Google’s groundbreaking Chromecast first launched in 2013, and was one of the first streaming sticks that just plugged into the back of your TV. And while Chromecast evolved over the decade that followed, it always kept its basic roots—namely, its ability to cast apps and other media from compatible mobile hardware.
Now it’s 2025, and there are all kinds of streaming devices to choose from, many of which also come with some sort of casting capability. If you’re scrappy and know where to look, you can still get your hands on legacy versions of the Chromecast, as well as the discontinued Chromecast with Google TV, but should you?
The company’s latestGoogle TV Streameris pricier than most at $100, sure, but its user interface is slick, and the bundled remote puts it in league with the likes of Apple TV and Roku, so why are some folks still drawn to the older Chromecast devices? Even with their cheaper prices, if you ask me, I don’t thinkanyolder version of the Chromecast is a good purchase in 2025. Here’s why.
The End of Days for Chromecast Support is Nigh
Google officially stopped selling the final generation of the Chromecast brand, the Chromecast with Google TV, earlier this year. This means that Google no longer produces any version of Chromecast-branded devices apart from the current Google TV Streamer. If you want to get your hands on one, you’ll have to find them at a third-party retailer like Amazon, or used.
Google officially ended support for the 1st-gen 2013 Chromecast in 2023. That means that the device no longer receives software or security updates, and Google no longer provides technical support for it. If that 10-year cycle plays out for the generations that followed (up to the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) that was released in 2022), we could potentially see support until 2032 for that latest version (2030 and 2028, respectively, for the 4K Chromecast with Google TV (4K) and 3rd-gen Chromecast), but Google hasn’t released any official timeline that aligns with that.
However, there have been reports,such as this one from Android Authority, that suggest that support for both Chromecast with Google TV models could be coming to an end as soon as September 2025 and September 2027.
You can, of course, keep up with the firmware updates to all Chromecast and Google TV Streamer devices onGoogle’s help page, but sooner or later support will end, which may be enough for many consumers to rethink throwing down their money.
If Casting Is Your Thing, You Have Options
Back when the Chromecast first launched, having the ability to cast from a phone, tablet, or laptop to a TV was a novelty. Competitor gadgets like theApple TVand Roku’s lineup of web-connected sticks and set-top boxes relied on built-in user interfaces that required navigation with a remote. Sure, you could download more apps, games, and eventually movies and TV shows, but all of this content was locked into whatever OS your streaming gadget was powered by.
The first-gen Chromecast came along and said, “To heck with your interface!” All you needed was your smartphone or tablet connected to Wi-Fi and plugged into your TV, and you were casting—no remote or other device necessary.
Nowadays, though casting (Google now calls this Google Cast) audio and video can be done easily and using all kinds of devices and brands. Apple’sAirPlayis baked into a plethora of Apple devices, allowing casting and mirroring to devices such as Apple TV and even Mac computers. Non-Apple brands, including Roku streaming devices and TVs with Roku’s operating system built-in (such as Hisense, LG, TCL, and Samsung) also support the standard. Miracast is another widely used casting protocol that supports Android devices, Windows PCs, smart TVs, and even streaming devices like Roku and Fire TV.
These are just examples, but in 2025, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a streaming device or smart TV that doesn’t support content casting or screen mirroring of some kind.
But if you’re adamant about sticking with Google hardware, the Google TV Streamer and most Google TV-powered smart TVs and projectorsdosupport Google Cast. You may just have to contend with a remote-navigable UI alongside your casting.
There Is No Shortage of Other Streaming Devices
The original 1st-gen Chromecast was just $35, a steal for any type of streaming device, even if it was designed to receive content from mobile hardware you already owned. In 2025, there are just so many good and reasonably priced options around that there’s no need to buy a discontinued Chromecast 3rd-gen or Chromecast with Google TV (which I’ve seen sell for $80 and $150 on Amazon, respectively, if you can find them).
Some alternative streaming devices can be had for as little as $30, including the redesignedRoku Streaming Stick HDthat supports AirPlay 2 (the 4K “Plus” version is just $10 more). Amazon’s latestFire TV Stick 4Kis under $50 and supports Miracast, while the $30 Walmart-ownedOnn Google TV 4K Plusis more of a set-top style with a remote and features Google Cast support.
Not only will these three devices be supported by their developers for quite some time, but they’re also far more powerful than any Google product with the Chromecast label, especially in terms of Wi-Fi performance and overall processor speed. Also, don’t forget that if you’re still devoted to Google TV after all that, the Google TV Streamer is only around $100, and features 4K resolution, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and a ton of other premium features.
Roku Streaming Stick Plus
Roku’s Streaming Stick Plus is the thinnest 4K streaming stick available today. It comes with a Voice Remote, and its ultra-slim design is perfect for frequent travelers as well as those who want to keep their wall-mounted TV as clean-looking as possible.
Should You Buy a Chromecast?
Google gave us a great decade-plus of Chromecast devices to enjoy, but the streaming device landscape is teeming with reliable sticks and set-top units in 2025. I personally wouldn’t spend any amount of cash on any Chromecast generation because I know how much better the competition has gotten.
If you’re determined to stick with Google for hardware, the Google TV Streamer is one of the top-rated streaming devices on the market. Yes, it’s pricier than the rest, but the adage of “you get what you pay for” very much applies to the world of streaming.
Google TV Streamer 4K
Experience stunning 4K streaming with Google TV Streamer. Enjoy seamless access to your favorite apps, shows, and movies with a powerful, easy-to-use interface. Elevate your entertainment with voice control, personalized recommendations, and smooth performance in vibrant Ultra HD.
