Nowadays it is difficult to get hold of a new television that does not have an Internet connection . Smart TVs abound in such a wide range of prices and available brands that it is almost impossible not to find a single reference that does not suit the needs and pocket of anyone. Come on, it's really hard to avoid the temptation to get one.
Even so, there are still users who do not have one at home. For them, Google developed Chromecast, a device that allows us to enjoy the applications and screen mirroring of our mobile or PC on our usual television via HDMI connection.
At the time it was a revolutionary idea that even today continues to surprise by the amount of possibilities it treasures beyond watching Netflix or YouTube. But as is always the case with great ideas, new competitors emerge that can match or even exceed the original proposal in some respects .
Therefore, in this special we want to put on the table all the information about the best alternatives to Google's Chromecast in 2020 , so take good note.
Amazon Fire TV Stick
We start with a heavyweight in this list. Amazon's Fire Stick TV works with any HD TV and offers easy and convenient access to content from thousands of apps and games .
This tiny HDMI stick has its own operating system, dual-core processor, 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage. The closest thing to turning your television into a computer .
In addition to having the wide assortment of native Amazon applications, such as Prime Video, it also has its own app store so that we can enjoy Netflix or HBO without problems.
Finally, it includes a remote control with a button to send voice commands to Alexa , which is always appreciated. And if that wasn't enough, those users with an Amazon Prime subscription have unlimited access to an extensive catalog of movies and series, as well as endless songs without ads with the Prime Music platform. Does anyone give more?
All this can be yours for just 40 euros.
Roku Streaming Stick
Another great alternative to Chromecast is the Roku stick, a rather small dongle that includes a remote control . Its performance is quite fluid thanks to the quad-core processor that it includes and its Wireless function.
In addition, as with the Amazon Fire TV Stick, it also has its own application store for Android . In fact, Roku's proposal is to turn our conventional television into a Smart TV thanks to its huge ecosystem with thousands of apps and more customization features than any other alternative on this list. Although we can always duplicate the screen of our mobile on the television, if you do not want to complicate your life.
Roku Streaming Stick is available for around 150 euros.
Xiaomi Mi Box S
We continue with the Xiaomi reference, a TV Box with Android TV operating system, 4K and HDR resolution, and Dolby and DTS audio system. It incorporates a remote control with a Google voice assistant to control all the content to which we will have access in a much more simple and direct way.
We can install applications of all kinds thanks to its internal storage of up to 8GB. It also has a dual-band AC WiFi module to connect the TV Box to the Internet, and if we want to use its remote control it also offers a Bluetooth 4.2 connection . As for the rest of the connections, we find an HDMI 2.0A port, a 3.5 mm audio output and a USB 2.0 port.
As for its price, we will find it for 65 euros .
Apple TV 4K
Apple's proposal is more focused on becoming a multimedia center with support for 4K HDR video and Dolby Atmos sound.
Apple TV 4K allows you to have access to a multitude of applications of all kinds from the comfort of our television. In fact, many of these applications are native, although of course you also have access to third-party applications.
As many may have already guessed, we will have full compatibility with the App Store, as well as the voice command functions of the Siri intelligent assistant . Not only that, but thanks to the AirPlay protocol, we will be able to exchange the contents present on iPhone, iPod or iPad with a television or stereo. It also serves as an entertainment center, with access to the entire catalog of iOS games.
Its price? It's not exactly cheap. It is available in two versions, depending on the storage capacity we choose : 220 euros for the reference with 64GB, the highest price on the list; and the 32GB version for 200 euros.
Nvidia Shield TV Pro
Nvidia Shield TV Pro stands out for incorporating support for 4K HDR content in a fast and fluid way , be it next-generation movies or video games. Although this is not the only interesting feature, it would be missing more.
This streaming monster incorporates GeForce GTX graphics card and the possibility of broadcasting with GeForce Now, in addition to accessing an extensive catalog with more than 200 different titles to play .
It also includes a remote control with a microphone for voice controls with Google Assistant, motion-activated backlit buttons, an IR to control televisions and other devices, and a Bluetooth connection.
Other important specs are its 3GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, and dual-band AC Wi-Fi. The device also incorporates SmartThings Hub support to monitor and control the settings of our smart home.
Without a doubt, it is the perfect option for gamers, although it is also one of the most expensive on this list along with Apple TV. We will find it available for 220 euros.
These are the main references in this 2020 that can bring out the colors of the Google dongle. And what do you think? Do you think there is any missing? Share your recommendations below in the comments.