- A great Google Chromecast speaker not only allows for easy connectivity from Google and Android devices but also sounds great and may have Google Assistant, too.
- The Google Home Max is our top pick because it has the best sound, seamlessly connects to your Chromecast, and it has the Google Assistant for voice control.
Multi-room audio is no longer just a dream. If you’re an Apple user, it’s easy to achieve multi-room audio with AirPlay 2. If you use Amazon’s Alexa, then you can do so with speakers that work with Alexa. And, if you use Android phones and own a Google-focused home, then buying speakers with Chromecast built-in is the way to go.
When buying a speaker with Chromecast built-in (also called Google Cast), there are a number of things to keep in mind. For starters, you’ll want to think about everything you would normally consider when buying a speaker – like the size of the speaker, the price of it, and so on.
Apart from that, however, you’ll also want to think about whether you want it to just be Chromecast-enabled or also to offer voice control with the Google Assistant. Some speakers go a step further with other smart features, like AirPlay support for Apple products. You’ll also want to consider whether you want a speaker with a battery that makes it portable or one that simply plugs into the wall and remains stationary.
Thankfully, there are quite a few speakers with Chromecast built-in out there. As such, finding the right ones for your needs can be tricky, so we’ve rounded up the best Chromecast speakers you can buy.
Here are the best Chromecast speakers you can buy:
- Best Chromecast speaker overall: Google Home Max
- Best portable Chromecast speaker: JBL Link Portable
- Best Chromecast soundbar: LG SK8Y
- Best affordable Chromecast speaker: Toshiba TY-GC1000
- Best Chromecast smart speaker on a budget: Google Home
Prices and links are current as of 7/29/2020. We replaced the JBL Link 20 with the JBL Link Portable and explained why. Added links to related speaker buying guides, as well as links to reviews for the Google Home Max and Google Home. Updated by Steven Cohen.
The best Chromecast speaker overall
The Google Home Max may be on the large side, but the result is a huge sound and nice features like voice control with the Google Assistant.
If you want a speaker that sounds great and works with Google Chromecast, then the Google Home Max is the best way to go. The speaker is smart, sounds great, and works perfectly with other Chromecast devices.
The speaker isn't a small one - it's the largest in the Google Home range of speakers. It features a rectangular build with a fabric covering on the front of it and four lights underneath that fabric that indicate the status of Google Assistant. That's right, the speaker has Google Assistant built right into it, so you can use your voice to control it instead of having to rely on your phone or computer.
Of course, the best thing about this speaker is that it gets loud, and when it does, it still retains good sound quality. Generally speaking, the speaker boasts nice round bass response that doesn't go over the top, a well-tuned midrange, and clear and detailed highs.
Reviewers love the Google Home Max, too. TechRadar gave the speaker 4.5/5 stars, while The Verge gave it a slightly more conservative, yet still excellent, 7.5/10. So what are the downsides? Well, the main one is that the speaker is a little pricey, but it's also a little big and heavy for some.
Pros: Excellent sound, Google Assistant built-in, cool design, easy to use
Cons: A bit expensive and heavy
The best portable Chromecast speaker
The JBL Link Portable sounds good, has Google Assistant built right into, features a waterproof design, and offers up to eight hours of battery life.
JBL has been building great wireless speakers for some time now, and the Link series is an excellent option for those who want Google-powered speakers for their home. The Link 20 was our previous pick for this category, but that model is no longer available. The newer JBL Link Portable, however, offers similar performance and carries many of the same features.
Though not quite as long-lasting as the Link 20, the Link Portable includes an integrated battery and an IPX7 waterproof design, which in turn means that you can use the speaker around the house and even outside without any hassle. The battery itself is 4,800mAh, which JBL says will give the speaker eight hours of continuous playback. A handy charging cradle is included where the speaker can rest while it juices up.
When it comes to connection options, the speaker features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, and Apple AirPlay 2 support. Of course, like all of the speakers included in this guide, the Link Portable features Chromecast built-in. As an added bonus, it even has integrated support for the Google Assistant, so you can control the speaker with your voice and use it to control different aspects of your smart home.
The sound quality of the JBL Link Portable is pretty good, too. The speaker uses a full-range transducer with 360-degree playback. What Hi-Fi gave the speaker an impressive 5/5 in its review, citing the unit's spacious sound and solid bass. Meanwhile, PCMag gave the Link Portable a 4/5 and was impressed by the speaker's performance for the device's price and size.
