What is Google Chromecast Ultra used for?

What's the difference between Chromecast and Chromecast 4K?

Last updated: March 2, 2026 - 09:15:05 PM.

The first Chromecast was launched on April 26, 2026 with an AndroidTV-based box. The second generation of Chromecast 4K devices were launched on January 30, 2026. The new devices have higher quality cameras and can play HDR 10 content. The new Chromecast box was cheaper than the last one. This article is about the differences between the two devices.

Chromecast can be attached to any TV display with HDMI ports to show YouTube videos, play music and more. You don't have to use a phone, laptop or tablet to watch things through the connected device. This device doesn't need to be physically plugged into the TV screen. There are two versions of the Chromecast - Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra. Both devices are different devices with different features and different design.

Difference in Chromecast Box. While both devices work with an HDMI cable, the difference lies in the size of the hardware. The first Chromecast had an external power adapter, while the second Chromecast has its own battery pack with a USB charging port. If you connect a Chromecast 3 to an adapter and plug it into your wall outlet, the power adapter will power on.

A wall-powered second-generation Chromecast doesn't need an adapter. Difference in Features. There are obvious differences when it comes to camera resolution, streaming and audio output. Below is a list of the differences in feature between the two devices.

Chromecast: Features. Chromecast 4K Features. Resolution. 1280x720P (pixels) vs 1920x1080P (pixels). Aspect ratio. 9 vs 16:9. Resolution of photos taken with the device is limited. For full 4K UHD resolution photos, you need another camera, such as a DSLR, pocket-sized compact or mobile phone.

Is Chromecast Ultra 4K discontinued?

Chromecast Ultra 4K is discontinued!

Why we need the 'ultra'? You could say that with a normal Chromecast we're limited to 1080p content in terms of video streaming quality. What if you have a 1080p screen or TV set? We haven't been able to cast Ultra HD content to a TV that has UHD content. Why do we need the 'ultra'? Why shouldn't we call it '4k'?

In other words, I wouldn't call Chromecast Ultra 4K, just Ultra HD. If I'm watching a 4K TV and I'm watching content on my phone and suddenly I need to cast that to the TV, I want to use a smaller (more compact) device to be able to cast and enjoy the experience.

What about HDR content? HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. It's one of the ways that Ultra HD content works. HDR means that the content has more information when there's an HDR content source and the Chromecast can take advantage of that. More detailed and vibrant than conventional content, this content can really bring out the best in what you're seeing on your TV.

HDR content might be more expensive than conventional content. For example, a standard Blu-ray disc might look great on a standard 1080p screen but with HDR it can make your 4K TV stand out among the crowd. You can get HDR content via Netflix and Amazon Video on demand. If you find something you'd like to watch then you'll have to choose which option fits your situation better. The price can vary widely depending on the source.

What if I want to cast 4K content over WiFi? The Chromecast Ultra runs on the Google Cast wireless platform so all you need is a power outlet to wirelessly cast content to your 4K TV. I've had issues before where people said that the Chromecast won't work with their WiFi network. The Chromecast Ultra doesn't run on WiFi.e. That also means that you'll have to have a dedicated Ethernet port at your home/office if you don't want to plug in a cable.

What's the difference between Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra?

Is Chromecast Ultra 4K worth it?

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Com. All opinions are my own and I make no claim as an expert. For details read my disclaimer here

The Chromecast Ultra is the newest model of the Chromecast that Google launched in September 2026. It offers some new features over the original Chromecast, including 4K support. It also has other notable updates such as faster WiFi technology and better speakers (with higher resolutions) than on the previous models. So is it worth upgrading to Chromecast Ultra? Let's find out

Chromecast Ultra Price. The Chromecast Ultra (4K) comes with a price of 229.00, although you'll need to add an appropriate TV or smart-device and power, which will likely run you another 30 at least.

It doesn't mean it costs twice as much as the old version, but it does mean the Chromecast 2-year-old model doesn't get the benefits you get with the latest Chromecast. If you didn't manage to get one before then they were often sold out quickly.

Chromecast Ultra vs Chromecast 2. If you already have a Chromecast 2 then you can move over and use the Ultra version of the device. This version of Chromecast does not support any other Chromecast models, which makes it useless for anyone who has a single device without any more capacity.

The main difference between the models of Chromecast is that the newer model allows for more apps to be streamed through it. It works off the wireless 802.11ac standard allowing a speed increase of around 100mbps in theory, as opposed to the maximum 10mbps speed of the original Chromecast.

The maximum resolution this new version allows you to stream to is up to 4k, whereas the older model had a maximum resolution of 1080p. This has made the new Chromecast Ultra an impressive streaming box that can be used on a variety of devices, instead of being restricted to only tablets or mobile phone devices as you would see the old version of Chromecast doing.