Watch Netflix, listen to music or play games quickly and easily: it is possible with a media player for your TV. In this Apple TV vs Chromecast comparison, we put the two most popular options against each other: which media player is the best?
Apple TV vs Chromecast: the 7 main differences
An important note in advance: in this article we compare the latest versions of the Chromecast and Apple TV. So we explain the Google Chromecast with Google TV, as the Google media player from 2020 is called in full, and the Apple TV 4K, from April 2021, side by side.
Where necessary, we also reflect on previous versions of both smart media players to make the comparison clearer. Are you short on time? These are the main differences between the Apple TV and Chromecast:
| Part | Apple TV 4K | Chromecast with Google TV |
|---|---|---|
| Image quality | 4K | 4K |
| Apps and games | App Store | Google Play Store |
| Operate with iPhone | Yes | Yes |
| Operate with Android smartphone | No | Yes |
| Remote control | Yes | Yes |
| Storage | 32 / 64GB | No |
| price | 199 euros | About 70 euros |
1. Appearance and connections
The most obvious difference between the Apple TV and Chromecast is the appearance. Google’s media player has an oval-like shape that hangs out of sight behind your TV. Older Chromecast versions look like a hockey puck. The oldest variant has the appearance of an oversized USB stick.
The Apple TV is a black box that you can place next to the TV or in the TV cabinet, for example. Apple’s media player is quite a bit bigger than the Google Chromecast and the appearance of the Apple TV has remained unchanged for years. Only the first generation, which came out in 2007, deviates from the standard. This had a white design.
Both devices must be connected to the HDMI port of your TV and supplied with power via the supplied power cord. Furthermore, the Apple TV has an ethernet input for wired internet. Internet via a cable is faster and more stable than a wireless signal. The Google Chromecast does not have an Ethernet input.
2. Image quality does not matter
In the past, the Apple TV had a significant advantage over the Chromecast. Apple’s media player had 4K, provided you bought the most expensive version. The Chromecast got stuck on full-hd.
However, with the Google Chromecast of 2020, the cards have been reshuffled. Both the Apple TV and Google media player have 4K resolution. Thanks to this high image quality, films and series look impressive. You do, of course, need a television that can handle this quality.
Does your television support a maximum of Full HD (1080p)? Then you might be better off buying the ‘standard’ Apple TV. This is a few tens cheaper than the 4K version and has slightly less powerful hardware. The Google Chromecast of 2020 is equipped with 4K as standard. Previous Chromecast versions went up to full HD, with the exception of the Chromecast Ultra (from 2016).
3. Apps and games
In terms of apps, there is little difference between the two media players. You can watch Netflix, Disney Plus or Amazon Prime Video with both the Apple TV and Chromecast. Services such as NPO and YouTube are also available on both platforms.
Gamers have to pay attention. The Apple TV has many more games than the Google Chromecast. The former runs on tvOS and can therefore handle Apple Arcade. Apple’s subscription service has a wide range of high-quality games that are expanded weekly.
Also important: you can use the included Siri Remote of the Apple TV to play games. For example, you can control games by tilting the remote control or moving it quickly back and forth.
Serious gamers are advised to pair with their PlayStation or Xbox controller. That is ‘just’ possible with an Apple TV, unlike the Chromecast.
4. Operating system
The biggest difference between the two media players is software. The Apple TV runs on tvOS, while the Chromecast uses Google TV. We recommend that you let your choice depend on this, because this is very important.
You can use an Apple TV for example do not operate with an Android phone. Of course you can use the supplied remote control, but you will not get the whole experience. The Google Chromecast can handle iPhones, but it is impossible to AirDrop photos or videos. Instead, you need to look for the Casting icon, see opposite, and then select your Chromecast.
5. Storage
The Apple TV has storage capacity. You can choose from two options: 32 or 64GB. You use this storage, for example, to store photos, videos and games. That’s nice, because you don’t need an active internet connection to watch a saved movie, for example.
A Chromecast has no built-in storage capacity. So you should always stream content (music, photos, videos, etc.). You need an active internet connection for this.
6. Remote control
Both media players have a remote control. The Apple TV remote has always received a lot of criticism and with the Siri Remote from 2021, Apple shows that it has listened to it. The new remote has been given a fresh look with an iPod-like touch-sensitive click area in the middle to fast forward and rewind in films and series, for example.
The remote control of the Chromecast with Google TV is not touch sensitive and has more physical buttons. For example, the ‘box’ has a button for the Google Assistant, Netflix, YouTube and to go back a page. The Apple TV remote feels more robust and sturdy in our opinion.
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Chromecast remote -
Siri Remote
7. Price
That is also allowed, because the Apple TV is much more expensive than the Google Chromecast. Apple’s media player starts at 159 euros. Do you want to get the Apple TV with 4K resolution and more powerful hardware? Then you have to put 199 euros on the table.
The Chromecast with Google TV costs $ 49 and is not yet available in the Netherlands. At our eastern neighbors, the media player is sold for 69 euros. Anyone who wants to buy the Chromecast with Google TV in the Netherlands can do this via gray import. Several Dutch web shops get the device from abroad and sell it for an additional cost of between 10 and 30 euros.
Apple TV vs Chromecast: Which Is The Best Media Player?
In summary, is it better to get an Apple TV at home, or go for the Apple TV? The answer to that question mainly depends on your preferences and budget. Do you use the media player to watch Netflix and YouTube? Then you have more than enough with a Chromecast with Google TV.
Are you looking for an extensive media player with which you can also play games and save movies? Then you better save up for the Apple TV 4K. In any case, this media player is interesting for Apple users, because it is fully integrated into the Apple ecosystem and therefore works seamlessly with your iPhone, iPad and Mac.
However, it goes without saying that the Chromecast is a much better deal in terms of value for money. For the majority of people, this media player does enough to justify the price tag. Apple fans and discerning users are probably better off buying an Apple TV.
More about the Apple TV and Chromecast
The Apple TV 4K (2021) pre-order is on April 30 at 2:00 PM. From then on, the media player can be pre-ordered, after which the release is a week later. Keep iPhone keep an eye out for the best deals. We will of course also get started with the media player in due course. You can read our findings in the Apple TV review.
The Google media player has been available for some time. Our colleagues from Android Planet have tested the device intensively. You can read their findings in the Chromecast with Google TV review, or watch the video report below. Do you want a Buy Chromecast with Google TV? Then use the Android Planet price comparison tool to find the best deals.