When it’s about casting and streaming video content, there are a few different options out there. You can use an online streaming service like Netflix or Hulu or use a device like a Roku or Apple TV. But what if you want to stream video from your phone or laptop to your TV?

In that case, you are also thinking about whether to use a Chromecast or an HDMI cable. This read answers the same. Let’s take a closer look.

Table Of Contents

What is Chromecast?

In simple words, Google’s Chromecast is a streaming device that connects your devices such as your smartphone, tablet, or laptop with an HD monitor or TV screen wirelessly. If your monitor or TV screen is new and features an HDMI port, you can easily convert it into a smart device that you can use and connect will all of your apps available on your smartphone or laptop.

Currently, you can buy the 3rd Generation Chromecast devices; however, you also have other options that we will discuss later in this guide. Regardless of which Chromecast device you purchase, no need to pay subscription fees and other charges.

All things considered, the Chromecast device brings a new life into your older TV, and it offers you smooth access to video content on a larger screen.

Why Choose Chromecast Over HDMI?

Are you in the market for a new streaming device? If so, you may be wondering which option is best for you: Chromecast or an HDMI cable? While both have their advantages and drawbacks, we believe that Chromecast is the better option overall. Here’s why.

1. Fixed Length

Almost all HDMI cables have a fixed length. Consequently, they are not suitable when you are on the go. Similarly, it is not possible for you to use the HDMI from some distance. This is because HDMI cables have a fixed length which is too short for these purposes.

If your TV set is placed far from the source or device, you will need an extender. In this case, you cannot move these cables around the device or source.

However, this is not the case with Chromecast. With Chromecast, you can easily access the device from a distance. Furthermore, Chromecast does not require any fixed source, and you can set your TV set quickly without any delay.

2. Risk Of Losing

HDMI cables can get lost and misplaced anywhere. This is because the cable is small and extremely lightweight. So chances are you can plug them out and left anywhere while cleaning your room or house. In this way, you can also lose the cable from the device.

However, Chromecast is a sizeable device with the latest specs. You need to keep it plugged in, and the chances of getting it lost are almost zero.

Chromecast device is a heavy device, so it will remain in your sight most of the time. You can keep the device in a safe and secure place to ensure everything goes well.

3. Compatibility

HDMI cables are the new rage in home entertainment. They allow you to connect your devices with each other and display video beautifully, but not all of them can be used for this purpose due to their different specifications from VGA or AUX input ports which means that there must exist an HDMI port on both ends if they’re going into separate machines.

It is an optical cable that you can easily fix indirectly with your TV set. On the other hand, you can connect Chromecast quickly and easily through the USB port or any other wireless network. Besides, both these options are used to increase the connectivity range.

Regardless of your TV’s model and make, you can use Chromecast with any smart display device.

4. Connectivity Notifications

The biggest problem with an HDMI cable is that the connection’s connectivity and status do not remain the same. To make things even worse, you will have to use an external source to identify this issue.

You will not find any indicator or light that notifies you about the device. Often you will have to confirm the source for connections.

However, Chromecast is simple to use as it comes with single-touch connectivity features. It notifies you when a safe and secure connection is established with the source or device.

Besides, you can see the lights on your Chromecast device, which notifies you that the device is well-connected and working fine.

4. Cable Clutter

Wires and all that clutter can be a headache. In other words, more wires mean more mess.

The wires can get tangled, and your room or surroundings will look like a complete mess. Due to this, you cannot hide the cable clutter when using an HDMI. But with a Chromecast device, you will not face these challenges.

However, when you have a Chromecast device, its connections are wireless, and the monitor effortlessly connects to your device. There are no wires involved at all, and you can always expect good connectivity with these devices.

5. Cost Of Installation

If your device is placed far from the source or product, it can get difficult for you to extend the cables and pay for them.

The cost of setting up the HDMI cables is more expensive than their counterparts. If you are using a Chromecast, the connectivity options will be much better.

Plus no need to deal with the wires at all when using Chromecast. This is another reason why the cost is at a minimum. Just complete the configuration, and you are good to go.

5. Cost Of Installation

HDMI cables do not have any warranty. So, if your cable doesn’t work, the only option you have is to replace the cable and try a new one. However, Chromecast has a 1-year warranty right from the makers.

Types Of a Chromecast Device

Another thing that we liked about the new Chromecast device is its compact size and ease of usage. You will be surprised to see the new sleek size of the device. The device is not bulky at all and much thinner than the previous devices.

