But got it working in the end.

Have a spare 30-odd bucks to spend on a media streamer The world is your oyster, friend. The budget streaming market is packed with great choices that offer simple on-screen TV menus, hassle-free access to Netflix, Amazon Video and YouTube and dedicated remote controls with voice.

The super-affordable Chromecast streams Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Pandora, HBO Now and thousands of other apps and games to your TV using an smartphone, PC or even voice as the controller; It hides neatly behind your TV

The lack of a dedicated remote means you always need a smartphone, tablet or PC nearby to use it; Competitors at the same price offer physical remotes and onscreen displays, which are easier to use; There still no app support for Amazon Prime Video

The Chromecast is still a great streaming device, but there are 4K options that don't cost much more....

The Google Chromecast is still one of the most affordable ways to stream media to your TV, but it's also showing its age. This new version doesn't add anything new or present any significant upgrade beyond a nicer case.

Inexpensive; Responsive; Lots of supported apps; Can mirror mobile device screens and display Chrome tabs

1080p maximum resolution; No on-screen interface or remote

Instead of presenting the new $35 Chromecast alongside the Pixel 3 and Home Hub at its event in October, Google simply released it without a word. This is likely because, while it is indeed a new Chromecast, it doesn't actually do anything new. It's the same media streamer as the previous model, with only a slight design change, support for 1080p60, and a claimed performance bump. It remains a useful device, but without 4K capability it's much less appealing than it was a few years ago. A Slightly New Style }{{/ziffimage>The new Chromecast has the same disc shape as the previous version, but with slightly more rounded edges. It comes in matte black or white, and measures 2.1 inches around and 0.4-inch thick. A 3-inch flat gray ribbon cable extends from the Chromecast and terminates in an HDMI plug. A micro USB port (for power, with the included cable and wall adapter) sits on the opposite edge of the disc, with a reset button to its left and an indicator LED to its right. If you'v...

The new Google Chromecast media streamer is almost completely unchanged from its previous version. It's still functional and affordable, but without 4K it's much less appealing than the competition.

Inexpensive; Responsive; Lots of supported apps; Can mirror mobile device screens and display Chrome tabs

1080p maximum resolution; No on-screen interface or remote

The second-generation is nearly three-years-old now, and Google has decided that now's the right time to give it a (very minor) makeover. So how do you improve on close-to-perfection

Google's 2018 Chromecast is essentially just the old Chromecast with a new coat of paint.

Simple; intuitive HD streaming; Slick new design; Quick and easy setup; Google Home app keeps improving

No 4K or HDR; No magnet

Little in the way of new features

New design avoids dust and scratches; Can now stream 1080p at 60 fps; Slightly faster performance; Google Assistant support is very convenient

No 4K when Roku offers it at basically the same price; No Amazon Video; Lack of on-screen menu and built-in apps remains a turn-off for some; No physical remote

The newest version of Google Chromecast is basically identical to the old one and falls short of the budget competition from Amazon and Roku.

The super-affordable Chromecast streams Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Pandora, HBO Now and thousands of other apps and games to your TV using an smartphone, PC or even voice as the controller; It hides neatly behind your TV.

The lack of a dedicated remote means you always need a smartphone, tablet or PC nearby to use it; Competitors at the same price offer physical remotes and onscreen displays, which are easier to use; There still no app support for Amazon Prime Video.

The new Chromecast is much like the old Chromecast, but that's no bad thing The Chromecast is a great product that's clever on the engineering side but simple to use. Some might not like the lack of a physical remote, but that's part and parcel of the Chromecast experience – and there are lots of...

Affordable; Casting is neat; Good video and sound

Little new of note; No dedicated remote; No Amazon Video