When the 2nd generation of Chromecast was announced, two Chromecast products were announced: Chromecast (Chromecast 2015) and Chromecast Audio.
Although it sounds simple, it is actually not so easy for many potential buyers, especially for those who are new to Chromecast, to decide which Chromecast is for them.
This page will show you the major differences between Chromecast and Chromecast Audio so that you can make the correct decision.
Google discontinued Chromecast Audio in early 2019. If you still want to get a Chromecast Audio, you may follow this guide to use a Chromecast to replace Chromecast Audio.
Chromecast vs Chromecast Audio: HDMI output (audio and video) vs audio cable output only
The major difference between Chromecast and Chromecast Audio is the output interface and output signal.
Chromecast has an HDMI output interface. You can connect Chromecast to the HDMI port in the TV or AV receiver.
Chromecast will output both audio and video to the connected devices.
As a comparison, Chromecast Audio can only output audio through one of the 3 audio cables (depending on your speaker input options):
- 3.5mm stereo cable (which is included in your Chromecast Audio box) for analogue output.
- 3.5mm to RCA cable for analogue output. It should be very cheap, and you probably can find it in your old DVD box.
- Mini TOSLINK to TOSLINK optical cable for digital output. It should cost you around $10 to get one.
Please note, Chromecast Audio only has one 3.5mm output port, into which you can insert the 3.5mm end of any of the 3 cables mentioned above.
You should choose the cable based on your speaker or AV receiver. Generally speaking, the digital optical output gives the best audio quality.
So, if your speaker has the TOSLINK input, it is wise to spend $10 to get a Mini TOSLINK to TOSLINK optical cable.
Chromecast vs Chromecast Audio: for your TV vs for your speaker
For some users, you may have an AV receiver which accepts both HDMI and audio input (usually digital). You can connect both Chromecast and Chromecast Audio to it.
But you need to know, Chromecast Audio only output audio, and there is no video output at all.
Essentially, Chromecast Audio is for your speakers only. Chromecast is mainly for your TV.
It is possible to use Chromecast for your speakers as well if
- The speaker supports HDMI input. This is not common.
- Or the speaker is connected to an AV receiver, which connects to Chromecast.
This means if your AVR or speaker supports HDMI input, you do NOT need a Chromecast Audio at all.
Chromecast vs Chromecast Audio: does Chromecast Audio provides better audio quality?
As mentioned, Chromecast can also be used to stream music if you connect Chromecast to an AV receiver or to an HDMI port in the speaker.
Then, some users may wonder about audio quality.
Chromecast does not have a DAC (digital-to-analogue converter). This means the audio quality from Chromecast depends on the device connected to Chromecast, not the Chromecast.
For Chromecast Audio, it has its own DAC, which will be used if you use 3.5mm audio cable or RCA cable (i.e., you use the analogue output). Of course, if you use TOSLINK, audio quality is up to the DAC in your AV receiver.
The DAC in Chromecast is an AKM AK4430 192kHz 24-bit stereo DAC according to iFixit’s teardown. The sound quality should be comparable to most AV receivers with a price tag about $200-$500.
So, in most cases, Chromecast Audio is not the bottleneck of audio quality.
But it is hard to say whether Chromecast Audio offers better audio quality than Chromecast because Chromecast does not have its own DAC and the audio quality depends on the device connected.
Technically, an HDMI connection can offer more bandwidth (more audio channels) than the optical interface.
Please note, audio quality is mainly limited by the music (media) source and your speakers. Chromecast and Chromecast Audio are unlikely a bottleneck for the audio quality for most users.
Chromecast vs Chromecast Audio: differences inside
Except for the output options, the new Chromecast and Chromecast Audio share similar hardware specs. They are being sold at an identical price ($35).
In the technical side, there are two differences between Chromecast and Chromecast Audio:
- Chromecast has 4GB RAM, while Chromecast Audio has 2GB. As Chromecast Audio does not process videos, the 2GB RAM is sufficient.
- Chromecast Audio has a 192kHz 24-bit stereo DAC. Chromecast does not have a DAC. DAC is not necessary for an HDMI output.
So, the difference between Chromecast vs Chromecast Audio is linked to the different intended usage.
Because Google discontinued the Chromecast Audio in 2019, you can now replace a Chromecast Audio with Chromecast if your AVR or speaker supports HDMI input. If not, you can use HDMI audio extractor with Chromecast to stream music as explained in this guide.
Why didn’t Google combine Chromecast and Chromecast Audio into one device?
It sounds logical that if Google adds a DAC in Chromecast and drill another hole for audio output would make one combined device of Chromecast and Chromecast Audio. Users will not have a hard time to decide which one to buy.
But I guess it is wise to release two products because a lot of Chromecast owners would get confused and make mistakes if Google has combined Chromecast and Chromecast audio.
Remember Chromecast is targeted at the mass market, not just geeks. If you have a device with two mutually exclusive outputs, a lot of consumers will be confused. With two products with different output cables, ALL Chromecast device owners know where to plug Chromecast.
Cost is probably another consideration. Chromecast is targeted at $35 (you have to consider sales cost) in the market so that it is very affordable in almost all regions. Current hardware configuration probably is the limit unless Google does not want to make any money on the product.
Do you have any questions on the differences of Chromecast vs Chromecast Audio?
If you have any questions on the difference between Chromecast and Chromecast Audio, please let us know in the comment box below.
