El chromecast It's one of the most versatile gadgets Google has created. Thanks to it you can Turn any TV with HDMI into a Smart TV or further enhance your own smart TV by simply sending content from your mobile phone, tablet, or computer. Many apps are compatible with this technology, and that's why we bring you a very complete and up-to-date selection of The best Chromecast apps for Android, mixing classic apps, video platforms, music, podcasts, games, utilities and some lesser-known but very powerful tools.
Throughout the article you will see both apps designed for the Chromecast classic (which receives content from the mobile) as for the Chromecast with Google TV (which allows you to install applications directly on the device). In both cases, the idea is the same: get the most out of your TV with the help of your smartphone.
Chromecast: one of the best Google gadgets
chromecast It's a fabulous gadget because of its combination of reduced price, simplicity and compatibilitySimply connect your mobile device and Chromecast to the same Wi-Fi network to stream content and enjoy it on your TV seamlessly. Quickly and efficiently, you can go from watching on a 5 or 6-inch screen to enjoying your content on a 32, 40, 50-inch or larger display, with image stability and quality that, in most cases, is exceptional. very fluid and clear.
In a classic Chromecast, the mobile phone acts as command and control centerwhile the device connected via HDMI is the one that actually streams from the internet. In the model with Google TV, the Chromecast also acts as a small Android TV boxYou can install apps, use its remote control, create profiles, receive recommendations, and continue enjoying sending content from your mobile device.
By proxy, you can send any screen of your mobile to chromecast using the Google Home app or screen mirroring options. However, it works best when the cast content function is enabled. integrated into the applicationThis makes Chromecast especially compatible with any multimedia or video app, whether it's YouTube, Netflix, Twitch, Disney+, Spotify, TuneIn, etc. Generally speaking, our recommendations will follow this line, in addition to some games and utilities for Get the most out of the connection between mobile and television.
Furthermore, even if you have a Smart TV with its own operating system (Tizen, webOS, Android TV, Google TV, or others), Chromecast is still very useful: it allows you to Unify all your apps, histories, and accounts on your mobile device, take advantage of advanced features (lists, search engines, playback queues) and get rid of slow or outdated interfaces on some TVs.
How to use Chromecast step by step
Before continuing with the list of apps, it's important to clarify How to use ChromecastFor those who are still unsure, in compatible applications, you usually have to look in the Right upper corner the next icon content submission:
It will be enough with press it Once to connect the devices. If you do this without playing or displaying anything, your TV will show a waiting screen prompting you to send content. Select, for example, a video, a playlist, or a photo album, and everything will start.
You can also do it the other way around: start playing something on your phone, then tap the individual Chromecast button to start casting instantly. In many apps, it appears as a persistent icon in the top bar; in others, it appears within the player.
On a Chromecast with Google TV, you can also install those same apps directly on the device Download them from the Play Store for Android TV and use them with the remote control without relying so much on your phone. Even so, the cast button will still work as usual.
With this, you basically have everything you need to know about the basic operation of this gadget, which stands out for its simplicity and because You don't need any additional cables. Beyond HDMI and power. From here, the key is knowing the best applications to enhance it.
The best apps for Chromecast on Android
Below you have a very complete compilation of essential and recommended apps Use them with Chromecast from your Android phone or directly from the Chromecast itself with Google TV. They're grouped by content type to make it easier to find what you're looking for.
Google Home and the rest of Google applications
Google Home It's the essential app for using Chromecast. From this app you can Configure the device, rename it, change the WiFi network, restart it, reset it Out of the box, check what's playing and manage other Google Cast devices (speakers, smart displays, etc.).
From the main menu you can use the option Send screen or audio To send everything that appears on your mobile device to the TV, even if the app you're using doesn't have native Cast support. It's useful, for example, for presentations, video calls, or apps without a Chromecast buttonalthough it consumes more battery than the native shipping.
Furthermore, the vast majority of Google apps are also compatible with Chromecast, so it will be very easy to use it with all of them: YouTube for videos, Google Photos for photos and backups, Google Presentations to display on a large screen, or the Chrome browser on desktop to send tabs.
