Despite connected home audio tech being around for a while now, it still is a relatively new concept for a lot of households.
Full home audio enables you to enjoy music all around your living space as every speaker plays the same music in synchronization, or you can even choose to create separate zones as well.
Back in the day, a full home audio system was expensive. It was because of the need to install a long line of copper wires for synchronized playing.
It wasn’t until Wi-Fi became a mass-market tech that cheaper alternatives were ever released.
This is where Google Chromecast audio came in as the one-point solution connecting home audio streamed via Wi-Fi with home audio devices.
Chromecast Audio maintained its prominence for quite a long period however we have somewhat evolved into multifaceted devices that do much than just playing audio.
While the Chromecast Audio allowed users to transform any self-powered speaker into a Wi-Fi-connected speaker.
This was done only using an AUX cable and the Google Chromecast Audio device.
But that was released in September 2015. Today we have Wi-Fi-enabled audio devices from all major speakers and technology giants.
It is time to search for Chromecast audio alternatives.
Best Chromecast Audio Alternatives To Use in 2021
We all know that a simple audio speaker is way cheaper than Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
Purchasing a new Bluetooth speaker was expensive back in 2015. Until Google thought of launching the Chromecast, normal speakers were thought of as obsolete devices.
But with just adding $35 worth of instruments, the normal speakers were transformed into Wi-Fi-enabled speakers which a broader coverage area.
For those who own a wired sound system and similar speakers, Google Audio Chromecast was a great advantage. Chromecast is a nifty device that came with a 3.5 mm audio jack, and a power cord.
It can directly relay the audio that you would generally play on your smartphone straight to our music system or Bluetooth speakers wirelessly.
Here are the best alternatives to Chromecast audio in 2021 –
5. Ace Max Audiocast
Budget Chromecast Audio Alternative
Pros
- Smaller in size
- Easy to use
Cons
- Limitation in Bluetooth connectivity
With a slightly similar design to that of the original google Chromecast, Audiocast offers an outstanding connectivity option. The device comes with a 3.5 mm AUX cable to connect to your wired speaker, USB charging cable, Adapter, and the Audiocast device.
The installation process is similar to that of the Chromecast audio. Casting audio to your old speaker couldn’t have been simpler. Audiocast has been the best alternative to Chromecast audio devices.
You can use this device to stream music to a wider area. Moreover, Acemax M5 Audiocast allows even more control by the Acemax AudioCast application. Using this application, you can stream the same song to all speakers or modify the audio as per your wish.
Unlike Bluetooth-connected devices, the range on this product is much wider and extends to the connection range of your Wi-Fi signal. With frequent software updates, Audiocast always looks forward without worrying to fall behind.
Verdict: If you want a cheap Chromecast alternative for music, Audiocast is your best bet. It even offers more features and control options for a similarly priced device.
4. Amazon Echo
Best Chromecast Audio Alternative for Amazon Users
Pros
- Features a humanity color lining
- Offer superior sound quality than its predecessors
Cons
- Unlike other audio casting devices, Amazon Echo takes too much space
- Feeling buggy while using for calling
With Amazon launching a newer spherical design to replace the hockey pug design. This new design features a bigger height on a similar surface area. You get control buttons at the top. Also, now it features a faster chip for supporting faster response time.
Echo Dot 4th generation is known for its ultra-clear audio output. The design is limited to three colors. You can also find Amazon Echo with popular anime characters. You can stream Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and audible.
You can use the Amazon Echo dot to perform a lot of other tasks than just streaming audio files.
It can be used to control your entire Smart Home, and even control all the audio devices via voice commands. This device even offers absolute security to your system files.
Verdict: With superior features, security, and control, it is one of the best Chromecast audio alternatives that you can find. Perfectly suitable for Amazon Music users as it is well integrated with the system.
3. Google Nest Mini
Best Chromecast Audio Alternative from Google
Pros
- Ultra-fast response
- Affordable and portable design
Cons
- No significant advancement over Google home mini
- Doesn’t support casting from iPhones
The Google Nest mini is the perfect smart speaker for playing music and media, controlling your smart home devices, and answering general queries.
The size, features, and capabilities of nest mini make it a perfect successor to the Google Home Mini.
