Back in the day, the only way to watch non-televised stuff on your tele was by physically connecting a device. At first, via cables. And later, USB. But both felt like stopgaps for what people really wanted: namely, watching videos from one device on a bigger screen TV. Cue the entry of streaming devices like the Google Chromecast.
The easy-to-use dongle connects to an HDMI port on a TV. As long as you're on the same WiFi network, you can then wirelessly 'cast' from a mobile phone, tablet, computer, or other devices to your TV. Simple! Fast forward to more recent times, though, and Chromecast is heading the way of the Dodo, succeeded by Google TV Streamer.
But before we get into the nitty-gritty of all things Google casting devices, here's a look at popular NBN plans from our database today.
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#1
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Dodo
FTTP, HFC
nbn500 Unlimited Plan
$62.99/mth
Min. cost $62.99
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#2
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Tangerine Telecom
FTTP, HFC
Speedy Max NBN 500/50
$59.90/mth
Min. cost $59.90
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#3
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amaysim
FTTP, HFC
NBN500
$50/mth
Min. cost $50
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#4
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Belong
FTTP, HFC
NBN Fast – Unlimited
$59/mth
Min. cost $59
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#5
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Superloop
FTTP, HFC
Family Max nbn500/50
$74/mth
Min. cost $74
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#6
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SpinTel
FTTP, HFC
Home Ultrafast 1000/100
$76/mth
Min. cost $76
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What is Google Chromecast?
Like many Google brands, Chromecast is no more. Google Chromecast dongles were released between 2013 and 2024. Initially, these streaming devices were a compact way to turn any screen with an HDMI port into a streaming-capable smart display. Users could either play content from their local network on an HDMI screen or they could stream supported content over the internet to the Chromecast device.
Playback controls for earlier Chromecast products were relegated to mobile devices or web browsers. Later revisions allowed for voice control (via Google Assistant), and later still models came with a remote control and a user interface. Most Chromecast dongles supported up to 1080p resolution, while pricier models offered up to 4K streaming for supported content. According to Google, more than 100 million Chromecast devices were sold worldwide. But in 2024, Google discontinued Chromecast products.
What is Google TV Streamer?
Chromecast is discontinued. But it lives on in Google TV Streamer. The latter generations of Chromecast had "with Google TV" branding, and this would go on to become the successor to the Chromecast. While most Chromecast products relied on apps for playback controls, anything that had "with Google TV" in the name came with a remote, including Google TV Streamer.
Additionally, instead of looking at user-provided wallpapers on a Chromecast-connected screen, Google TV Streamer has a full-blown user interface, making it more like Fetch TV, Foxtel IQ, Hubbl, or any other set-top box competitors. While a wide range of apps are supported on Google TV Streamer devices, you need to have an account for free services and/or subscriptions to premium streaming services to actually watch content.
Google TV Streamer (4K) is the current solitary streaming device from the product line. As the name suggests, it allows for streaming at up to 4K resolution. The Google TV Streamer (4K) also has a snappy user interface, a compact Voice Remote, and a compact design. What it doesn't have is an included HDMI cable or an Ethernet cable (though it does have WiFi 5). While we’d prefer to see a WiFi 6 or WiFi 7 upgrade, the speed requirements for streaming content are all adequately covered with WiFi 5.
Here's a breakdown of the popular apps available on Google TV Streamer (4K).
TV and movie apps
- Apple TV
- Crunchyroll
- Disney Plus
- Foxtel Now
- Netflix
- Paramount Plus
- Prime Video
- Stan
- Tubi
- YouTube
- 10Play
- 7plus
- 9Now
- ABC iView
Sports apps
- DAZN
- F1 TV
- Kayo Sports
- MLB Network
- NBA
- Red Bull TV
Other video apps
- Bloomberg
- Fox News
- Microsoft Teams
- TEDx
- Twitch
- Vimeo
- YouTube Kids
Music apps
- Deezer
- Spotify
- Tidal
- YouTube Music
Google TV Streamer vs. Chromecast
If you still have a Google Chromecast, you can happily use it today. But the later the generation –particularly one that has "with Google TV" in the name – the better the functionality. Because Chromecast has been discontinued, you'll need to buy a second-hand Chromecast if you specifically want one of those.
