Chromecast vs. Apple TV: the main differences
Chromecast vs Apple TV: what's the difference? We have investigated this question and explain the two TV sets to you in our practical tip.
Chromecast vs. Apple TV - the external differences
The first differences can already be seen on the outside between Chromecast and Apple TV: While Chromecast is an HDMI stick, Apple TV is one of the set-top boxes.
- While you only have to plug Chromecast into an HDMI port of the TV and supply it with power via a USB port, installing the Apple TV is more complex and takes up more space under the TV.
- The difference is also noticeable in the price: While the Apple TV costs between 90 and 100 euros, you can get Google's Chromecast from just 35 euros.
The content: What do the two TV boxes play?
Both Google's and Apple's devices go on sale as streaming devices. Nevertheless, both devices do not play the same thing:
- The Apple TV is able to play your local files from a PC in the network. However, this is only limited to content that is in your iTunes library. iTunes must therefore always be started if you want to access content on the TV with your Apple TV.
- In addition, the Apple TV also masters AirPlay. With this function you can send content from your iPhone or iPad wirelessly to your Apple TV. For example, you can watch YouTube videos, websites or entire games on TV. This is particularly useful when you want to show something to several people.
- The same is also possible with the HDMI stick from Google. However, not every app is able to send content to the Chromecast. The remedy is "AllCast", the functions of which we have already introduced to you in another practical tip. With this app you can play photos, videos and music from your Android device via the Chromecast.
Additional features: What else can Apple TV and Chromecast do?
Both the Apple TV and the Chromecast stick have additional functions and apps in addition to the standard streaming functions:
- The Apple TV contains several applications that are already installed by default. In this way, you can, for example, buy or rent films and series from the iTunes Store and then watch them on your television. There are also applications for other streaming services such as Watchever or Maxdome.
- Chromecast is also basically able to play content from streaming services - as long as their apps support this function. It starts with the streaming service Watchever, for example, which recently updated its Android app. This way, you can send videos from the app directly to your Chromecast and watch them on TV.
- To find out which apps are compatible with Chromecast, we recommend the free Android app Cast Store for Chromecast. The app lists all known apps that work with the HDMI stick.
- One advantage of the Apple TV, which should still be mentioned, is the jailbreak: If you have a 2nd generation Apple TV, you can add more functions to your Apple TV thanks to the jailbreak. This is not possible with the Chromecast. However, the Google system is also more open than Apple's TV box.
Conclusion: Apple TV or Chromecast?
Both TV boxes have their clear advantages and are aimed at different user groups and areas of application:
- If you have several Apple and iOS devices and use them regularly, we clearly advise you to use the Apple TV. The devices work perfectly together and thanks to the Airplay function you can also connect your iPhone and iPad to the TV. Despite its small size, you have to put up with the fact that the Apple TV needs its place under the TV.
- The Chromecast, however, disappears in the HDMI input behind your TV and is no longer noticeable. With Apple devices, you are almost stuck with the Chromecast, which is why Google's device is clearly aimed at Android users.
- Basically, both devices work very similar, with the Chromecast having a more attractive price. In addition, the developers can adapt their apps for the Google stick and thus continuously expand the range of functions - without any jailbreak. In the long run, you will probably be able to do more with the Chromecast than with the Apple TV.
In addition to Google's HDMI stick, there are numerous other alternatives to Apple TV. You can read how the Chromecast works in another practical tip.