Streaming devices / Compare

Google Chromecast (3rd Gen, 2018) vs Roku Streaming Stick (2025)

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Product A: Google

Chromecast (3rd Gen, 2018)

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B

Product B: Roku

Streaming Stick (2025)

47 of 97 known

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Only differences

AGoogle Chromecast (3rd Gen, 2018)

BRoku Streaming Stick (2025)

General

8 of 8 differ

Series

Chromecast8Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/google-chromecast-2018Read 13 October 2026Review of the 2018 Chromecast, the successor of the 2015 Chromecast. Same family name.

Streaming Stick1Maker product pageroku.com/products/players/roku-streaming-stickRead 8 October 20262025 HD family, separate from Streaming Stick Plus 3830, Streaming Stick 4K 3820/3821 and earlier similarly named sticks.

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

NC2-6A52Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Google Store Help device information for Korea: product Chromecast, model name NC2-6A5, release date Jan 23, 2019. The 2015 2nd-gen Chromecast used the same model name, but this entry shows the 1080p 60fps device. Release date here is the Korean release.

3840R2Maker spec sheet (PDF)pdf.lowes.com/productdocuments/8226d286-f1b5-4ffa-90e5-367dd4963db4/71706407.pdfRead 8 October 2026Original US Roku Retail Item Setup Sheet dated April 23, 2025 explicitly SKU 3840R. Current maker page retains 3840R. Developer 3840X is a model-family/API identifier, not substituted for the sold retail SKU. Other retailer and region suffixes excluded.

GTIN / EAN

84277610613112Spec databaseupcitemdb.com/upc/842776106131Read 21 October 2026UPC 842776106131 (EAN-13 0842776106131), model GA00439-US, listed by Target, Best Buy, Dell, Home Depot and others as Chromecast 3rd Generation in Charcoal. A Chalk unit may carry another code and is not covered.

8296100084172Maker spec sheet (PDF)pdf.lowes.com/productdocuments/8226d286-f1b5-4ffa-90e5-367dd4963db4/71706407.pdfRead 8 October 2026Exact original 3840R UPC. UCC10829610008414 is the master-carton code and excluded from consumer product identifiers.

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

9 October 20181Press releaseblog.google/products/chromecast/five-reasons-and-two-colors-why-we-love-new-chromecastRead 13 October 2026Google blog post by the Chromecast product manager. Thurrott and Engadget date the launch to October 9, 2018.

23 April 20253Maker product pageroku.com/blog/es-co/players-25Read 8 October 2026Original maker announcement, with pre-orders beginning that day. US sale begins May 6. Announcement and retail availability are separate.

Status

Discontinued5Press article9to5google.com/2022/09/22/chromecast-discontinuedRead 13 October 20269to5Google, September 22, 2022: with the launch of the Chromecast with Google TV (HD), Google confirmed the Chromecast (third generation) is being discontinued. It stays on sale until stock runs out. Updates continue.

Available1Maker product pageroku.com/products/players/roku-streaming-stickRead 8 October 2026Current exact US HD 3840R product page offers Add to cart. No worldwide stock claim.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

Not available

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Google Chromecast with Google TV (HD)5Press article9to5google.com/2022/09/22/chromecast-discontinuedRead 13 October 2026Google confirmed the third generation is discontinued with the launch of the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) at the same $29.99 price. A Google spokesperson said Chromecast with Google TV is the next generation of Chromecast.16Press article9to5google.com/2022/09/22/chromecast-google-tv-hd-priceRead 23 October 20269to5Google says the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) replaces the Chromecast 3rd Generation at the same $29.99 price.

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$351Press releaseblog.google/products/chromecast/five-reasons-and-two-colors-why-we-love-new-chromecastRead 13 October 2026Post says Chromecast is still just $35. US price excluding sales tax. Later cuts to $29.99 are excluded.

$29.992Maker spec sheet (PDF)pdf.lowes.com/productdocuments/8226d286-f1b5-4ffa-90e5-367dd4963db4/71706407.pdfRead 8 October 2026Original April 23, 2025 US MSRP, also stated by maker announcement. Current 39.99 list price and 19.99 promotion are not launch prices.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

€3913Press articlegooglewatchblog.de/2018/10/google-bringt-neuen-chromecast-nach-deutschlandRead 21 October 2026GoogleWatchBlog, October 24, 2018: the new Chromecast costs 39 euros in Germany, sold through the Google Store, Saturn and MediaMarkt. The smarthomeassistent.de article of December 2018 gives the same price. Price includes VAT as published.

Not available

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US, CA, GB, AU, NZ, JP, SG, NL, SE, NO, FI1Press releaseblog.google/products/chromecast/five-reasons-and-two-colors-why-we-love-new-chromecastRead 13 October 2026Post lists the first Google Store countries, including the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Finland. More countries followed in 2019. The stored list is not claimed to be complete.

