Original Chromecasts still beat Google TV for simple streaming. By Robert Triggs • Sep 5, 2026 — 6:00 AM ET
I still use my original Chromecast from 2018 every day. It plugs into my TV’s HDMI port and streams content from my phone with zero fuss. No menus, no updates, no remote to lose. It just works when I tap the cast button in YouTube or Netflix. After eight years, it remains my go-to for quick, reliable streaming.
Google TV tries to do too much. It wants to be a smart hub with recommendations, voice search, and app stores. But I don’t need all that. I just want to send video from my phone to the TV. The original Chromecast does that faster and simpler than any newer device. It boots in seconds and never crashes.
The original Chromecast has no interface on the TV screen. You control everything from your phone or laptop. That means no laggy animations, no ads in the home screen, no forced updates. When I want to watch something, I open the app, tap cast, and it starts. There’s no learning curve for guests or family members. It’s invisible tech that just gets out of the way.
Google TV, by contrast, feels like a tablet strapped to your TV. It takes longer to start, often shows promotional content, and requires navigating rows of icons. If the remote dies or the Wi-Fi glitches, the whole thing can freeze. My old Chromecast has never failed me in eight years of daily use.
Not for streaming sticks. Sometimes the simplest tool is the best. The original Chromecast lacks 4K or HDR, but most of what I watch is in 1080p anyway. For casual viewing, the difference is negligible. What matters is reliability and speed—areas where the 2018 model still outperforms newer, more complicated alternatives.
I’ve tried upgrading. Each time, I went back to the dongle that fits in my pocket and needs no charging. Until Google makes a streaming device that’s as effortless as the original Chromecast, I won’t be replacing it. Sometimes, the oldest tech is the smartest choice.
Does the original Chromecast still work with current apps? Yes, it supports major services like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and Disney+ through phone casting. As long as the app has a cast button, it will work.
Will it stop working soon? Google hasn’t ended support for the original Chromecast. It still receives security updates and functions normally with current Android and iOS devices.
Is there any downside to using it? It doesn’t support 4K resolution or voice control. You also can’t use it without a phone or computer to initiate casting. But for basic streaming, these limits don’t affect most users.