Whether you are looking for an alternative to a monthly cable subscription or just want to add more variety to your viewing options, Google Chromecast™ and Chromecast Ultra are excellent choices for streaming to multiple devices. Staples® carries both Google streaming devices, as well as other products to watch your favorite movies and TV shows without cable.



Choosing the Right Google Chromecast for Your TV

The Google Chromecast plugs into a TV's HDMI® port to connect to most mobile devices. Choose between the standard model for streaming high-definition (HD) content and the Ultra for 4K and HDR quality video. Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra can be used on any device running Windows® or Android™ operating systems. This means you can use it from your smartphone, laptop, tablet or PC. Google Chromecast can also be used as a remote control to power on and switch input settings on many TVs. A 4K TV and 4K channels or media are necessary to run the Ultra. You will also need to have 5G Wi-Fi® router capability.



There are two generations of the HD Chromecast. The first runs an ARM Cortex-A9 processor and has 2GB of flash storage and 512 MB of RAM. For convenience, it has an HDMI plug built in. The second generation has a faster ARM Cortex-A7 processor, 256MB of flash storage and 512MB of RAM. This model comes with a flexible HDMI cable that magnetically attaches to the device. This allows users more flexibility when positioning the device.



Connecting Google Chromecast to a TV

Running on Google, the Chromecast is quick and easy to connect. Simply plug the device into an HDMI port on a TV and download the Chrome™ browser or the Google Home App. To connect to a computer or Android device, simply download the app and follow the on-screen instructions.



What Channels are on Google Chromecast?

The Google Chromecast offers access to hundreds of apps such as HBO Now®, Hulu®, and Netflix®, so it's easy to find movies and television shows to watch. Each app is independent of the Chromecast and requires separate streaming accounts. Several channels offer 4K streaming for Ultra users. For example, Netflix is available in both regular HD and in 4K with a monthly subscription. Another choice is to connect to a personal Google Play™ Account to view movies, television shows, or personal videos, images, and audio recordings. Users can also connect to music apps like Spotify®, Pandora®, and iHeartRadio, as well as to games and sports apps.



Can You Stream a Computer Screen to Google Chromecast?

Yes, Chromecast can mirror any screen using a Google Chrome browser or app. Use this feature to cast a tablet, laptop, desktop, or phone screen to a television.



What Bandwidth Does the Google Chromecast Need to Stream?

Most cable modems offer strong enough bandwidth to stream basic HD movies, television shows, and music. The Ultra needs more bandwidth than most streaming devices to meet the quality of 4K content. Google recommends average speeds of at least 20Mbps. Some content providers, such as Netflix, need 25Mbps or more to stream movies.