US2Maker spec sheet (PDF)pdf.lowes.com/productdocuments/8226d286-f1b5-4ffa-90e5-367dd4963db4/71706407.pdfRead 8 October 2026

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Charcoal, Chalk1Press releaseblog.google/products/chromecast/five-reasons-and-two-colors-why-we-love-new-chromecastRead 13 October 2026Post names two colors, Chalk and Charcoal.

Black1Maker product pageroku.com/products/players/roku-streaming-stickRead 8 October 2026Exact supplied body is black with a purple printed Roku logo, distinct from the Plus embossed dark logo. Supplied remote shortcut buttons can vary.

Form factoriA stick plugs straight into the HDMI port. A dongle hangs from its own short fixed HDMI lead. A box stands on its own and connects by a separate cable.

Dongle7Reviewtomsguide.com/us/google-chromecast-3rd-generation,review-5843.htmlRead 13 October 2026Review calls it a circular dongle that attaches to the back of the TV with a built-in HDMI cable.

Stick1Maker product pageroku.com/products/players/roku-streaming-stickRead 8 October 2026

Video output

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Max output resolutioniHighest published video output resolution. Decoder capability and app streaming quality do not establish the output resolution.

1920 × 1080px2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Specifications: Resolution up to 1080p 60fps. Full HD 1920 x 1080 is the standard 1080p raster. TechRadar says Chromecast is not 4K.

1920 × 1080px1Maker product pageroku.com/products/players/roku-streaming-stickRead 8 October 2026Exact HD 3840R output up to 1080p. Developer Lakeport 3840X separately reports 720p maximum UI and 1080p playback, so UI resolution is not stored as the video-output maximum. Exact developer HDR Support is No. No HDR format list is inferred from generic shop Dolby Vision/HDR disclaimers.

Max output refresh rateiHighest published output refresh rate. Resolution, HDR and connection conditions belong in the source note. This is not a television panel refresh rate.

60Hz2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Specifications: up to 1080p 60fps. HDR and chroma conditions are not stated.

Not available

Video output modesiPublished video output combinations. A row records support, not a proved maximum at every lower resolution. Keep HDR, chroma and bit depth conditions in source notes.

AGoogle Chromecast (3rd Gen, 2018)

Height (px)	Refresh rate (Hz)
1080	60

Source2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Specifications: up to 1080p 60fps. Only the highest published combination is stored.

BRoku Streaming Stick (2025)

Not available

HDR formats

Not available

Not available

Dolby Vision profilesiPublished supported Dolby Vision profiles and levels. Streaming support does not prove local-file support.

Not available

Not available

HDMI versioniPublished HDMI output revision. A revision does not establish every optional HDMI feature.

Not available

Not available

HDCP version

Not available

Not available

HDMI-CEC

Yes4Maker product pagesupport.google.com/chromecast/answer/7199917Read 13 October 2026Google help page What is CEC for Chromecast and Google TV Streamer devices. Casting switches the TV input and can power on a CEC TV. The device must use a wall outlet for power and not a USB port on the TV. The page is not specific to the 3rd gen.

Yes6Reviewpcworld.com/article/2858076/roku-streaming-stick-2025-review.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact 2025 HD review explicitly HDMI-CEC input switching. TV must support and enable CEC. This does not make the stick an IR receiver or establish every optional HDMI feature.

Automatic frame rate matchingiCan switch the video output rate to match content. App, operating system and playback restrictions belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Dynamic range matchingiCan switch the output dynamic range to match SDR or HDR content. App and firmware restrictions belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

UpscalingiNamed video upscaling modes. Record source resolution and output restrictions in source notes.

Not available

720p to 1080p1Maker product pageroku.com/products/players/roku-streaming-stickRead 8 October 2026Exact maker TV-compatibility row explicitly up-scaling from 720p. No AI mode, frame-rate maximum, chroma or bit-depth claim inferred.

Video decoding

3 of 4 differ

Video codecsiExplicitly supported video decoding formats. Use names such as H.264, HEVC, AV1 and VP9. Chip capabilities alone do not prove device playback support.

H.264, VP83Maker product pagedevelopers.google.com/cast/docs/mediaRead 13 October 2026Supported Media for Google Cast, Video codecs, Chromecast 3rd Gen: H.264 High Profile and VP8. TechRadar also lists MPEG-4. The maker page wins.

H.2647Maker product pagedeveloper.roku.com/dev/docs/mediaRead 8 October 2026Published Roku AVC streaming support, with HEVC explicitly restricted to 4K-capable devices. Exact hardware table identifies this Lakeport family as 1080p HD. Device-specific profile/level/frame-rate limits, HEVC, AV1 and other-chip capabilities remain unproved and omitted.

Video decode limitsiPublished supported decoding limits. Profiles, levels and playback route matter. Output resolution and service support are separate.

AGoogle Chromecast (3rd Gen, 2018)

Codec	Profile	Level	Height (px)	Max frame rate (fps)
H.264	High	4.2	1080	60
VP8	Not available	Not available	720	60
VP8	Not available	Not available	1080	30

Source3Maker product pagedevelopers.google.com/cast/docs/mediaRead 13 October 2026Chromecast 3rd Gen: H.264 High Profile up to level 4.2 (1080p/60fps). VP8 720p/60fps or 1080p/30fps. The page gives only vertical resolution. These are Cast receiver limits for streamed media.

