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Yes—the deal was real, but it is no longer a current offer. Engadget reported on November 21, 2024, that Amazon had cut the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) from a $50 reference price to $40, a $10 or 20% discount. That was a time-limited Black Friday promotion; the price should not be treated as available now without checking a current listing. Engadget’s November 2024 deal report
What the $40 deal included
The offer was for the Chromecast with Google TV (4K), not the less expensive HD version. Google’s comparison page lists the 4K model as supporting up to 4K resolution, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. It has 2GB of memory and 8GB of storage. Google’s device comparison
The HDMI dongle runs Google TV, which brings supported streaming apps and recommendations together on the television. It includes a voice remote, supports casting from compatible phones and tablets, and can access live-TV apps where those services are available. The device itself does not include paid subscriptions: services such as Netflix or YouTube TV may require separate plans.
To get 4K playback, you also need a 4K-capable television, reliable broadband, and a service and title that offer 4K. HDR playback likewise depends on the content, app, TV, and connected display chain. A compatible HDMI-equipped TV, Wi-Fi, power, and a Google Account are also part of setup.
#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
Why $40 made sense for some buyers
At the reported sale price, the Chromecast was a low-cost way to add Google TV to a television with slow or outdated built-in software. Its compact dongle design can be convenient behind a wall-mounted TV, and the included physical remote means you do not have to rely on a phone. It was especially plausible as a bedroom or guest-room streamer, or for households already using Google Assistant, Android phones, YouTube TV, or Google Home.
That value depends on the price and condition of the unit you can actually buy. The 2024 Amazon offer is historical, and remaining stock may be new, open-box, refurbished, or used. Check the seller, included accessories, return policy, and warranty rather than assuming a listing matches the original deal.
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
How it compares with Google TV Streamer
Google has moved its current streaming hardware to the Google TV Streamer, a larger set-top-box-style device rather than a small HDMI dongle. Google’s comparison materials show a substantial hardware gap:
| Feature | Chromecast with Google TV (4K) | Google TV Streamer (4K) |
|---|---|---|
| Google-listed price | $49.99 reference price on Google’s comparison page; Amazon’s 2024 Black Friday price was $40 | $99.99 listed price on Google’s product page |
| Storage | 8GB | 32GB |
| Memory | 2GB | 4GB |
| Video | Up to 4K; HDR10+ and Dolby Vision listed | Up to 4K HDR at 60fps; Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG listed |
| Ethernet | Not listed for the Chromecast in Google’s comparison | Gigabit Ethernet listed in Google’s specifications |
| Form factor | Compact HDMI dongle | Wedge-shaped set-top box |
| Remote | Voice Remote | Voice Remote with added controls |
Sources: Google’s comparison, Google TV Streamer specifications, and Google’s product page. These are listed prices, not a guarantee of current retailer pricing.
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- 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
The Streamer is the stronger fit if you want more room for apps, Ethernet for a wired connection, or Google’s newer hardware. The Chromecast remains attractive when small size and low cost matter more. Google’s product information also distinguishes the Streamer’s Dolby Atmos support from the Chromecast’s audio passthrough; the Chromecast may need a compatible TV, soundbar, or receiver to pass through Atmos audio. Google’s Chromecast product information
Who should consider a remaining Chromecast
- Consider it if you find a new unit at $40 or less, want a compact device for a secondary TV, and prefer Google TV’s interface.
- Consider it if an older television’s built-in apps are sluggish and the TV supports the resolution and formats you want.
- Choose the newer Streamer instead if you need Ethernet, expect to install many apps, or would rather pay more for Google’s current hardware.
- Consider another platform if your household prefers Roku’s interface, Amazon’s Alexa ecosystem, or Apple services and AirPlay. The best fit is a matter of platform preference, not a universal ranking.
The Chromecast has no built-in Ethernet port, so unreliable Wi-Fi may make it a poor match unless a compatible adapter or a different device solves the problem. Its 8GB is total storage, not all available for apps; heavy app use can make that smaller capacity relevant.
Rank #4
- 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.
Checklist before buying an old listing
- Confirm that the listing says Chromecast with Google TV (4K). Do not assume a listing labeled only “Chromecast with Google TV” is the 4K model.
- Check whether the item is new, open-box, refurbished, or used, and identify the seller.
- Verify that the remote and power adapter are included and review the return window and warranty terms.
- Compare the final checkout price, including shipping and tax, with the newer Google TV Streamer and other devices you would actually consider.
- Confirm that your TV, streaming service, broadband connection, and sound system support the video and audio formats you want.
For Atmos in particular, do not infer full decoding from the Chromecast’s format support: Google describes its capability as passthrough, which relies on compatible equipment elsewhere in the audio chain. Paid streaming apps and plans are separate from the hardware purchase.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Advanced 4K streaming - Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance optimized for 4K TVs.
- 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.
- Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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