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Yes—Chromecast can be used for audio, but the route depends on the model and where you want the sound to play. A video Chromecast sends sound through the TV or the audio system connected to it. Chromecast Audio was designed to connect directly to speakers, while Android phones and Chrome browsers can cast audio to compatible Cast speakers. Not every app, stream, or locally stored file is supported.
Choose the audio path that fits your equipment
| Your setup | Audio route | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Chromecast Audio and powered speakers or a receiver | Connect Chromecast Audio to an audio input, then cast supported content. | Match the cable to the device output and speaker or receiver input. Google documents the setup, but does not establish current retail availability of this legacy device. Google setup guide |
| Android phone and a Chromecast Audio or compatible Cast speaker | Use the Google Home app’s “Cast my audio” flow. | Requires Android 8.0 or later for Google Home app controls, the same Wi-Fi network, and microphone permission for Google Play Services. Google Android audio instructions |
| Computer and one browser tab whose sound should play on a speaker | Cast the selected Chrome tab. | Only the selected tab’s sound moves to the speaker; its video and images stay on the computer, as do sounds from other tabs and apps. Google Chrome tab instructions |
| Computer and a Google smart speaker or display | Cast media from Chrome to the speaker or display. | The computer and device must share Wi-Fi. Google’s instructions identify Chrome 72 or later and, on macOS 15 or later, Local Network access for device discovery. Google Chrome media instructions |
| Video Chromecast connected to a television | Play audio content and listen through the TV or its connected sound system. | The Chromecast is not itself a standalone speaker. Check that the source app supports casting to that device. Google Cast FAQ |
Use Chromecast Audio with speakers
Chromecast Audio is the purpose-built option for sending audio to a speaker without relying on a TV. Google’s setup guide describes connecting it to a speaker with an audio cable, powering it with the included USB cable and power supply, setting it up in Google Home, and casting music, radio channels, or podcasts from a phone, tablet, or laptop. The device is legacy hardware; the cited instructions do not confirm whether it is available new today.
Choose the connection and sound setting
Google documents analog 3.5 mm or RCA connections, as well as optical output. Check which output your Chromecast Audio has and which input your speaker or receiver accepts before choosing a cable. Optical connections always use Full Dynamic Range. For analog connections, Google warns against enabling Full Dynamic Range with common desktop, docking, portable, or Bluetooth speaker systems not designed for it: playback may become excessively loud and distorted. See Google’s sound settings guidance.
Cast all audio from an Android device
To send Android device audio to a Chromecast Audio or compatible Cast speaker, open the Google Home app and use its “Cast my audio” control for the receiving device. Google specifies Android 8.0 or later for the app controls, a shared Wi-Fi network, and microphone permission for Google Play Services. Power-saving mode may affect performance. Google says this full-device audio casting feature is not supported on iOS or Windows. Follow Google’s Android audio steps if the control or destination does not appear.
#1 Best Overall
- Wireless Audio Streaming Over Wi-Fi — Turn any traditional speaker into a smart wireless audio system by streaming high-quality music over your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network from smartphone, tablet or PC.
- Multi-Protocol Support — Works with popular streaming protocols including AirPlay (1), DLNA & UPnP so you can cast audio from a wide range of apps and devices.
- Spotify & Internet Radio Ready — Stream from Spotify and support internet radio stations directly via the AudioCast app — great for playlists, talk shows and more.
- Multi-Room Music Playback — Group multiple AudioCast units to enjoy music in several rooms at once or play different audio on each speaker.
- Easy Setup + Wide Compatibility — Quick setup via the free AudioCast app; compatible with most Wi-Fi routers and speaker systems with AUX input (Power adapter not included).
Cast sound from a Chrome tab or media player
Move one tab’s sound to a speaker
Chrome tab casting is useful when you want a browser tab’s audio on a speaker without moving computer-wide sound. In this mode, the tab’s sound plays on the speaker, but the tab’s video and images remain on the computer. Audio from other tabs and applications also stays on the computer. Google’s instructions are at Cast audio from Chrome.
Cast Chrome media to a smart speaker or display
Google also documents casting media from Chrome to a Google smart speaker or display, including media from services that are not supported in Google Home. Put the computer and receiving speaker or display on the same Wi-Fi network. Google’s help page specifies Chrome 72 or later; on macOS 15 or later, grant Local Network access so Chrome can discover devices. See Google’s Chrome media casting instructions.