Download Google Home from the Play Store
Download Google Photos from the Play Store
Download YouTube from the Play Store
Download YouTube Gaming from the Play Store
Video-on-demand platforms: Netflix, HBO/Max, Rakuten and more
The main use of any Chromecast is watch series and moviesThe main streaming platforms have native and highly polished integration:
- Netflix It's the most popular streaming service. Its integration with Chromecast is seamless: you can resume where you left off, change audio and subtitles, manage profiles, and even skip the intro when you send content to the television.
- HBO Spain / Max offers a catalog focused on high-quality series, movies and documentaries. Its app also streams content to Chromecast seamlessly, and the model with Google TV has a native app.
- Rakuten TV It combines a free catalog with ads, rental/purchase content, and subscriptions. It's a good alternative for finding content. Recent movies and sporting events.
- Other relevant platforms that work very well with Chromecast are Amazon Prime Video, Disney +, Pluto TV, The film o Movistar Plus+ if you are a customer of the operator.
Download Netflix from the Play Store
Download HBO Spain from the Play Store
Download Rakuten TV from the Play Store
Discover all Netflix applications on Android
Spotify: music to power
Spotify It's fully integrated with Chromecast, regardless of your account type (free or Premium). Simply press the cast button and start playing music on your TV. You'll be able to:
- Choose the audio output (TV, soundbar, AV receiver).
- Manage the play queue From the phone.
- Use multiple devices at the same time with Spotify Connect.
It's an excellent way to take advantage of the TV speakers or of your Sound system connected to HDMI.
Download Spotify from the Play Store
Twitch: the gaming sector also has its place
Twitch It remains the leading game streaming service, and more and more creators are migrating to this platform. With Chromecast you can Watch live streams and replays on your TV as if it were an interactive TV channel:
- Streaming of video games, eSports, talks, music and more.
- Dark mode for a more comfortable viewing on TV.
- Chat in real time from your mobile while watching the big live broadcast on TV.
Download Twitch from the Play Store
LocalCast for Chromecast
If you need to send a file from your mobile to Chromecast, LocalCast for Chromecast It's a good, attractive, and inexpensive option. It's a very easy-to-use app that will get you out of more than one tight spot when you need it.
- Play videos, photos or music stored on the mobile phone.
- Access content in local servers, NAS or PC.
- View subtitles on Chromecast or even redirect audio to your mobile device in some modes.
It's not the most advanced app in the world, but it's more than adequate if you're looking for something. fast and light.
Download LocalCast for Chromecast from the Play Store
Plex: your multimedia center
plex It's another one of those perfect apps for enjoying local multimedia content that Chromecast works so well with. It functions like a client-server multimedia center:
- You install Plex Media Server on your PC, NAS, or other device.
- You organize your there movies, series, music and photos.
- From the Plex app on Android (or on Google TV) you send that content to the Chromecast.
It requires payment to unlock all its features, but its free version should be sufficient for most needs: you can create your own personal “Netflix” without monthly fees and also access the Free catalog with ads that Plex offers.
Download Plex from the Play Store
Local Music Player - Honorable Mention
We're not specifying any particular app here, but rather we want to create a honorable mention to those local music players that, thanks to using the Internet connection, take advantage of implementing compatibility with chromecastSony Xperia mobile users enjoy this option, for example, but other third-party music apps also offer it. If your favorite player has the Cast icon, take advantage of it to Listen to your local library on TV without complications.
Pocket Cast - Podcasts also integrate with Chromecast
If you are a regular podcast listener and have purchased or downloaded pocket castYou're already enjoying one of the best apps for listening to this type of content. Take full advantage of its power by easily sending episodes to Chromecast, with benefits such as:
- Smart playlists.
- Synchronization between devices.
- Speed controls, intelligent silence, and a timer for shut-off.
Buy Pocket Cast from the Play Store
Viewster and Crunchyroll: legal anime direct to your TV
Viewster For a long time, it was a great option for watching legal and free anime on Android, with integration in chromecastAlthough the platform has changed over time, it deserves to be mentioned as an example of how Chromecast has boosted the legal consumption of specialized content.
For its part, Crunchyroll It's one of the most popular services for watching anime today. Its Android app also works with free accounts, but be prepared to see... many ads If you don't opt for the paid subscription, Chromecast integration allows you to:
- Watch episodes on Original version with subtitles on TV.