Pros: Affordable, portable, Google Assistant support, decent sound quality
Cons: Sound quality can't match more expensive options
The best Chromecast soundbar
The LG SK8Y isn't just a speaker that sits on your shelf - it's a full soundbar that supports Chromecast and can be used with your TV, too.
Chromecast-enabled speakers don't have to be speakers that you throw on a shelf or table - they can also be speakers that you use for other things like for your TV. There are a few Chromecast-enabled soundbars out there, but the best of them has to be the LG SK8Y.
The SK8Y has a ton of cool features built right into it. For starters, it supports Dolby Atmos, plus it supports wireless surround sound, though you'll need to get the optional LG SPK8-S speakers to take advantage of that. On top of that, it comes with a subwoofer, which helps ensure you get all that low-end response. And, of course, the soundbar has Chromecast built into it.
When it comes to sound, the soundbar is quite good. As mentioned, it comes with a subwoofer, which means you'll get an extended bass response, however that subwoofer does seem to be a little subdued compared to some other soundbars. Things get better as the sound ranges up. The midrange is well tuned with nice warm low mids, while the high-end is clear and detailed.
The soundbar has gotten excellent reviews since it was released. Trusted Reviews and TechRadar both gave the soundbar 4/5, which isn't bad at all. The downsides noted in those reviews include that the soundbar only has one HDMI input and that it doesn't offer 4K passthrough, which means you'll be limited in the external equipment you can plug into the soundbar.
Pros: Good sound, comes with subwoofer, Dolby Atmos support
Cons: Limited connectivity
The best affordable Chromecast speaker
The Toshiba TY-GC1000 looks good and sounds decent, but the best thing about it is that it offers Chromecast support in an inexpensive box.
If you're looking to outfit your home with Chromecast-compatible speakers and don't want to spend a ton of cash, then the Toshiba TY-GC1000 is definitely one to consider. The speaker looks great, sounds decent for one in its price range, and has a ton of features.
First, the design. The speaker has a textured fabric cover, which we quite like despite the boxy design. On the top, you'll get playback and connectivity controls, while on the back, there is the aux input for using the speaker with a wired connection and a power adapter.
Because the speaker is so cheap, you can't expect it to sound as good as the more expensive offerings, but it still doesn't sound bad at all.
The speaker is built to be able to offer decently deep bass thanks to the bass port on the back to it, and while the high-end does leave a little to be desired, it's not bad at all.
Pros: Very inexpensive, good value-for-money
Cons: Sound isn't as great as some others
The best Chromecast smart speaker on a budget
The Google Home has stood the test of time, coming in at a decent price and boasting decent sound quality for its size.
The classic Google Home may have been out for a few years now, but it's still an excellent option for those who want a Chromecast-compatible speaker and don't want to spend too much.
The speaker has Google Assistant built right into it, plus it looks nice and modern, so it should fit right at home in any room.
The speaker sounds pretty good, too. While you won't get the same bass response that you'll find on the Google Home Max, the bass isn't bad, and the midrange is decently tuned. The high end is relatively clean, but again, this isn't a speaker that will replace a dedicated stereo system.
When it comes to reviews, the Google Home has gotten some pretty good ones. CNET gave it 4/5, while Mashable gave it a step further with a score of 4.2/5. The main downside to the speaker is that it doesn't sound as great as some of the other speakers on the list.
It should also be noted that while still available from several retailers, Google no longer sells the Google Home speaker from its own store. This means that an updated model is likely going to be released soon.
Pros: Relatively inexpensive, has Google Assistant built in
Cons: Sound quality could be better, an updated model is likely on the way
Check out our other speaker buying guides
The best speakers
Different speaker types are designed to suit different needs. Floorstanding and bookshelf speakers provide optimal movie and music performance. Bluetooth speakers are better for buyers who want a small speaker with wireless connectivity and portability. If you're looking for a digital assistant, then a smart speaker is the best fit. With all these options in mind, we've selected the best speakers you can buy.
The best smart speakers
Smart speakers feature built-in digital assistants with support for voice control, allowing you to ask questions, use compatible smart home products, and more. The two most popular digital assistants are Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. There are many different smart speaker models to choose from, and some are better suited for specific needs and budgets. Here are the best smart speakers you can buy.
The best soundbars
Soundbars can offer a great upgrade over the tiny integrated speakers used on most TVs, while still saving buyers some space and money compared to a full home theater speaker configuration. Some soundbar models includes subwoofers, and more expensive models even feature rear speakers for surround sound. Through research and testing, we've picked the best soundbars you can buy.