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Many popular video, music and radio apps can send content from a phone or tablet to a Google Cast receiver. For movies and shows, consider Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ or Hulu; for free viewing, try Tubi or Pluto; for audio, Spotify, YouTube Music, Pandora, Tidal or TuneIn. These are useful options, not an official ranking, and whether an app works depends on your country, service plan and receiver.
“Chromecast app” can mean two different things: a mobile app that sends playback to a TV, or an app installed and opened directly on a Google TV device. The distinction matters because Google’s examples do not promise that every service works on every Chromecast model. The 20 picks below reflect Google’s service examples and are grouped by what you want to watch or hear.
How Chromecast apps work
Google Cast lets supported Android, iOS and web apps send video or audio to a TV or sound system, while the phone or computer acts as a controller. Compatible receivers include Chromecast devices, Google TV Streamer (4K), TVs with Google Cast, Google Nest displays and other supported devices. Google’s lists are examples, not an exhaustive or ranked catalog.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsTo cast from a mobile app, connect the phone or tablet and receiver to the same Wi-Fi network, open a Cast-enabled app, tap its Cast button and choose the receiver. Keep the app updated. On iOS 14 or later, Local Network permission must be enabled for device discovery. Google’s Cast setup guidance covers these basics.
#1 Best Overall
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
20 Chromecast app choices by what you want to do
The selections below are based on Google’s Cast and Google TV examples, not an official “best apps” ranking. Service catalogs, account requirements and device support can change by country.
Movies and series
- Netflix: A subscription video service. Google documents a specific caveat: mobile casting is not supported on its Basics with ads plan.
- Prime Video: A video service listed by Google for Cast and Google TV. Membership or charges for individual titles may apply.
- Disney+: Listed among video services supported on Chromecast and Cast TVs.
- Hulu: A TV-show and movie option in Google’s listings; account and service conditions apply.
- Max: Included in Google’s support list. Check current availability and naming in your market.
- Paramount+: Appears in Google’s Cast app examples and streaming help.
- Apple TV: Google’s cited entry is for Chromecast with Google TV. Do not assume that listing applies to every Chromecast receiver.
- Viki: Google lists TV shows and films on Chromecast and Cast TVs.
Video, live TV and free viewing
- YouTube: A Google-listed Cast app and Google TV service for online video.
- YouTube TV: Google lists live TV, shows, movies and sports for Chromecast and Cast TVs; service availability and account terms vary.
- Sling TV: Listed for live TV, shows, movies and sports on supported receivers.
- Tubi: Google TV names it as a source of free live channels and on-demand titles.
- Pluto: Google TV likewise lists Pluto among sources of free live channels and on-demand titles.
- Crackle: Google lists it as a TV and film service; the referenced entry says sign-in is not required.
- Red Bull: A Google-listed source of TV and movie content on Chromecast and Cast TVs.
Music, radio and podcasts
- Spotify: Google’s Cast examples include Spotify, and Google TV lists it for albums and playlists.
- YouTube Music: Google TV identifies it as a music app for albums and playlists.
- Pandora: Included in Google’s supported Cast music examples.
- Tidal: Included in Google’s supported Cast music examples.
- TuneIn: Included among Google’s Cast examples for radio and podcasts.
Google also lists options such as SXM and Deezer for music, and STARZ and CW for shows. They may suit a particular household or region better than one of the picks above; availability is not universal.
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Choose based on receiver, plan and country
- Check the receiver: A service listed for Chromecast generally may not be documented for every model. Apple TV, for example, is specifically listed for Chromecast with Google TV in Google’s help entry.
- Check the plan: Netflix mobile casting has the Basics with ads restriction noted above. Other services may require a subscription, account or paid title.
- Check geography: Google says content and app availability varies by country. A service appearing in Google’s examples does not guarantee it is available where you live.
- Distinguish casting from installing: A Cast-enabled phone app sends playback to a receiver; it does not mean the app is installed on every Chromecast. Google TV devices also offer apps that can be opened directly.
For current service and device caveats, see Google’s TV and film partner guidance and Google TV features page.
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If your television does not support Google Cast, you need a compatible receiver to cast to it. Google points owners of older TVs to Chromecast with Google TV and lists Google TV Streamer (4K) as a supported receiver. An additional device is not necessary if your television already supports Cast. See Google’s overview of Google Cast and compatible devices and its receiver and setup guidance.
Rank #3
- Watch the entertainment you love with Chromecast with Google TV, including live TV in up to 4K HDR; discover over 700,000 movies and TV episodes, plus millions of songs
- Get fast streaming, and enjoy a crystal clear picture up to 4K and brighter colors with HDR
- Your home screen displays movies and TV shows from all your services in one place with Chromecast 4K; get personal recommendations based on your subscriptions, viewing habits, and content you own
- Press the Google Assistant button on the remote and use voice search to find specific shows, youtube tv streaming, or search by mood, genre, actress, and more; control the volume, switch inputs, play music, and get answers, hands-free
- Chromecast is easy to install and compatible with almost any TV that has an HDMI port; to get started, just plug it into your TV’s HDMI port, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming
If your phone cannot find the TV
- Confirm the phone or tablet and receiver are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Update the Cast-enabled app, then reopen it and look for its Cast button.
- On iOS 14 or later, enable Local Network access for the app so it can discover devices.
- Check whether the service, subscription plan and receiver combination supports the casting method you are trying to use.
Google’s Cast help page gives the same-network and app-update checks; the service’s own conditions may impose additional limits.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Make your TV even smarter – Fire TV gives you instant access to a world of content, tailor-made recommendations, and Alexa, all backed by fast performance.
- All your favorite apps in one place – Experience endless entertainment with access to Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. Easily discover what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes (subscription fees may apply), including free, ad-supported content.
- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
Rank #4
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
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