Google Chromecast Ultra (2016)

Simple and affordable 4K streaming ; Widest HDR support available ; Intuitive interface and setup ; Dual-band Wi-Fi and Ethernet for strong connection

Cross-platform search still mediocre

Google’s Chromecast Ultra is a slick and simple way to serve up 4K Ultra HD content. The Ultra will likely be most beneficial to users with older or cheaper 4K TVs that don’t include many streaming apps, especially those without Google’s growing suite...

Simple setup and easy to use ; Excellent video quality ; 4K streaming works great over WiFi and Ethernet ; Compatible with most popular streaming services

Marginal video quality improvement over 1080p streaming devices ; Limited 4K content selection at launch ; Twice as expensive as the regular Chromecast ; No remote ; No Amazon Instant Video support

Google's original $35 Chromecast is so useful and so cheap that it was almost a no-brainer. At double the price, I can't quite say the same about the Chromecast Ultra. It works as promised, but the dearth of 4K content makes me hesitant to recommend...

4K looks great ; Ethernet is an option if your Wi-Fi is bad ; Can mirror Chrome and your Android phone

No Amazon Video ; You’ve got to find the content yourself ; Should probably have an actual interface at this point

The built-in apps on most Ultra HD TVs are good enough — for now

Ethernet port for reliable 4K streaming. Relatively inexpensive for a 4K media streamer.

Requires a smartphone, tablet, or PC. Almost twice the price of the 1080p Chromecast.

Conclusions Google's Chromecast Ultra is the least expensive 4K media streamer currently available, and it has all the ease of use, reliability, and convenience of the original Chromecast. At nearly $70, however, it costs almost as much as the...

Google Cast technology fundamentally works well ; Low entry price for 4K HDR streaming ; Ethernet and speed boost are welcome improvements

Short on convenience features like private listening, captive portal, and consistent playback controls ; Google Home app needs streamlining and easier access to 4K content ; Lack of Amazon Video support hampers an already-limited 4K content selection

I have a soft spot for Chromecast because the core Google Cast technology is so elegant. Launching a video from your phone or tablet has worked flawlessly from day one, and compared to , Google’s second-screen approach has fewer compromises. You can...

Easy to use ; Inexpensive ; Beautiful 4K HDR streams

Fewer channels than competitors ; Lingering bugs ; Inelegant design

While the Chromecast Ultra isn't perfect, and certainly not for everyone, it's a solid choice for videophiles who don't truck with Amazon, and who want top-notch performance for relatively little money. It's not as comprehensive as it could be, but...

The Chromecast Ultra offers 4K and HDR streaming for only $69. Plus the Ultra supports both HDR10 and Dolby Vision ; The Google Home app provides an integrated interface for more intuitive navigation--and it allows for voice control, if you own a...

The Amazon Video app is not Chromecast-compatible ; You can't power the Ultra through your TV's USB port, as you could with older models ; UHD/HDR compatibility varies depending on which source devices you use

The Chromecast Ultra 4K media bridge does what it's supposed to do, and it's easier to set up and has a more cohesive user experience than earlier generation Chromecast devices. The ability to add voice control via Google Home is a nice, new perk, as...

People who own a 4K TV will likely enjoy the 4K video available from apps like Netflix, some YouTube videos or others. However, they will need a nearby Ethernet port to connect.

Fast and easy phone- or tablet-based navigation ; Automatic TV controls are a brilliant touch ; Unbeatable price at $35 (frequently available for less on sale)

Unusable without a phone, tablet, or PC ; No universal search or on-screen menu system ; Chrome tab mirroring still doesn't work that well

Editor's note: This review supersedes our original Chromecast review. You'll find our previous opinion preserved here.