Currently, you have a couple of options when it comes to Chromecast devices. The options are:

Chromecast Standard:

It comes with an HDMI cable that you use to connect with your TV connection and offers full 1080p resolution. Besides, it supports all wireless networks.

Chromecast Ultra:

It also supports UHD or 4K and HDR video and features an Ethernet port.

How to Connect a Chromecast Device To your TV

Connecting the Google Chromecast device is simple; just connect the Chromecast device to your TV set and power it up. Then connect your device with your network and start casting.

  • Connect the HDMI cable to an HDMI port of your television.
  • Connect one end of the included USB cord to your Chromecast, and connect its other end to the USB adapter or to your TV’s USB port.
  • Now, go to your TV’s menu and change its Source input to HDMI.
  • Now you will see the Chromecast’s default home display on your TV screen.

How to Connect a Chromecast Device To your WiFi

If you are using an old Chromecast device, you will have to find the Chromecast Wi-Fi network with your smartphone and connect to it. Then follow these steps. However, if you are using a newer Chromecast, you can connect the device through Bluetooth.

  • Start Google Home on your smartphone. If you don’t have a Google home, download it from Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store.
  • Then you will have to press the “+” button and choose Set up the device and click on the Set up new devices in your home.
  • If you don’t have a “Home” option yet, select “add” another home and follow the given steps. After creating the home option, tap on the Next button to continue.
  • Google Home will detect the new Chromecast near you. Tap on it to finish the setup. The Wizard and the whole setup are simple and walk you through the configuration of your Wi-Fi username and password.

How To Use a Chromecast

After connecting your Chromecast to your WiFi network, you can stream your content. However, you will have to personalize your Chromecast before casting anything. Here is how to do it:

  • On your main Google Home screen, select your device and tap on it to open.
  • Then you will see the “Showing Ambient” option. This is the screensaver for your Chromecast device. If you want to change this, tap on the option and select your preferred one.
  • You can also use your own photos. To do this, go to Google Photos, and select from images that you have stored on your Google Photos account.

If you press the Cast my screen from Google’s Home app, you can also mirror or cast your mobile phone’s screen on your TV.

Streaming From Youtube Using a Chromecast

You can also stream directly from YouTube by playing the video on your smartphone or laptop. To do so, just select the small casting icon of the video window and enjoy. Here is the complete process:

  • When you will do this, you will see a complete list of available Chromecast devices on your network.
  • Just hit the Chromecast option to start casting from your laptop or smartphone.
  • The video playing on your device’s screen will change to a blue screen, or you might see a still image.
  • Then after a couple of minutes, you will see the video playing on your TV screen.
  • To stop casting, press the cast icon and select your Chromecast device.

Casting From Spotify Using a Chromecast

You can cast videos in different ways from Spotify. On the main Google Home screen, you will find Play music from the Chromecast device. Select this option and select Spotify as the music player. This will play or stream your last music playlist.

If you want to gain more control, go to the Spotify app on your smartphone and start playing the music track or playlist that you wish to cast.

  • You will find a small device icon on the screen’s lower side.
  • Tap this icon, and find a list of available devices you can cast.
  • Now select your Chromecast device from available devices to start casting your tracks.
  • Besides, you can also cast Amazon Prime to Chromecast by using the official Amazon Prime app.
  • To do this, go to the Amazon Prime app on your smartphone.
  • Launch the show that you wish to cast. On your screen’s lower right corner, you will find a small gray circle along with the casting icon.
  • Click on this icon.
  • Now select the Chromecast device and start casting the Amazon Prime TV shows.

Casting From Website Using a Chromecast

All of the popular video streaming services such as Vudu, Hulu, Crackle, and other platforms allow casting from their website, but only if you are using the Chrome browser. Usually, the cast icons are located on the lower side of your screen. However, you will have to choose your Chromecast device from available devices.

Some vital points to remember when casting from your Chrome browser are:

  • Services such as Crackle and Tubi TV might lag when you cast them from the Chrome browser.
  • Amazon Prime doesn’t support casting to any Chromecast device from the official Amazon Prime website.
  • Both Amazon Prime and Hulu don’t have adequate casting controls. So you can launch through the mobile app, but you will need to use the Google Home app to set the volume or stop the stream.

Another significant difference between Chromecast and other popular streaming devices such as the Amazon Fire Stick or Roku is that no need to launch your casts from an on-screen interface. This also means that you will be dependent on various external apps and services to use and add Chromecast.

In our opinion, these limitations are not that challenging, and most of these support Chromecast casting. If set up correctly, you can also play your favorite games on your Chromecast.

Frequently Asked Questions