While Chromecast with Google TV had a $99 RRP, Google TV Streamer (4K) in Australia costs $159.99 RRP. If you just want to cast, you can potentially save money by opting for a used Chromecast on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Gumtree. Outside of being second-hand, the main disclaimer is that software support for older products may not be as forthcoming as those for newer products. Older-gen Chromecasts may not receive support anymore, and the user interfaces will also likely be sluggish in comparison to the Google TV Streamer (4K).
Despite the price hike, you're better off going with the Google TV Streamer (4K), if only for the snappier responsiveness and ongoing software support. Security updates for the Google TV Streamer (4K) will be available until at least September 2029. If you are looking at a second-hand Chromecast, we recommend the Chromecast with Google TV as it's closest to the Google TV Streamer (4K). Here's how the two look side-by-side.
| Specs | Chromecast with Google TV | Google TV Streamer |
|---|---|---|
| Device colours | 3 | 1 |
| Resolution | Up to 4K | Up to 4K |
| HDR | HDR 10+, Dolby Vision | HDR 10+, Dolby Vision |
| Audio | Dolby-encoded audio (via HDMI) | Dolby Atmos |
| Remote | Voice Remote | Voice Remote (customisable button, Find My Remote) |
| Casting | Yes | Yes |
| Internal storage | 8GB | 32GB |
| Memory | 2GB | 4GB |
| Smart home controls | None | Some |
| Ethernet | No | Yes |
| WiFi | WiFi 5 | WiFi 5 |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.1 |
| Security updates | Not specified | Five years |
Google TV Streamer and Chromecast FAQs
Is Google TV Streamer the same as Chromecast?
No, while Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV Streamer use similar technologies, they are different products. Google TV Streamer is the successor to Chromecast, which has been discontinued.
What is the point of Google TV Streamer?
Google TV Streamer is a compact set-top box solution to house a range of popular video and audio streaming services in a single easy-to-navigate user interface.
Is Google TV Streamer any good?
Yes, Google TV Streamer is a good successor to Chromecast thanks to a clever remote, snappy responsiveness, and a user-friendly interface that's home to a wide range of supported apps.
More streaming deals
Looking for something to stream tonight but don't want to pay full price? We've rounded up the best deals from Australia's major streaming services.
- Apple TV Plus deals: Get 30% off
- Binge deals: Stream Binge from less than $7 per month
- Disney Plus deals: Get 12 months for the price of 10
- Foxtel packages and deals: Save up to $55 per month
- HBO Max deals: Free HBO Max with Foxtel
- Kayo deals: 50% off Kayo Premium for six months with Optus SubHub
- Netflix deals: Free Netflix with Foxtel
- Paramount Plus deals: Save over $40 per year
- Prime Video deals: Score a 30-day free trial
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AMC+ Bundle
TV7-day free trial
From
$8.99/mth
or $83.88/yr
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Disney+
From
$9.99/mth
or $179.99/yr
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Amazon Prime Video
TV + movies + more30-day free trial
From
$9.99/mth
or $79/yr
|
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Netflix
From
$9.99/mth
|
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Binge
TV + movies + sport7-day free trial
From
$10.00/mth
or $79/yr
|
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Crunchyroll
TV + movies7-day free trial
From
$11.99/mth
or $119.99/yr
|
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Apple TV
TV + movies7-day free trial
From
$15.99/mth
or $129/yr
|
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Kayo Sports
Sport7-day free trial
From
$29.99/mth
|
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DAZN
From
$31.99/mth
or $149.99/yr
|
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Foxtel Now
TV + movies + sport10-day free trial
From
$35/mth
|
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Paramount+
TV + movies + sport7-day free trial
From
$7.99/mth
or $70.99/yr
Link not supplied
|
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Stan.
TV + movies + sport
From
$9.99/mth
Link not supplied
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HBO Max
TV + movies
From
$11.99/mth
or $119.99yr
Link not supplied
|
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BritBox
TV7-day free trial
From
$13.99/mth
or $139.99/yr
Link not supplied
|
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MUBI
Movies7-day free trial
From
$14.99/mth
or $119.88/yr
Link not supplied
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Nathan Lawrence
Freelance Contributor
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