The design of this device allows for maximum audio output, making it the perfect smart speaker. Driven by the 360-degree 40mm driver, this speaker performs well for its miniature size.
With its additional features and voice control, Google Home Mini is a better Chromecast Audio replacement.
Google nest can instantaneously be used to activate google assistant by saying the keyword, Hey Google! You can play music from Spotify, YouTube Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Deezer, Google Podcast, and TuneIn.
You can cast your device audio to Google Nest Mini using your android phone. However, this device doesn’t support casting from iPhones, but you can use Bluetooth for that purpose.
Placing your hand near the nest mini will activate the touch controls by illuminating the volume LEDs.
Verdict: A great and simplified device that can be used for multipurpose. You can play music and ask google questions. On top of that, this device features a hard button for mute as well!
2. BOSE Home Speaker
Best Chromecast Audio Alternative for Audio Quality
Pros
- Premium design and build quality
- Works with different voice control devices
Cons
- Distortion during deep bass
- Delay in the actual play and pause timings
The Bose Home Speaker 300 is a smaller sibling to the larger dimension 500 series speakers. This speaker features a 360-degree sound system with full-fledged touch controls on the top of the speakers.
You get auxiliary inputs in the rear. The Bose Home Speaker 300 is the most premium alternative to Chromecast audio.
Given the premium quality of this product, you get a number of connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, and Apple Airplay 2.
On top of that, it is even compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.
To set-up this device, you will need to download the Bose Music application from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. After downloading, sign-in to the account, select the Bose Home Speaker 300 from the scan.
You will need to follow the on-screen instructions to connect to the Wi-Fi network and name your speaker.
You can directly set up all privacy settings and link different music services directly from the application. You can purchase one either in black or white color.
Verdict: This is for those unwilling to compromise on premium quality and features, a great addition for your smart home.
1. Sonos One SL
Best Overall Chromecast Alternative
Pros
- A wide number of music services to stream from
- Google Assistant and Apple Airplay 2 support
- Comes with a wall mounting attachment
- Outstanding media quality
Cons
- Doesn’t features Bluetooth connectivity
- No dedicated voice control feature
- Very high price
Sonos One SL is one of the budget smart speakers. With the premium features of a device offering smart speaker functionalities, Sonos is unbeatable in the audio developing domain.
You can control this speaker either by using the Sonos Application, Apple Airplay 2, etc.
The most outstanding feature of Sonos One SL is that its uncomplicated interface.
Unlike previous speakers from Sonos that often required a call with tech support, the One SL has been simplified for right out-of-the-box usage. Click here to download the Sonos S2 application, it supports iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, FireOS operating systems.
The simplified installation requires you to plug in the Sonos speaker and open the Sonos application. The app will guide you with the setup process which is completed within a minute.
The device also features touch control buttons on top, which include play, pause, and volume adjustments.
Despite the Sonos One SL not offering any dedicated microphone, you can connect this device with an amazon echo or google home device. You can even use Apple Airplay 2.
Verdict: The Sonos One SL is meant for people interested in listening to high-quality music without facing complications.
This speaker would be perfect for someone who already has digital assistant gadgets but is looking to increase their musical quality.
Final Words
Without a doubt, the best Google Chromecast alternatives available today outperform others the original Chromecast simply with better integrated technology. If you intend to play audio streaming on your smartphone or tablet on your home system, all you have to do is get any of these Chromecast alternatives and you’re good to go!
FAQs
Why was Chromecast audio discontinued?
According to Google, it has a lot of audio products in the market now and Chromecast audio has lost its prominence considering the wider product portfolio and the rapid tech evolution. They will however continue supporting the Chromecast Audio devices, but not the manufacturing part of it. You can always buy some used product or from stores that have some left.
Audiocast vs Chromecast audio: Which is the best?
Chromecast audio is the undisputed winner in terms of tech support, ease of use, and aesthetic design. Since it is discontinued, Audiocast is the only direct alternative although you are better off purchasing smart devices like the Google Nest or the Amazon Echo for a much larger variety of functions and ease of use.
Is Chromecast audio better than Bluetooth?
It is hard to make a judgment on the vs. battle of Wi-Fi connectivity over Bluetooth. Depends on the choice of individuals, each connectivity technology has its pro and cons. That said, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth have a similar range as they are based on the 2.4 GHz frequency band.
