The all-new Chromecast with Google TV is a huge upgrade to the Chromecast Series. It brings all the major streaming services like Netflix and Hulu to the game. This gives the user one more option to choose from if they are planning to make their TVs smart along with remote control.
On the other hand, Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite is the most affordable Fire TV Stick from Amazon. Fire TV Stick is known for its reputation. However Fire TV Stick Lite is a trimmed-down variant of the original. This means that it will be missing one or more features of the original. But still, it will be more than enough for most of us. It is important that one should know the pros and cons of both if he/she is planning to buy either one of those. This article compares the pros and cons of both of the devices.
Must See: Chromecast with Google TV Officially launched with $49 Price tag
Chromecast with Google TV Vs Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite
User Interface
Starting with the User Interface, let’s compare what both of the streaming devices have to offer.
Chromecast with Google
The Chromecast with Google comes with a clean and clutter-free User Interface. As the device’s homepage says “No switching apps. Just watching”, the User Interface focuses on providing content that the user is more prone to watch. The user doesn’t need to open a specific service like say Netflix to watch a show. What should be better than the UI of the device displaying these shows directly?
The device in its overview web page claims that they offer over 700,000 movies, shows, and millions of songs as well. What most the users should welcome is the personalized recommendations on contents. There are dedicated tabs for Search, Movies, Shows, etc.
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Fire TV Stick Lite
The UI of the Fire TV Stick Lite is very similar to that of the original. The device has an easy-to-use Fire TV home screen. This lets the user search across multiple streaming services, including hundreds of channels and apps. The User Interface is somewhat similar to that of Chromecast with Google TV. However, Amazon claims to offer only 500,000+ movies and shows which is less when compared with the Chromecast with Google TV
In case if you don’t know, the Fire TV Stick Lite comes with Free TV which lets the user access over 20,000 free movies and TV shows from apps like IMDb TV, Tubi, Pluto TV and more.
Streaming and Casting
These are the sections in which the Chromecast shines. The Chromecast comes with 4K steaming capabilities compared to the Full HD streaming provided by the Fire TV Stick Lite.
The Chromecast with Google TV also happens to offer smooth casting for all major platforms. You very well know, casting to the Fire TV Stick from an iOS or Mac device has always remained a bit twisty due to the requirement of third-party apps.
Remote and Voice Control
Both the devices come with dedicated remote controllers. They also happen to have dedicated buttons for voice assistants. The Fire TV Stick Lite has an edge over the Chromecast due to the integration of Alexa. Because most users prefer Alexa over Google Assistant due to the ease of use and superior features offered by Alexa. Alexa has proven to be extremely useful for shopping and for taking notes and reminders.
One important thing to note here is that the Fire TV Stick Lite’s remote controller doesn’t offer any volume or power controls. The Fire TV Stick Lite also happens to be missing a lot of the original Fire TV Stick’s features.
Pricing
The price of the product is clearly an important factor that drives the customer’s
final decision. The Chromecast with Google TV is priced at $49.99 in the U.S. Very well priced considering this can be justified when considering the 4K streaming capabilities and availability of contents. The Chromecast does come with a 6 month Netflix Premium at around $89.99.
Also Read: Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite with Remote photos leaks online
While the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite is priced at around $29.99 in the U.S. Even though this is low compared to the Chromecast, the Fire TV Stick Lite only offers FHD streaming with much lower contents, When looking at the product review in Amazon the Fire TV Stick Lite is having mixed responses due to all the missing features.
Here is the Specification comparison between Chromecast with Google TV vs Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite below.
| Chromecast with Google TV | Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite | |
|---|---|---|
| Available Colors | Snow, Sky, and Sunrise | Black |
| Resolution | Up to 4K HDR | Up to 1080p HD |
| Remote | Voice Remote with Google Assistant | Alexa Voice Remote Lite |
| Platform | Google TV | Fire TV home screen |
| Control | Can Control smart home devices | - |
| Group | Group with Nest Speakers/Displays | Group with Alexa Speakers/Displays |
| Casting Support | Cast from Android, iOS, and PC/Laptop devices | Cast from Android and iOS devices |
| Gaming Console Support | Will support Stadia from 2021 | - |
| Price | $49.99 | $29.99 |
To conclude…
Both devices are excellent streaming devices that offer exceptional streaming and casting quality. Needless to say, both devices require external power, well-built but the Fire TV
Stick Lite happens to be much durable due to the rigid single-piece design. However, the Fire TV Stick Lite is aimed at customers with a tight budget. It offers a taste of streaming at a significantly lower price compared to the Chromecast with Google TV. One should realize that a lower price means to have more corners cut. The Chromecast with Google falls into a premium category of streaming devices with its comparatively higher price and premium features.
