Roku vs. Chromecast

On paper, Roku and Chromecast appear very similar. Both are popular streaming device families with similar prices and streaming capabilities. Both are offered in different products with varying price ranges and capabilities, though Roku's collection of products is much larger than Chromecast's. 

One of the biggest differences between Roku and Chromecast is that Chromecast is a Google product, which means it favors the Google interface. Whereas you can use your Roku with Hey Google, Siri, and Alexa, Chromecast is tied to Google and won't operate with your other voice-enabled services. For Google devotees, this shouldn't be a problem, but if you swear by your Apple AirPlay, don't count on Chromecast for help. 

There are other key differences between these two streaming device families, though, which we'll get into as you keep reading.

Roku vs. Chromecast Pricing

Roku

Rokus start at $30 and go up to $180. The base Roku product is the Roku Express, which is $30. It's the most simple of the Roku products. As the products become more advanced, they increase in price, all the way up to the Roku Streambar Pro for $180, which is a streaming device and sound system all in one. Roku's products can be purchased directly through the site, as well as at a number of popular retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon, Home Depot, and more.

Chromecast

Google Chromecasts are much more budget-friendly than Rokus. There are only two Chromecasts currently available through Google, and they are $30 and $50. The simple Chromecast is $30, whereas the Chromecast with Google TV is $50. You can purchase these through Google or at retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, Target, and others.

Roku vs. Chromecast Features

Roku

Because Roku has such a wide range of products, their capabilities vary as well. Generally speaking, Roku is very easy to install. With all of the streaming devices, it's a simple plug-and-play situation. You plug each of the devices into your TV with an HDMI cord and connect to your internet. Follow the prompts on the screen to set up your device. 

For the remote, some of the Roku devices have a voice-enabled remote. These largely work with Alexa, Hey Google, and Siri to make voice controls quick and easy. The simpler Roku devices, like the Roku Express, don't have a voice remote but can still operate with Alexa, Siri, and Hey Google. 

Roku also offers private listening on many of its devices. With the Roku app on your phone and a set of headphones, you can listen to your TV and movies privately without disturbing those around you. Some of the Roku devices come with headphones, while others simply offer the functionality. 

The streaming quality is where you'll find the biggest difference across the Roku family. The simple Roku devices are designed for standard HD TVs and stream at 1080p with upscaling from 720p. Some of the more advanced Rokus, like the Roku Ultra, can stream in 4K HDR with Dolby Vision. The streaming quality increases with the price tag on the Roku devices, so you'll have to decide what you want to spend to figure out the streaming quality and features you'll get. 

For Roku content, you really can't beat it. Roku has something for everyone, including all your favorite streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Disney+, and more. With these apps, you have access to award-winning shows and movies, including those that aired on cable, as well as originals that are unique to the streamers. You'll find everything from Criminal Minds to The Bachelorette and Queen's Gambit to High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. It's all there. 

Roku also offers music channels like iHeartRadio, Pandora, and Spotify, as well as free channels for TV, sports, news, and more. Free channels include The CW, Peacock, CBS Sports, and Crackle. Roku also has The Roku Channel, which is its own unique streaming channel. With a rotating stable of content, The Roku Channel has movies, TV, and more, all free. But don't think it might not be anything you actually want to watch – The Roku Channel offers everything from classics to current TV. You can find O, Brother Where Art Thou? to Hell's Kitchen and everything in between. 

Chromecast

Google offers the Chromecast and the Chromecast with Google TV. Google's products are a bit different from other streaming devices in how they function. Google's Chromecast, for example, plugs into your TV and is quite simple to set up. But you control everything from your phone. What Chromecast does is offers you a larger screen for what you're doing on your phone. So it goes without saying that Chromecast doesn't come with a remote. 

The Chromecast with Google TV, however, is more like the streaming devices we know and love. It does have a remote and plugs into your TV to function like other popular streaming devices. The remote is incredibly simple, with just a few buttons to use. 

It should be no surprise that Chromecast has voice-enabled capabilities with other Google products -- you can control your Chromecast with your Nest. You can still cast your viewing through Android and iOS products, though. And because Chromecast operates through your phone, you can plug in your headphones for private listening. 

With the Chromecast with Google TV, you can stream up to 4K HDR, but you'll only get HD up to 1080p with the regular Chromecast. 

Chromecast with Google TV offers a wide variety of streaming content. Find all the major streaming apps, like Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Starz, Showtime, and many more. With subscriptions to these apps, you can watch award-winning TV, movies, and documentaries any time you want. You can find kid-friendly content on Disney+ before flipping over to Starz's mature viewing. There are also news, music, and sports apps you can install, like Spotify, Pandora, Bloomberg, NBC News, ESPN, Fox Sports, and more. With all these channels, you can constantly stay up to date on current events, including who won last night's NFL game, the latest political events, and what song is No. 1 on the charts right now.

Chromecast also gives you access to apps that aren't just for streaming video. You can download Facebook, Twitch, and even Peloton. Chromecast actually has several wellness-focused apps you can install, so you can get in a workout before you curl up on the couch to watch Netflix. Chromecast is more than just a streaming device – it gives you access to a wide variety of apps and viewing experiences. 

Our Final Take

There are plenty of things to like about both Roku products and Chromecast. Both offer high-quality streaming and a ton of on-demand streaming. The Roku family of products gives you a larger pool to choose from, so if you want to have more of a variety in options, Roku might be more appealing. Plus, Roku is more compatible with Siri and Alexa, whereas Chromecast works exclusively with Google. And while the standard Chromecast has a low price point, it's a streaming device that takes some getting used to. Between the two options, we think Roku has more to like. If you want more info on how these devices stack up against Amazon check our our head-to-head comparison for Roku, Chromecast, and Amazon Fire.