Who hasn't heard of Google Chromecast at some point? This small device for transmitting content from Google has become one of the best-selling and most successful Google products in its history. There are several reasons that justify the triumph of this accessory of about 40 euros, but that does not mean that there are other equally competent options on the market.
In this article we are going to put on the table all the information about the best alternatives to Chromecast.
Amazon Fire Stick TV
Without a doubt, Amazon's Fire Stick TV is presented as one of the best alternatives to Chromecast within this list. In short, we are facing a device that is like a miniature computer that we connect to our television via HDMI.
It has its own operating system , dual-core processor, 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage . Although it does not have access to Android applications, it does have its own app store, among which Movistar Plus or Netflix stand out, for example. In addition to, of course, the entire range of Amazon applications, such as Prime Video.
Finally, it includes a remote control, which is always appreciated, and it is compatible with a lot of games . You can find it for 30 euros.
Roku Streaming Stick
Another of the great alternatives to Chromecast, and also the most complete, that we can find on the market . To put us in the situation, Roku is a tremendously popular brand in the United States, although not so much here in Europe.
It is a dongle in a fairly small format, with the possibility of using it remotely thanks to its remote control . In addition, we are not facing a device that only serves to send content from our smartphone, but it has its own application store for Android.
Although we can duplicate the screen of our mobile device on the TV screen, the original idea of the Roku Streaming Stick is precisely to turn your conventional TV into a Smart TV thanks to its wide assortment of applications. We can get hold of it by import for about 74 euros.
Apple tv
Apple TV is not simply a Chromecast that allows streaming from our smartphone to the TV. Rather, it is a kind of multimedia center full of video playback apps of all kinds designed to be used comfortably from our home television.
In the case of Apple TV, in addition, many of its applications are native . Of course, it has applications like HBO or Netflix, but we also have Siri and full access to the App Store. In addition, we can exchange the content on an iPhone, an iPod or an iPad with a television or stereo thanks to AirPlay.
It also serves as an entertainment center, although its possibilities are somewhat short since it has a rather scarce catalog . These are basically the same iOS games.
Finally, highlight its 64 GB of storage, a remote control with a touch panel, and support for 4K HDR video and Dolby Atmos sound . Its price is around 200 euros.
EZCast 5G
Another HDMI dongle that is presented as a good alternative to the Google model . The key to this device is that it serves as a support for different mobile and desktop computers.
EzCast 5G comes with its own Wi-Fi network, with its corresponding password that we will have to enter on our phone, tablet or computer to synchronize both devices. In this way, only through the Wi-Fi network that EzCast 5G includes, we can wirelessly send any multimedia file that we have stored on our Android or iOS device. Its compatibility covers a wide variety of the most popular operating systems of the moment, Android 4.4 onwards, iOS 8 or higher and Windows Phone 8.1 or updated to Windows 10.
It is possible to purchase EzCast 5G for a price of 32 euros.
Minix Neo U1
Minix Neo U1 is a powerful and compact multimedia hub that allows us to convert our traditional TV into Smart . Powerful because it incorporates a high-performance Quad-core Cortex A53 quad-core processor and allows you to view content in 4K resolution. and compact because it has a very small design. In addition, thanks to its 2GB DDR3 RAM we can see any multimedia content without delays or jumps.
Likewise, the Minix Neo U1 integrates a remote control with a range of 10 meters , as well as an Air A2 Lite mouse that works as a wireless keyboard and mouse for easy use. And boy does it.
Fortunately, we will not have to shell out large amounts of money to get it, since it is around 120 euros .
Leelbox Q4 S
Leelbox Q4 S is a TV-Box that has a discreet performance, but it stands up quite well for basic use and as a video player. It incorporates the Rockchip RK3328 Quad Core 64 bit SoC as the central core, as well as a 4GB RAM board plus a 64GB storage capacity expandable via a Micro SD card. In terms of connectivity, it includes a USB 2.0 port, USB 3.0 A / V output port, SPDIF coaxial jack, HDMI 2.0a connector and a network cable.
In short, we are facing a model that, without being the most powerful on the market, is a great option if we want to spend little money. It can be yours for 42 euros .
Xiaomi Mi Box S
Possibly one of the devices with the best value for money if what we are looking for is to have Android TV direct on our television and in 4K . This Xiaomi TV Box incorporates a 4-core Cortex-A53 processor accompanied by a Mali 450 graphics card. It has 2 GBytes of DDR3 type for RAM while storage remains at 8 GBytes of eMMC 5.1 type.
To connect our TV Box to the Internet we have a dual-band AC WiFi module, and to use its remote control it also has a Bluetooth 4.2 connection . The rest of the connections are made up of an HDMI 2.0A port, 3.5 mm audio output and a USB 2.0 port to connect our portable hard drive, for example.
As for its price, we will find it for 65 euros .