Best Android Apps to Use With Your Chromecast in 2022

Chromecast Ultra With Pixel
Chromecast Ultra With Pixel (Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Your Chromecast, small as it is, can do a lot thanks to a plethora of available apps. Play games with your friends in the living room, compete in dance competitions against people around the world, stream your latest vacation pictures to your big-screen, and keep up with the latest and greatest TV and music. There are a ton of apps to use with Chromecast in the Play Store; here are the best for whatever you're looking to do.

Just getting started

Galaxy S20 Review Google Home Regal Eagle Brickwall

Source: Ara Wagoner / Android Central (Image credit: Source: Ara Wagoner / Android Central)

Regardless of what device or service you sign up for, there's a jumping-off point. Whether it's to get your Chromecast set up, or just a super-basic app that everyone should have, you'll need to get started. These are a few apps that we suggest, and one that you definitely need.

Streaming Services

HBO Max on TV

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)

Streaming services are taking over the world, one day at a time, and more services are coming out of the woodworks on a regular basis, with newcomers attempting to challenge Netflix's reign of dominance. Here's a few different options you should consider using with your Chromecast.

Next level content consumption

Plex Hero

Source: Andrew Myrick / Android Central (Image credit: Source: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

It's one thing to have a streaming service curate content, but what are you supposed to do if you already have a library of your own? Well, these apps will help you manage and enjoy that content on your television with a Chromecast.

Watch, listen, do whatever

YouTube Music on a Pixel 3 XL

Source: Andrew Martonik / Android Central (Image credit: Source: Andrew Martonik / Android Central)

This next group of apps is for those who just want to listen to music, podcasts, or just want to sit back and get lost. You can download a lot of apps, from Spotify to YouTube, and everywhere in between to satisfy many of your Chromecast streaming needs.

Many apps work, not all of them are great

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Google Chromecast retail box

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)

More and more applications have seen updates to support the ability to work with Chromecasts. Some of these are simply controllers for the content, while others seem to be like a dedicated Chromecast app.

However, while going through and testing out new apps to use, you may come across some duds. Whether it's because they haven't been updated, or they won't work with these new smartphones, you'll need to sift through the weeds to find the "best" apps for your wants and needs.

Cale Hunt
Cale Hunt is a staff writer at Mobile Nations. He focuses mainly on PC, laptop, and accessory coverage, as well as the emerging world of VR. He is an avid PC gamer and multi-platform user, and spends most of his time either tinkering with or writing about tech.