Rank #2
- AirPlay 2 Receiver - Transform your stereo into an AirPlay 2-enabled speaker with WiiM Mini. Stream your favorite tunes from iOS and Mac devices or transmit TV audio from Apple TV. Elevate your audio experience by effortlessly connecting Apple devices to your preferred sound system. Upgrade to an AirPlay 2 receiver conveniently and affordably.
- Unrivaled Sound Quality - Diverging from the norm of resampling to set sample rate and bit depth, WiiM Mini stands out by delivering unaltered audio up to 192kHz, 24-bit via its digital and analog outputs. That's the same as an artist's recording in the studio. Enjoy gapless playback with seamless track transitions. Note that not all services offer 24-bit/192 kHz content; Amazon Music Ultra HD, Qobuz(Works with Qobuz through WiiM Home app. Currently does not support Qobuz connect.), and personal libraries support it. Additionally, TIDAL Master supports up to 24-bit/96kHz.
- Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Amazon Music Cast - Stream music directly from Spotify, TIDAL or Amazon Music app using Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect or Alexa Cast. This offers superior audio quality and extended range compared to traditional Bluetooth or AirPlay 2 receivers, freeing your mobile device for other activities. Works for Spotify Free/Premium users, TIDAL's HiFi and Master, Amazon Prime Music and Amazon Music Unlimited.
- Works with Alexa and Siri - Experience the convenience of using WiiM Mini with both Alexa and Siri Voice Assistants. Control music, adjust volume, and manage playback seamlessly using voice commands from your phone, HomePod, or Echo. Integrate it effortlessly with your current smart home devices through either Alexa or Apple Home for enhanced smart living.
- Seamless Multiroom Streaming - Experience the ultimate convenience of streaming music throughout your entire home with WiiM Mini. Enjoy seamless integration with a range of smart speakers, such as AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, and our exclusive multiroom feature. Effortlessly form groups with other AirPlay 2 or Alexa devices like Echo and HomePod, or connect multiple WiiM devices for synchronized playback across various audio devices simultaneously.
Check the app and content before troubleshooting
Cast speakers work with most Cast-enabled music and audio apps, but support is not universal. Google’s FAQ says locally stored music on a mobile device is not directly supported by Google Cast and warns that some partner streams may not cast. Compatibility depends on the app, content, and receiving device; check the app’s casting options rather than assuming that anything audible on a phone or computer can be sent to a speaker. Google’s Cast FAQ.
Know the speaker-group exception
Google’s current speaker-group instructions describe synchronized media across supported Google speakers, displays, streaming devices, and Pixel Tablets. Creating speaker groups is not supported on first-generation Chromecast. This limitation concerns speaker groups; it does not by itself mean a first-generation device cannot play audio through its connected TV. See Google’s speaker-group instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 𝐞𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐔𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐇𝐃𝐌𝐈 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫*----:Let's Immerse in the World of High-Definition Video and Audio with Our eSynic HDMI Audio Extractor. Not Only Does It Transmit Stunning Visuals to HDMI Displays, but It Also Conveniently Extracts Audio from the Source and Seamlessly Transmits It to Your Speaker With Optical Output. Please Note That It Does Not Support ARC and eARC Features.
- 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲*----: Elevate Your Movie, Music, and Gaming Experiences with Our eSynic Portable HDMI Audio Extractor Splitter, Equipped with Cutting-Edge Audio Processing Technology. Furthermore The Optical Output Is Compatible with Dolby/DTS 5.1. Please Note That Our Professional HDMI Audio Extractor Does Not Support 7.1 Surround Sound.
- 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝟒𝐊𝐱𝟐𝐊@𝟑𝟎𝐇𝐳 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧*---: It Can Effortlessly Supports a Wide Range of Resolutions, Including 4Kx2K@30Hz, 3D, 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 576i, and 480p, Catering to Your Diverse Needs. Let's Enjoy the Excellent Viewing Experience!