BRoku Streaming Stick (2025)

Not available

Video containersiExplicitly supported local playback containers. App requirements belong in the source note.

MP4, WebM, MPEG-TS3Maker product pagedevelopers.google.com/cast/docs/mediaRead 13 October 2026Supported Media for Google Cast lists the media container formats MP2T, MP3, MP4, OGG, WAV and WebM for all Cast Web Receivers, not per device. Only the three video containers shown with video codecs on the page are stored: MP4 (video/mp4), WebM (video/webm) and MP2T (stored as MPEG-TS). The page warns that HEVC is not supported in Transport Stream, which does not affect this device. Cast receiver apps decide what plays, so this is not a local-file player list.

Not available

DRM systemsiNamed supported DRM systems and security levels. DRM certification does not prove a particular service streams at 4K.

Not available

Not available

Audio

5 of 8 differ

Audio formatsiPublished supported audio formats. Decoder, output and passthrough roles are qualified in source notes.

AAC-LC, AC-3 (Dolby Digital), E-AC-3 (Dolby Digital Plus), FLAC, MP3, PCM/WAV, Vorbis6Reviewtechradar.com/reviews/chromecastRead 13 October 2026Review: the Chromecast supports AAC-LC, AC3, eAC3 (Dolby Digital Plus), FLAC, MP3, PCM/WAV and Vorbis audio files. Decoder and passthrough roles are not stated. What Hi-Fi says the Chromecast outputs up to Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 with compatible apps.

Digital stereo over HDMI, AAC-LC, HE-AACv2, DTS Digital Surround, Dolby Digital (AC-3), Dolby Digital Plus (E-AC-3)1Maker product pageroku.com/products/players/roku-streaming-stickRead 8 October 20267Maker product pagedeveloper.roku.com/dev/docs/mediaRead 8 October 2026Roku developer specification explicitly AAC decode on all devices, and AC3/EAC3 passthrough to a receiving device. Exact 3840R maker page independently states digital stereo, DTS Digital Surround passthrough and Dolby-encoded passthrough. Compressed formats require a compatible receiver and app/stream. This does not imply built-in Dolby multichannel decode, TrueHD, DTS-HD or Atmos preservation. Dolby Atmos scalar remains unconfirmed: TechRadar calls the HD model Atmos-capable but does not publish a tested format/app, and its introduction also misnames Plus.

Audio passthrough formatsiCompressed formats explicitly passed to external audio equipment without decoding. Dolby Atmos support alone does not establish TrueHD passthrough.

Not available

DTS Digital Surround, Dolby Digital (AC-3), Dolby Digital Plus (E-AC-3)1Maker product pageroku.com/products/players/roku-streaming-stickRead 8 October 20267Maker product pagedeveloper.roku.com/dev/docs/mediaRead 8 October 2026Developer explicitly passthrough for DTS and AC3/EAC3, consistent with exact maker 3840R HDMI audio row. No Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD/DTS:X or lossless passthrough asserted. Receiving TV/AVR and app/stream must support the format.

Dolby AtmosiExplicit device support for Dolby Atmos. Codec, service, app and output requirements belong in the source note.

No14Reviewtvguide.com/news/chromecast-reviewRead 21 October 2026TV Guide Chromecast review: the 3rd gen does not support 4K or HDR video, or Dolby Atmos sound.

Not available

Audio channel configurationsiPublished output configurations, such as 2.0, 5.1 or 7.1. Keep PCM and compressed audio routes separate in source notes. Dolby Atmos support alone does not establish a channel configuration.

5.18Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/google-chromecast-2018Read 13 October 2026Review text: plugged into a soundbar or home cinema system, the Chromecast outputs sound at up to Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 with compatible apps and videos. The review spec box instead lists Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, so only the 5.1 layout both statements share is stored. Surround output also needs a TV or receiver that reports support.

2.01Maker product pageroku.com/products/players/roku-streaming-stickRead 8 October 2026Exact digital stereo HDMI output. Compressed Dolby/DTS surround passthrough remains separately described, with no inferred decoded channel maximum.

Max audio sample rateiHighest published audio output sample rate. Keep playback route and format in source notes.

Not available

Not available

Max audio bit depthiHighest published audio output bit depth. Keep playback route and format in source notes.

Not available

Not available

Bluetooth audio output

Not available

Yes1Maker product pageroku.com/products/players/roku-streaming-stickRead 8 October 20268Maker product pagesupport.roku.com/en-us/article/how-to-use-bluetooth-headphone-modeRead 8 October 2026Current exact official compatibility list explicitly Roku Streaming Stick 3840, with direct Bluetooth headphone output. Current 3840R maker page gives Wireless Headphones menu steps. Support updated August 5, 2026. Minimum Roku OS version and feature rollout date are unstated. Headphone Bluetooth 4.2-or-later requirement is a headphone requirement, not this device Bluetooth version. Mobile-app headphone listening and the older 4K stick are separate. No fabricated explanation for earlier omission.