- Access new releases shortly after they air in Japan.
- Enjoy part of their catalog for free.
Discover Viewster on Android Help
Download Crunchyroll from the Play Store
Other essential apps to get the most out of Chromecast
In addition to the applications already highlighted in our original article, it is worth adding others. highly valued tools by the community and by specialized media, which further expand what you can do with your classic Chromecast or with Google TV.
YouTube and other video portals
YouTube It usually comes pre-installed on most Android phones and is, for many users, the app that This alone justifies the purchase of a ChromecastThe integration is flawless:
- You can create video queues easily.
- Multiple mobile phones can add videos to the same list on the TV.
- You control playback, volume, or ad skipping from your mobile device.
Other video apps like VLC, Kodi, Web Videocast or even browsers adapted for TV (Puffin TV, for example, for Google TV) allows you to access videos that are not on YouTube, either locally or via streaming.
Google Photos and Google Slides
With Google Photos You can show your travels, family events, or memories on TV in seconds. All you have to do is:
- Open an album or a photo.
- Press the Cast button.
- Let them reproduce in presentation mode.
You can even use your albums or featured photos as Chromecast wallpaper when at rest.
With Google Presentationsyour Chromecast becomes a mini projectorYou project the presentation on the television and use your mobile phone as a remote control to advance slides, view speaker notes, or navigate the presentation without needing a computer.
Games and interactive experiences
Chromecast also works for play in groupThere are games designed specifically for this technology, where the action takes place on the big screen and the mobile phone becomes a controller:
- Alien Invaders Chromecast or Space Invaders-type variants that support up to six players simultaneous.
- Emulators like Castnes or CastGBC, which turns the TV into a retro console (you will have to provide the ROMs without violating copyright).
- Dance games like Just Dancewhere you follow the choreography on TV using your mobile phone as a motion sensor.
On Chromecast with Google TV, you can also install apps like Steam Link to play games via streaming from your PC, provided the local network has good speed.
Applications for tools, productivity, and utilities
Beyond entertainment, the Chromecast ecosystem also offers productivity, management, and security apps:
- Solid Explorer or other file managers for Android/Google TV, which allow you Explore local and cloud foldersmanage downloads and launch videos or photos to the compatible player.
- TeamViewer and similar solutions, useful if you want provide remote support to family members with a Chromecast with Google TV, checking settings or installed apps.
- Speedometers TV-adapted, which help you check if the WiFi network or Ethernet cable is performing as it should at the TV's location.
In the area of security, some antivirus programs for Smart TVs and Google TVs, such as ESET's, offer a extra layer of tranquility if you install many apps or frequently browse on the TV.
How to use Play Music and your own music with Chromecast
Obviously, any Google app is perfectly integrated with Chromecast, as we mentioned at the beginning of the article. At the time, Play Music It was the go-to app for playing your own music and uploading songs to the Google cloud, but its service was replaced by YouTube Music. However, the logic behind sending music to Chromecast remains very similar:
- If you use YouTube MusicSimply open a song, playlist, or album and tap the cast icon to listen to it on your TV or any Google Cast device.
- If you have local files, you can use apps like LocalCast, BubbleUPnP, VLC, or Cast-compatible music players to send your MP3, FLAC or other formats directly.
- Some users still use their local library combined with services such as Plex, Jellyfin or Kodi to manage large music collections and play them via Chromecast in an organized manner.
The basic concept is that anything that can be played on your mobile device, and that has Cast support, can be streamed. take advantage of the television with a couple of tapsIt doesn't matter if it comes from a cloud subscription, your NAS, or the device's internal memory: as long as the app is compatible, Chromecast will bridge the gap between all those worlds.
As you can see, the catalog of apps compatible with Chromecast is enormous and It grows constantlyFrom major video and music platforms to small utilities for casting browser tabs, local multiplayer games, sports apps, streaming radio, educational resources, news, or productivity tools, virtually any audiovisual need can be met with the right combination of apps and this small Google device. If you already own a Chromecast, it's worth taking a few minutes to install and try out several of these apps to discover everything your TV can offer without having to upgrade your hardware.