Google Chromecast Audio (2015)

Really easy to set up ; Works with a large variety of speakers ; Chromecast app is simple to use ; Strong third-party app support

Sound delay when casting from website ; Multiroom support not available (yet) ; Has to stay plugged in

The Chromecast Audio does what it promises in a really simple way, but it's the future software updates that could make this a truly affordable way to create a multiroom speaker system.

Brings online streaming to offline devices ; Easy to use ; Lovely design

No multi-room audio yet

Google breathes new (online) life into your old hi-fi

Affordable, great performance, simplicity, cross-platform use, Spotify integration

Not much - it does what it says on the tin, same price as Chromecast (for TV)

We weren't sure that Chromecast Audio would offer enough to be worthwhile. But having setup this dinky device, we're using it every day. It's affordable enough to buy without really thinking about, simple to setup and use, and supports a range of...

Plastic design

Overall, we think the Chromecast Audio looks like a solid and handy device for streaming audio. It'll definitely be interesting to see if it becomes a cult success like its sibling. If you're interested in checking it out, you can now pick one up from...

Cheap ; Easy to use ; Works with almost anything ; Good sound quality

Some USB ports might not be powerful enough for it ; No Apple Music support ; No multiroom (yet)

It's small, smart, highly affordable and makes a huge variety of apps a lot more fun to use. Highly recommended.

I found the most difficult thing about using the Chromecast Audio system for delivering music was making the space with access to the two power sources required by the kit. Other than this, Chromecast Audio was easy to use and provides users with a way...

If all you care about is streaming audio to your hi-fi system, there are many products offering what the Chromecast 2 does, not least the excellent Gramofon, which I reviewed earlier this year. Few, however, achieve the feat with the elegance and...

Easy to set up ; Supports Aux, RCA and Optical inputs

Included 3.5mm aux cable is super short

Chromecast Audio can breathe new life into an old set of speakers.

Low cost ; Simple setup ; Works with most major streaming-music services ; Tiny and unobtrusive hardware design

Audio quality may not be up to par for discerninglisteners ; No Apple Music or Tidal support ; Limited functionality compared to Google's other Chromecast

Even if the market for Chromecast Audio is somewhat limited, it could be incredibly useful for the right person. Good speakers tend to last a long time, but the way we listen to music has evolved significantly in the last five years. If you still have...