The great TV debate: Google Chromecast or Amazon Firestick?
I have the first gen of both the Google Chromecast and Amazon Firestick but I got a new TV (that’s not smart) so naturally I need something to stream on. Here is where I will be going through the benefits and downfalls of both while I do my own person research to decide which to buy. I hope it helps you if you are trying to decide as well! At the end I will reveal which one I will buy.
Google Chromecast
The chromecast I have the gen 1 and it is great when working with the google chrome browser but since I have mostly apple products it is tough that I can’t mirror all apps so easily to it. Specifically Apple TV will not mirror to it and it does make me sad but the normal Netflix, Hulu, Youtube and others will play directly to it. Plus it is easy to take on the go when going to a hotel or AirBNB that I can easily plug it in and play movies to. I did download an app called TV Mirror © from the app store and it seems to work well with literly mirroring the screen of my iPad to the Chromecast which can be helpful at times but most of the time I want to be able to use my iPad while streaming so it’s not that functional. The benefit of the new Chromecast is that is comes with Google TV which includes built in apps… also.. it’s pink. The color alone makes me want to just click buy immediately but I am a women of research and must do my diligence of ensuring I make the correct purchase.
Features of Chromecast:
Apple TV
Ethernet adapter (extra $20 🙄) for when you are far away from the WiFi Box
Google Assistant to search by voice
Cast from phone, tablet, or laptop for music and chrome browser
Possible routines to auto play videos
Apple TV
All my devices are apple, why don’t I just get the Apple TV you may ask? Well, I have no clue. Let’s take a look at that too just for fun. I think I boycott the Apple TV because I know how restrictive Apple can be and I actually enjoy being able to download all sorts of apps on my Firestick now but who am I to assume? Well I guess I am a cotton headed nilly muggins or a future teller (I started writing this section about halfway through the google part) because the Apple TV app is available on the Chromecast with Google TV so…problem solved! I honestly feel like I should just stop writing now because that alone convinced me but I’m also here for you so let’s continue.
Amazon Firestick
The Firestick I have now I only watch movies on, I do have it programmed to wake me up with SpongeBob when I tell my Echo Good Morning so that is nice, I am not sure if the Chromecast is able to do it but it does show as a feature on the Chromecast Help page so I can only hope.
Features of Firestick:
Mirror your phone screen but not cast
Alexa Voice Search
Routines for auto play at certain times of the day
Conclusion
Based on what your preference is hopefully this article helps you decide!
You can find the Amazon fire stick here
And the chrome cast here
I hope you enjoyed the quick read! If you did enjoy this please also follow my Facebook page where I update you on the best current tech deals!