Bluetooth audio codecsiExplicitly supported codecs for audio sent to Bluetooth headphones or speakers. Bluetooth version alone is not proof.

Not available

Not available

Processor and memory

4 of 11 differ

System on chip

Marvell ARMADA 1500 Mini Plus (88DE3006)10Reviewedn.com/the-google-chromecast-gen-3-gluey-and-screwyRead 21 October 2026EDN teardown of a 3rd generation Chromecast (label shows FCC ID A4RNC2-6A5B) by Brian Dipert, February 18, 2025: the processor is the Synaptics MM3006, formerly the Marvell 88DE3006, the same IC as the 2nd generation. The ARMADA 1500 Mini Plus name for the 88DE3006 comes from Marvell's press release.

Not available

CPU

ARM Cortex-A711Press releaseinvestor.marvell.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/427/marvell-teams-up-with-google-to-enable-chromecast-2-0-and-chromecast-audioRead 21 October 2026Marvell press release (October 2015) describes the ARMADA 1500 Mini Plus (88DE3006) as a dual-core ARM Cortex-A7 design. The EDN teardown found the same IC in the 3rd generation. No clock speed is stated, so cpu_clock_max_ghz is empty.

ARM Cortex-A559Maker product pagedeveloper.roku.com/dev/docs/hardwareRead 8 October 2026Current exact Lakeport 3840X model-family row. No SoC name, CPU core count or clock imported from 3830/3820 or generic Cortex-A55 limits.

CPU cores

211Press releaseinvestor.marvell.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/427/marvell-teams-up-with-google-to-enable-chromecast-2-0-and-chromecast-audioRead 21 October 2026Dual-core, from the same press release.

Not available

Max CPU clockiHighest explicitly published processor clock for this device. Generic chipset limits are not device evidence.

Not available

Not available

GPU

Not available

Not available

RAMiKeep published GB values as stated. Convert a source explicitly labelled MB using 1000 MB per GB and preserve its original figure and unit in the note. Do not assume MB means MiB. Convert explicit MiB or GiB to decimal GB through their byte definitions, recording the conversion in the note. This normalization does not establish an exact physical byte count.

512MB8Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/google-chromecast-2018Read 13 October 2026Review tech specs list Memory (RAM) 512 MB. Stored as 0.512 GB, dividing the labelled MB by 1000. The same box lists Hard drive 2GB, which conflicts with the 4 Gbit NAND found in the EDN teardown, so storage_gb is left empty. EDN found a 4 Gbit DRAM chip, which is also 512 MB.

512MB9Maker product pagedeveloper.roku.com/dev/docs/hardwareRead 8 October 2026Exact developer Lakeport 3840X row publishes 512 MB. Stored 0.512 GB uses SI-labelled MB-to-GB normalization. No binary physical byte capacity or RAM type inferred from the published label. Plus 3830 has 1 GB and is not substituted.

RAM type

Not available

Not available

StorageiMarketed built-in storage capacity in decimal GB. Free space after the operating system is separate.

Not available

Not available

Storage type

NAND flash10Reviewedn.com/the-google-chromecast-gen-3-gluey-and-screwyRead 21 October 2026Teardown: Toshiba TC58NVG2S0 4 Gbit NAND flash, twice the capacity of the 2nd generation. The article does not state a marketed storage size, so storage_gb is empty. The same article calls the Hynix H5TC4G63EFR-RDA a 4 Gbit LPDDR3-1866 SDRAM, but that part number belongs to the DDR3L family, so ram_type is left empty.

Not available

Expandable storageiCan use added removable or external storage to store installed apps or play media directly. Copying files through a USB data connection alone does not qualify. The source note states whether apps, media or both are supported and names the connection and limitations. Storage must be attached to the streaming device. Cloud and network streaming do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Storage expansion methodsiPublished methods for adding app or media storage. USB support alone does not prove app installation on external storage.

Not available

Not available

Connectivity

2 of 7 differ

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 52Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Specifications: Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz).

Wi-Fi 42Maker spec sheet (PDF)pdf.lowes.com/productdocuments/8226d286-f1b5-4ffa-90e5-367dd4963db4/71706407.pdfRead 8 October 2026Original exact 3840R 802.11b/g/n dual-band specification, corroborated by PCWorld own review. No 802.11ac, long-range external Wi-Fi cable or Plus hardware imported.

Wi-Fi bands

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Specifications: Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz).

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz2Maker spec sheet (PDF)pdf.lowes.com/productdocuments/8226d286-f1b5-4ffa-90e5-367dd4963db4/71706407.pdfRead 8 October 2026

Wi-Fi MIMOiWritten as 2x2 MIMO when the maker gives the stream count, or MIMO when it does not. 2T2R counts as 2x2. MU-MIMO support alone does not show more than one stream, so it is not stored. Band wording goes in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Built-in Ethernet speediRated speed of a built-in Ethernet port. An optional USB Ethernet adapter does not count.

Not available

Not available

Optional Ethernet adapter supportiExplicit support for an external Ethernet adapter. Required adapter and connection belong in the source note.

Yes15Maker product pagestore.google.com/us/product/ethernet_adapter_for_chromecastRead 21 October 2026Google Store listing titled Ethernet Adapter for Chromecast 3rd & 1st Gen, seen in search results on 2026-10-21. The page now redirects to the Google Store home page, so the title is the only text read. Google's Australian listing is quoted as working with Chromecast and Chromecast 1st Generation. The adapter plugs into the micro-USB power port, replaces the power supply and gives a 10/100 Ethernet port. The device has no built-in Ethernet port, so ethernet_speed_mbps is empty.

Yes10Maker product pagesupport.roku.com/en-us/article/connect-to-a-wired-network-with-usbRead 8 October 2026Current US support explicitly lists 3840X, with USB-C third-party Ethernet adapters restricted to 10/100 Mbps and AX8877X or SMSC95XX chipset. Gigabit adapters are expressly unsupported by this guide. It names no tested stick-specific adapter model. PCWorld tested two unspecified USB-C Ethernet hubs unsuccessfully, so this is maker-qualified compatibility, not universal hub support or a reviewer-success claim. Required power arrangement must suit the adapter/stick.

Bluetooth versioniPublished device Bluetooth version. The remote can use a different Bluetooth version.

Not available

Not available

PortsiPhysical device connectors, including a fixed HDMI plug and power-only USB. Excludes connectors on the remote and optional adapters. Count identical connectors in each row.

AGoogle Chromecast (3rd Gen, 2018)

Connector	Count	Role
HDMI	1	Video and audio output on a built-in flat cable
Micro USB	1	Power input

Source2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Specifications: Ports HDMI and Micro-USB. Tom's Guide describes a built-in HDMI cable on one side and the micro-USB port on the other. TechRadar calls it a flat HDMI cable.

BRoku Streaming Stick (2025)

Connector	Count	Role
HDMI	1	Fixed HDMI video and audio output plug
USB-C	1	5 V power input and compatible optional USB Ethernet-adapter connection

Source1Maker product pageroku.com/products/players/roku-streaming-stickRead 8 October 20262Maker spec sheet (PDF)pdf.lowes.com/productdocuments/8226d286-f1b5-4ffa-90e5-367dd4963db4/71706407.pdfRead 8 October 202610Maker product pagesupport.roku.com/en-us/article/connect-to-a-wired-network-with-usbRead 8 October 2026Only two device connectors in original sheet/manual. Current exact 3840X Ethernet support adds qualified adapter use to the USB-C power role. No USB audio, local-media playback, app storage or USB data-rate maximum implied. Remote connectors and optional adapters excluded.

Smart home

1 of 3 differ

Thread border router

Not available

Not available

Matter controlleriCan commission and control Matter accessories. Acting as a Matter accessory alone does not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Smart home platforms

Google Home8Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/google-chromecast-2018Read 13 October 2026Review: the Chromecast is now part of Google's Home family of products and is set up and assigned to a room with the Google Home app.

Roku Smart Home, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa1Maker product pageroku.com/products/players/roku-streaming-stickRead 8 October 2026Exact current 3840R maker compatibility. This is integration with named platforms, not a Thread border router or Matter controller claim. Google Assistant and Alexa require external enabled devices. HomeKit accessory/control integration is not an ability to commission other HomeKit devices.

Remote control

5 of 9 differ

Remote model

Not available

Roku Voice Remote1Maker product pageroku.com/products/players/roku-streaming-stickRead 8 October 2026Original supplied press-to-talk remote with two AAA cells, not Voice Remote Pro. Separate replacement RCA1R catalog dimensions/78 g mass are not assumed to identify the supplied unit's exact commercial or regulatory code.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)pdf.lowes.com/productdocuments/8226d286-f1b5-4ffa-90e5-367dd4963db4/71706407.pdfRead 8 October 2026

Remote connectioniEvery wireless link the included remote uses, to the device or to other equipment. An infrared transmitter that controls the TV counts as infrared.

Not available

Not available

Remote microphone

Not available

Yes1Maker product pageroku.com/products/players/roku-streaming-stickRead 8 October 2026Exact supplied remote voice button and microphone for press-and-hold Roku Voice. No always-listening factory-remote claim.

Remote voice assistantsiVoice assistants usable from the supplied remote. Region, language, app and firmware restrictions belong in the source note.

Not available

Roku Voice1Maker product pageroku.com/products/players/roku-streaming-stickRead 8 October 2026Exact supplied remote supports push-to-talk Roku Voice. Linked Alexa/Google/Siri routes are not assistants implemented inside this remote. Voice availability and app command support vary by market/language.

Remote TV controliSupported TV controls, such as power, volume and input. Infrared and HDMI-CEC routes are qualified in source notes.

Not available

Power, Volume, Mute1Maker product pageroku.com/products/players/roku-streaming-stickRead 8 October 2026Exact original supplied controls work with most compatible TVs. PCWorld notes infrared TV control does not directly control soundbars/AVRs. HDMI-CEC can control compatible systems. No dedicated TV-input button inferred.

Remote finder

Not available

Not available

Remote backlight

Not available

Not available

Remote poweriPublished batteries or rechargeable battery arrangement for the supplied remote.

Not available

Two pre-installed AAA alkaline batteries, 1.5 V each2Maker spec sheet (PDF)pdf.lowes.com/productdocuments/8226d286-f1b5-4ffa-90e5-367dd4963db4/71706407.pdfRead 8 October 2026Original exact retail sheet identifies AAA alkaline 1.5 V cells, and current maker box explicitly two pre-installed AAA batteries. No rechargeable battery or charging connector.

Remote charging port

Not available

Not available

Software

4 of 8 differ

Operating systemiPlatform name. The launch version is stored separately from later firmware support.

Not available

Roku OS11Maker product pagesupport.roku.com/en-us/article/learn-about-streaming-stick-4k4kplusRead 8 October 2026Exact family support page names Roku OS and automatic software updates. Original launch OS version and current minimum for direct Bluetooth Headphone Mode remain not found.

Operating system at launch

Not available

Not available

App store

Not available

Roku Streaming Store12Maker product pagesupport.roku.com/article/general-setup-instructions-for-any-modelRead 8 October 2026Maker setup article names the Roku Channel Store for streaming channels, games and other apps. The current footer labels the same storefront Streaming Store, the name stored here. No Android/Google Play store implied.

Casting protocolsiPublished casting or screen mirroring protocols. AirPlay and Google Cast are distinct. App-only playback support does not prove system-wide mirroring.

Google Cast1Press releaseblog.google/products/chromecast/five-reasons-and-two-colors-why-we-love-new-chromecastRead 13 October 2026The post describes casting from apps through the Cast button. The Google Cast name comes from the Google Cast developer page.

Apple AirPlay1Maker product pageroku.com/products/players/roku-streaming-stickRead 8 October 2026Exact current 3840R maker explicitly Apple AirPlay. Separate Roku support article explains Apple screen mirroring/streaming, but its older model-version table omits 3840, so no unsupported minimum firmware or AirPlay protocol-version number is assigned. App-specific YouTube/Netflix casting is not Google Cast. Miracast transport remains unproved in the exact read 3840 sources.

Voice assistantsiVoice assistants supported by the device. A remote microphone and hands-free activation are separate features.

Google Assistant1Press releaseblog.google/products/chromecast/five-reasons-and-two-colors-why-we-love-new-chromecastRead 13 October 2026Post: Chromecast and Google Home work together. Say what to watch with Hey Google and control the TV by asking. Needs a compatible Google Assistant device.

Roku Voice, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri1Maker product pageroku.com/products/players/roku-streaming-stickRead 8 October 2026Roku Voice through supplied press-to-talk remote/app. Alexa/Google Assistant through required external enabled devices. Siri through Apple HomeKit/AirPlay integration, not a built-in assistant. Current support restricts Siri remote commands to an AirPlay session. Roku player power control requires TV CEC. Roku-TV-only volume/input commands are not generalized to this stick.14Maker product pagesupport.roku.com/article/screen-mirror-your-apple-device-with-airplayRead 8 October 2026Current support describes external Siri via HomeKit and within AirPlay sessions. 3840 applicability comes from its exact current maker compatibility page. The old model OS-version table is not used to invent a 3840 minimum.

Hands-free voice controliControl the streaming device by voice without pressing a button. This may use built-in microphones or a compatible linked smart speaker, phone or headset. The source note names the required device, connection, software and supported commands. A microphone on a press-to-talk remote alone does not qualify.

Yes1Press releaseblog.google/products/chromecast/five-reasons-and-two-colors-why-we-love-new-chromecastRead 13 October 2026Post describes hands-free voice requests through Google Home. The Chromecast has no microphone and no remote. A linked Google Home speaker or other Assistant device is required.

Yes13Maker product pagesupport.roku.com/en-us/article/control-your-streaming-devices-with-alexaRead 8 October 2026Via a linked external Alexa-enabled device, such as Echo, using Roku skill and accounts. Current-generation players supported in US, with generic Roku OS 9.1 or later requirement. Can search, pause/rewind and launch supported apps. Netflix and some app commands excluded. This is not hands-free activation on the bundled press-to-talk remote or proof of built-in microphones.

Mobile remote platforms

Android, iOS2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Specifications: Operating systems Android, iOS, Mac and Windows. Only the two mobile systems fit the schema. Casting from a Mac or Windows PC uses the Chrome browser.

Android, iOS11Maker product pagesupport.roku.com/en-us/article/learn-about-streaming-stick-4k4kplusRead 8 October 2026Exact family support describes free Roku mobile app for iOS and Android, with remote/voice/headphone features. Headphone playback through mobile phone is separate from current direct Bluetooth output.