The community will try to help you find the answer or solution.
For more Chromecast Audio guides, please visit the Chromecast Audio guide page.
If your question is on Chromecast including both 1st generation Chromecast, and new Chromecast (aka Chromecast 2015), Chromecast 2018 (Chromecast 3rd gen), and Chromecast Ultra, please visit Chromecast how-to guides page.
Aishwarya Sudhakaran says
Can we connect Chromecast to speakers using an adapter? Will it work fine?
simon says
Why not, if the adapter can convert HDMI signal to audio?
But why don’t you just get Chromecast audio?
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Oreo Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides .
Dan says
“But why don’t you just get Chromecast audio?” – because it only does audio? if chromecast can be made to do audio AND ALSO CAN BE USED FOR VIDEO then it’s clearly a superior product, and the prices are the same. why buy half the functionality?
simon says
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I understand your pints.
You can cast both audio and video to Chromecast. However, Chromecast Audio was designed for users who want to cast to their speakers, which seldom has an HDMI input.
If you add a separate audio output in Chromecast, many owners (we are referring to ordinary users, not geeks) will get confused.
Personally, I think Google did a good job in this aspect. Nobody will connect Chromecast or Chromecast Audio in a wrong way.
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Oreo Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides .
Chanho says
The second generation of chromecast only supports FHD/30fps, and the chromecast with Google TV supports 4K/60fps.
If I extract SPDIF from the HDMI outputs of these two chromecasts and listen to music through the optical input of the integrated amplifier (Rotel A14), will the sound quality be different?
Jill says
Can I watch netflix through chromecast audio
simon says
No, Netflix app only casts to Chromecast, not chromecadt audio.
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Oreo Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides .
Surya says
Looks like YouTube only works with Chromecast and not with chromecast audio. So those who want to just play audio on external speaker while watching youtube video on mobile, will be disappointed.
Not sure if using a chromecast and using a hdmi converter and use the conver audio output to external speaker to satisfy he above need. Any comments or suggestions are welcome.
simon says
Yes, the cast icon in YouTube appears only when Chromecast is detected. Chromecast Audio is ignored because Chromecast Audio does not have the hardware/software to handle video streams.
This happens to other video streaming apps.
Chromecast or Youtube app do NOT care about the destination of the video. So, it is not necessary to output the video to TV. You can use any converters to separate audio to other output target (e.g., your speakers).
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Oreo Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides .
peteshea1 says
I’m so aggravated by the way Google implemented this. I have a ChromeCast and it’s great. But only in 1 room. If I want the same music to play in multiple rooms, then even though I have a ChromeCast, I have to ALSO get ChromeCast Audio. Then when I want to listen with the video display (normal), I have to select Chromecast, but if I want to do a group audio, I have to select the ChromeCast audio and forgo the video display. So I am supposed to get TWO google devices for every AV location in my house? This is very dumb. Sad!
Nemo says
Sorry, but you get the whole tech details wrong:
1. Chromecast Audio does have ADDITIONAL DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter), which is needed if you connect it to AUDIO SYSTEM. It’s good DAC and completely justifies the price tag.
2. Chromecast only has HDMI output – there is NO AUDIO system that can handle HDMI input. Yes, you can obviously hear the audio of the video stream, but then you will have a receiver or TV, right?
3. If you want multi room – you will need ONLY ONE Chromecast per room! Just Chromecast if you want Video (and Audio) – connected to your TV or AV Receiver via HDMI or Chromecast Audio if used to listen audio only – connected to your amp/receiver or powered (amped) speakers via 3.5 mm jack or TOSLINK.
Pauliander says
Nevertheless it seems that you need 2 devices in a multiroom set-up: Chromecast audio for casting Spotify, Deezer, etc. and Chromecast for casting Youtube and other video streams with music…
simon says
Multiroom is for Chromecast Audio only.
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Oreo Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides .
Christian Buus says
So, I have a Philips TV with android smarttv and it has an google play app. I also own a chromecast audio. My receiver has a decent DAC. Will there be any difference in sound quality when comparing tv optical out to receiver with chromecast audio TOSLINK to receiver? Thanks in advance!
simon says
Then it aloud be no difference if the source is identical.
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Oreo Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides .
Ozzie Chilippines says
Can i connect headphones to chromecast audio?
simon says
Yes, you can use any wired headphones for the Chromecast Audio.
(please note, Chromecast Audio does not support Bluetooth. So, you need the cable/wire connection between the headphone and Chromecast Audio).
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Oreo Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides .
Don says
“Chromecast Audio has a 192kHz 24-bit stereo DAC”. This a false statement. Chromecast claims the DAC is 96k/24-bit.
simon says
Thank you for your comments. But the statement is not wrong. The DAC used in Chromecast Audio (AKM 4430) does support 192kHz/24bit. But Google didn’t implement it in Chromecast. And in the spec sheet of Chromecast audio, yes, Google can only claim what implemented (96kHz/24bit).
I will try to revise the text to make it clear.
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Oreo Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides .
Chanho says
The second generation of chromecast only supports FHD/30fps, and the chromecast with Google TV supports 4K/60fps.
If I extract SPDIF from the HDMI outputs of these two chromecasts and listen to music through the optical input of the integrated amplifier (Rotel A14), will the sound quality be different?
simon says
It depends on the source.
Chromecast with Google TV has a better chip, but it is not needed if you use it for music.
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Oreo Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides .