Chromecast Apps: Google Chrome

Android, iOS & Online



“Wait! Isn’t that a web browser?” Yes, yes it is a web browser so the only question is; what do you want to display on your TV? Are you in a meeting and need to share your PowerPoint? How about the classroom? You can show walkthroughs, workarounds, lesson plans, etc. using the Chrome and Chromecast duo.

Chrome makes the possibilities absolutely endless as long as you can access your content on the web browser. Simply pull up any site and click on the option to “Cast” from the menu. That’s all you need to do to display Chrome on a much bigger screen.

12. Best Chromecast Apps: Crunchyroll

Android, iOS and online



Those who love Anime can rejoice because J-Drama streaming service Crunchyroll works on Chromecast. The app allows you to watch ad-enabled versions of a wide variety of the latest and greatest anime series along with some of the most popular Japanese dramas for free.

If you’d rather cut out the incredibly irritating and repetitive ads, you can pay $7.99 a month to gain unlimited viewing along with exclusive premium content.