Accessibility features

Not available

Not available

Gaming

None of 2 known

Game servicesiPublished native or cloud gaming services. Service availability is time-sensitive. Record software and region requirements in source notes.

Not available

Not available

Game controller supportiExplicitly supported controllers or connection methods. Bluetooth alone does not establish game controller support.

Not available

Not available

Power

3 of 5 differ

Power supply

USB8Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/google-chromecast-2018Read 13 October 2026Review spec box: Power USB, power adapter included. Power comes from a bundled micro-USB cable. A wall plug is included, and a TV USB socket may also supply power.

USB2Maker spec sheet (PDF)pdf.lowes.com/productdocuments/8226d286-f1b5-4ffa-90e5-367dd4963db4/71706407.pdfRead 8 October 20264Owner's manualimage.roku.com/c3VwcG9ydC1B/Roku-Streaming-Stick---2025.pdfRead 8 October 2026Actual 2025 HD QSG shows supplied USB-C-to-A cable to TV USB or separate optional wall power. Wall adapter explicitly not included. Use sufficient power from TV/adapter. TV power state can force cold boot.

Rated power inputiDevice input rating, as published. An external adapter output rating is separate.

5 V, 1 A2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Specifications: Power 5 V, 1 A power supply.

5 V DC, 1 A1Maker product pageroku.com/products/players/roku-streaming-stickRead 8 October 2026Device input rating, not a measured draw or supplied adapter wattage. Maker separately claims approximately 2.2 W typical streaming. That typical claim is not stored as maximum or a measured-power result because the current schema has no typical-power scalar. No mains adapter supplied.

Included adapter outputiRated output of the included power adapter. This is not device power consumption.

5W2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Specifications: 5 V, 1 A power supply. 5 W is the exact product of the published voltage and current. Tom's Guide says the box holds a power adapter.

Not available

Max power consumption (claimed)iMaker-published maximum device power consumption. Adapter rating is not proof.

5W2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Korea device information lists Rated power consumption 5 W. This is the maker's rated figure on the KC label. It is not a measurement.

Not available

Standby power (claimed)iMaker-published device standby consumption under the source conditions.

Not available

Not available

Measured

None of 4 known

Video playback power (measured)iReviewer-measured device consumption. Video format, app, resolution, power measurement point and equipment belong in source notes.

Not available

Not available

Idle power (measured)iReviewer-measured device consumption when idle. Firmware, measurement point and conditions belong in source notes.

Not available

Not available

Standby power (measured)iReviewer-measured device consumption in standby. Network state, firmware and measurement point belong in source notes.

Not available

Not available

Boot time (measured)iReviewer-measured time from power-on to usable home screen. Cold boot and standby wake are different. Record timing method and firmware.

Not available

Not available

Dimensions and weight

4 of 4 differ

DimensionsiDevice body without remote, cables or adapter. Width is left-to-right in normal use, height is bottom-to-top and depth is front-to-back. For a stick, include the fixed plug only when the source does. A stick's length from the plug to its end is depth and its thickness is height. A puck that lies flat has its thickness as height.

Width51.8Height51.9Depth13.8mm(2 × 2 × 0.5 in)2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Korea device information Size: 51.8 x 13.8 x 51.9 mm. The axes are not labeled. The disc is about 51.8 to 51.9 mm across and 13.8 mm thick. TechRadar gives 51.9 x 51.9 x 13.8 mm. Stored as two disc diameters and the thickness. The flat HDMI cable is not included.

Width21Height11.5Depth94mm(0.8 × 0.5 × 3.7 in)2Maker spec sheet (PDF)pdf.lowes.com/productdocuments/8226d286-f1b5-4ffa-90e5-367dd4963db4/71706407.pdfRead 8 October 2026Original precise labeled out-of-box player dimensions: Width 21, Height 11.5, Depth 94 mm. Current maker gives rounded 3.7 x 0.80 x 0.45 in tuple. No unexplained hardware-revision cause asserted. Device only. Fixed HDMI-plug inclusion is not separately qualified by maker. Remote, cable, retail box and carton excluded.

WeightiDevice only, without remote, cable or power adapter. Included fixed cable or plug conditions belong in source notes.

40g(1.4 oz)2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Korea device information Weight: 40g.

26g(0.9 oz)1Maker product pageroku.com/products/players/roku-streaming-stickRead 8 October 2026Current exact 3840R device-only maker weight 26.0 g. Original April 23 retail sheet claims 23 g for the same device. Current same-scope maker claim retained, with discrepancy explicit and no fabricated revision/accessory explanation. Not a review measurement.

Remote dimensionsiSupplied remote body. Height is its length along the buttons, width is across the buttons and depth is front-to-back.

Not available

Width42Height140Depth20mm(1.7 × 5.5 × 0.8 in)2Maker spec sheet (PDF)pdf.lowes.com/productdocuments/8226d286-f1b5-4ffa-90e5-367dd4963db4/71706407.pdfRead 8 October 2026Exact original supplied remote Width 42 mm, Length 140 mm, Height 20 mm. Mapped to field convention: height is length along buttons, depth is thickness. Separate replacement remote catalog not used.