- 𝐏𝐥𝐮𝐠&𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲 ,𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧*----: Immerse Yourself in a Seamless Audio Visual Experience with Our eSynic hdmi optical audio extractor Which can Plug-and-Play Functionality. It Includes 1 x HDMI Optical Audio Adapter,1 x Optical Cable, 1 x HDMI Cable, 1 x USB Power Cable,1 x User Manual. Let's Immerse Ourselves in the Perfect Visual and Auditory Experience.
- 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬*---: Embrace the Versatility of the HDMI to Optical Audio Extractor, Designed to Seamlessly Integrate with Your Favorite Devices. Whether You Use Fire TV Stick, Roku Express, PS5, or Chromecast Google TV, Our eSynic HDMI Splitter Audio Extractor Effortlessly Connects and Enhances Your Audio Experience.
Rank #4
- 【HDMI Audio Extractor】The HDMI audio extractor can extract audio from HDMI signal and transmit it to AV receiver through optical or 3.5mm Cable.(Note: Devices do not support ARC and eARC.TV is not supported as the input source，otherwise product doesn't p video.)
- 【3 modes】2.0CH, 5.1CH and PASS mode. Select 3.5mm stereo output, please use 2.0CH mode. Select optical output, please use 5.1CH mode. When you use the first and two modes and find that no audio and video signal is output, use the pass mode.
- 【4K Ultra-HD with HDMI 1.4V】HDMI audio converter up to 10.2G bandwidth, support HDCP1.4,4K@30Hz RGB / YUV4:4:4 Ultra high definition image quality. The optical output supports DTS 5.1. The 3.5mm output supports PCM2.0. The audio splitter does not support 7.1 channels.Note: Fire TV, Apple TV, PS4/5 etc. only support 1080p format signals and do not support 4K
- 【Low energy consumption】HDMI audio splitter has a low energy consumption,only requires the USB port to be connected to the 5V-USB port of another device to work. Or use your other 5V-USB power adapter
- 【Wide Compatibility & Plug and Play】Suitable for various HDMI source devices without dedicated audio output as well as Blu-ray/ DVD/ HD player, cable/satellite box, Amazon Fire TV, PS4,PS5, Xbox, PC/laptop etc
Rank #3
- Experience Seamless Streaming with AirPlay 2 and Google Cast - Your stereo system is about to get a major upgrade. With WiiM Pro Plus, you can transform your stereo into AirPlay 2 enabled speakers, streaming your favorite music from iOS and Mac devices or TV audio from Apple TV. Easily connect your Apple devices to your preferred audio devices. Also, enjoy Google Cast streaming music, TV audio, podcasts, and more from hundreds of Google Cast-enabled apps to multiple audio devices simultaneously.
- High-Resolution Audio, Gapless Playback - WiiM Pro Plus allows you to wirelessly stream up to 24-bit/192 kHz music on both digital and analog outputs. Enjoy music without interruptions and experience bit-perfect output via its digital optical or Coax output. While not all music services offer 24-bit/192 kHz content, Amazon Music Ultra HD, Qobuz, and your own music library can support this high-res output. TIDAL Connect users can enjoy TIDAL Master with MQA core decoder up to 24-bit/96kHz.
- Stream Directly from Your Favorite Music Apps - Stream music directly from Spotify, TIDAL, or Amazon Music app using Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, or Alexa. This offers superior audio quality and a longer working range compared to traditional Bluetooth or AirPlay 2 receivers, freeing up your mobile device for other tasks. This feature is compatible with Spotify Free/Premium users, TIDAL's HiFi and Master quality (with MQA), and Amazon Prime Music.
- Seamless Multiroom Streaming - With WiiM Pro Plus, enjoy the convenience of streaming music across the entire home using a variety of smart speakers, including AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Amazon Alexa, or a proprietary multiroom function. Create groups with other AirPlay 2, Google Home, or Alexa devices like Echo, HomePod, or even link multiple WiiM devices for synchronized playback on multiple audio devices simultaneously.
- Enhance Your Audio Journey with Voice and Preset Features - Utilize the remote to control your device using voice commands via Alexa, without needing an additional Alexa device. Execute actions such as play, pause, song skipping, volume control, and audio muting with ease. Launch your preset content with a single tap. The WiiM Pro Plus is also compatible with Google and Siri Voice Assistants, allowing you to control your device using voice commands through your phone, HomePod, or Google Home.
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