Google's Chromecast dongle was something of a runaway hit and now there's a brand new one.
The new Chromecast has a revamped design that's not just more attractive, but also fits better into those crowded HDMI ports on your HDTV. It also now comes in three colors -- red, yellow and black.
At $35, the new Chromecast is still the cheapest way to turn smarten up your TV with Internet-streaming content. But how does it compare to the what everyone else is offering? Can you get away with just the new Chromecast instead of ponying up for pricier full-blown set-top box?
Google Chromecast
Apple TV
Amazon Fire TV
Roku 3
Pricing
$35
$149 (32GB) $199 (64GB)
$99.99
$99.99
Form Factor
Dongle
Box
Box
Box
HDMI Connector
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Voice Commands
Yes (via apps)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Processor
Dual-core
Dual-core
Quad-core
Dual-core
Memory
512MB
4GB
2GB
512 MB
Internal storage
None
32GB, 64GB
8GB (expandable via microSD card)
512 MB (expandable via microSD card)
Wi-Fi
Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz
4K video support
No
No
Yes
No
Video Apps
Google Play, HBO Go, Netflix, Hulu Plus, Crackle, YouTube, Showtime Anywhere, Bloomberg TV, WatchABC, DisneyAnywhere, CW Seed, Sling TV
iTunes, Disney Anywhere, HBO Go, HBO Now, Netflix, Hulu Plus, Crackle, YouTube, Bloomberg TV, WatchABC
Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Crackle, Showtime Anywhere, Bloomberg TV, Vimeo, HBO Go, HBO Now
HBO Go, Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Crackle, Showtime Anywhere, Vimeo, YouTube
Music Apps
Google Play, Vevo, Pandora, Rdio, Songza, Spotify, 7digital
Apple Music, Vevo, Vimeo, iTunes
Vevo, Pandora, Spotify Connect
Vevo, Pandora, Spotify
Sports Apps
Watch ESPN, MLB.TV, Major League Soccer, NFL Now, NFL Sunday Ticket by DirectTV, CBS Sports, UFC.TV, Pac-12, Big Ten Network
Watch ESPN, NBA League Pass, MLB.TV, NHL GameCenter
Watch ESPN, NBA League Pass
Watch ESPN, NBA League Pass, MLB.TV, NHL GameCenter, Major League Soccer
Multiplayer Games
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Remote
App controlled
Siri remote with voice search and touchpad control (no line of sight required)
Voice search, physical remote (no line of sight required)
Physical remote, iOS app available
Gaming Controller
No
Yes; from third-parties (sold separately)
Yes; $39.99 (sold separately)
No