Remote weightiSupplied remote weight. State whether replaceable batteries are included.

Not available

52g(1.8 oz)2Maker spec sheet (PDF)pdf.lowes.com/productdocuments/8226d286-f1b5-4ffa-90e5-367dd4963db4/71706407.pdfRead 8 October 2026Original exact supplied remote out-of-box weight 52 g. Whether the two AAA cells are included in that mass is unstated. No battery subtraction or newer replacement-remote 78 g transfer.

Certifications

1 of 1 differ

FCC ID

A4RNC2-6A5B9Regulatory filingfccid.io/A4RNC2-6A5B/User-Manual/NC2-6A5B-Manual-US-3943740Read 21 October 2026Google's Chromecast regulatory manual on the FCC filing lists Model NC2-6A5 and FCC ID A4RNC2-6A5B and says the FCC ID is printed on the back of the Chromecast. The 2015 device used A4RNC2-6A5 without the B. The UL test report 15U20917-E2V4 under A4RNC2-6A5B (July 2018) describes the 5 GHz antenna gain change from 2.1 to 4 dBi that Google announced for this model.

Not available

Other certifications

FCC Part 15 Class B, KC MSIP-CRM-A4H-NC2-6A52Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Korea device information lists KC certification MSIP-CRM-A4H-NC2-6A5 for model NC2-6A5. Stored as printed with a KC prefix. FCC Part 15 Class B comes from the FCC manual source.9Regulatory filingfccid.io/A4RNC2-6A5B/User-Manual/NC2-6A5B-Manual-US-3943740Read 21 October 2026The manual states the device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and with the limits for a Class B digital device.

Not available

In the box

1 of 2 differ

In the box

Chromecast, Micro-USB power cable, Power adapter7Reviewtomsguide.com/us/google-chromecast-3rd-generation,review-5843.htmlRead 13 October 2026Review: the Chromecast comes with both a micro-USB cable and a power adapter.

Roku Streaming Stick (3840R), Roku Voice Remote with TV power, volume and mute controls, Two pre-installed AAA batteries, USB-C to USB-A power cable1Maker product pageroku.com/products/players/roku-streaming-stickRead 8 October 2026Exact current US package, corroborated by original sheet and visually read QSG. No wall power adapter, HDMI extender, separate HDMI cable or upgraded Voice Remote Pro. Free requested HDMI extender is separate from the box.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)pdf.lowes.com/productdocuments/8226d286-f1b5-4ffa-90e5-367dd4963db4/71706407.pdfRead 8 October 2026

HDMI cable includediA separate HDMI cable supplied in the box. A fixed HDMI plug or captive lead does not count. A short HDMI extender supplied with a stick counts, and the source note says it is an extender.

No7Reviewtomsguide.com/us/google-chromecast-3rd-generation,review-5843.htmlRead 13 October 2026Review: a built-in HDMI cable on one side. No separate HDMI cable is supplied.

No4Owner's manualimage.roku.com/c3VwcG9ydC1B/Roku-Streaming-Stick---2025.pdfRead 8 October 2026Fixed device HDMI plug only. QSG says free extender may be requested if needed, and optional wall adapter is not included. Neither is a supplied standalone HDMI cable.

Links

Not compared

Product page

Not available

www.roku.com/products/players/roku-streaming-stick1Maker product pageroku.com/products/players/roku-streaming-stickRead 8 October 2026

Spec sheet

Not available

pdf.lowes.com/productdocuments/8226d286-f1b5-4ffa-90e5-367dd4963db4/71706407.pdf2Maker spec sheet (PDF)pdf.lowes.com/productdocuments/8226d286-f1b5-4ffa-90e5-367dd4963db4/71706407.pdfRead 8 October 2026Original complete four-page maker 3840R retail setup specification sheet publicly hosted by Lowe's. Retail/master-carton packaging and battery dimensions are not device dimensions.

Manual

Not available

image.roku.com/c3VwcG9ydC1B/Roku-Streaming-Stick---2025.pdf4Owner's manualimage.roku.com/c3VwcG9ydC1B/Roku-Streaming-Stick---2025.pdfRead 8 October 2026Original current maker-linked 2025 HD Quick Start Guide, three image-only pages visually read. Support link labels 3840X/3840S2 family. The Plus and 4K guides are different documents.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

Not available

Not available

Warranty

0 of 1 differ

Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

1year2Maker product pagesupport.google.com/store/answer/6160585Read 13 October 2026Korea device information: covered by a 1-year Google Hardware Limited Warranty. Market is Korea. Other markets were not checked.

1year5Maker product pagedocs.roku.com/published/deviceplayerwarranty/en/usRead 8 October 2026Official current US Roku Limited Warranty to Original Purchaser, read in normal Chrome after official support/playerwarranty redirect. One year for new durable player hardware purchased and delivered to an end user in US through Roku or authorized sellers. UK two-year terms not transferred.

Both are also in the API. Back to all streaming devices.