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Google discontinued Chromecast Audio in 2019, but used units are still available for about $15 and can stream audio to a stereo through Wi-Fi. Its Cast support and analog and optical outputs remain useful, though buyers face aging hardware, limited support and possible connectivity problems.
A used Google Chromecast Audio can still add Wi-Fi music streaming to an existing stereo for about $15, years after Google discontinued the device in 2019. In a report published October 28, XDA Developers describes the puck as a lower-cost alternative to network streamers, while noting its aging hardware and lack of ongoing Google support.
The Chromecast Audio connects to an amplifier or speaker using a single 3.5mm output, which also supports mini-TOSLINK optical audio. Its built-in AKM AK4430 DAC supports audio up to 24-bit/96kHz, according to the source. A 3.5mm cable can connect to an AUX input, or a 3.5mm-to-RCA cable can connect to a stereo’s RCA inputs. With an optical cable, the connected amplifier handles digital-to-analog conversion instead.
Once the device is set up through the Google Home app and connected to Wi-Fi, users can cast from apps that support Google Cast. XDA’s writer says they use YouTube Music and Spotify, and that services such as Tidal, Plex and Jellyfin can also send audio to the device when their apps provide Cast support. Casting lets the Chromecast Audio retrieve a stream directly rather than relying on the phone to stay within Bluetooth range.
The report describes workarounds for services and libraries that do not fit that setup directly. Its writer uses AirCast in Home Assistant, running on a mini PC, to make Chromecast devices available as AirPlay targets. For locally stored music, the writer runs Navidrome on the mini PC and uses the Navibeat app, listed at $5.99 as a one-time purchase, to cast music from that server. These are the writer’s personal setup choices, not features built into Chromecast Audio.
Google Killed the Chromecast Audio.
A Used One Still Works.
For about $15, the discontinued puck can bring Wi-Fi music streaming to a stereo you already own. Its useful connections and Cast support come with aging hardware, uncertain longevity and no ongoing support program.
“A small price for a simple way to stream to a good stereo.”
A practical bargain, if the unit and your Wi-Fi cooperate.01 / Why it still appeals
A cheaper route to stereo streaming
Keep the amplifier and speakers you like. Add a network endpoint for a fraction of the cost of many newer streamers.
Low entry price
The report cites used units around $15, compared with newer network streamers starting around $100. Prices and availability vary by seller and location.
Fits common stereo inputs
Use a 3.5 mm cable for AUX, a 3.5 mm-to-RCA cable for RCA inputs, or mini-TOSLINK optical so the amplifier handles digital-to-analog conversion.
Cast over Wi-Fi
Choose the device in a compatible app. The Chromecast Audio retrieves the stream over Wi-Fi, so playback does not depend on keeping your phone in Bluetooth range.
Spotify, YouTube Music, or another app with Cast support → Chromecast Audio
Wi-Fi stream to your stereo’s analog or optical input
02 / The trade-off
What the low price asks you to accept
This is discontinued equipment that still depends on a working network, compatible apps and connected services.
| Consideration | Chromecast Audio used | Newer streamer |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | About $15 reported | Often $100 or more |
| Product status | Discontinued in 2019 | Current models available |
| Connections | 3.5 mm analog / optical | Varies by model |
| Ongoing support | Limited; future uncertain | Depends on manufacturer |
| Network dependency | Wi-Fi only; no Ethernet | Varies; some offer Ethernet |
Price comparison is approximate and based on the report. A used listing may lack a power adapter or audio cable; check condition, included items and return terms.
03 / Reliability reality
Useful today does not mean supported forever
A March 2025 certificate outage affected Chromecast Audio and second-generation Chromecast devices. Google issued a firmware update for the Audio, according to the report.
Wi-Fi is the only route
There is no Ethernet port. Weak coverage can cause dropouts, and your experience depends on the wireless network where the stereo sits.
Future compatibility is unclear
Google no longer routinely maintains the hardware. Later changes to Cast or connected services could affect it, and future issues may not receive a fix.
Listings can vary
Check that the unit works and whether its power adapter and audio cable are included. Prefer a seller with a return option.
Cast lives in the app
Spotify, YouTube Music, Tidal, Plex and Jellyfin may work when their apps provide Cast controls. Check your own apps before buying.
04 / Practical decision
Check your setup before you buy
A few checks can help determine whether this older streamer fits your stereo and how you listen.
Inspect the listing
Confirm condition, included adapter and cable, and the seller’s return policy.
Match the input
Check for AUX, RCA or optical on your amplifier and choose the right cable.
Check app support
Make sure your preferred music app shows a Google Cast option.
Test your Wi-Fi
Confirm reliable coverage where the stereo is, then set up in Google Home.
05 / Extra routes
Workarounds belong to the owner’s setup
The report describes ways to bridge other services and local libraries. These are personal choices, not built-in Chromecast Audio features.
AirCast with Home Assistant
The writer runs Home Assistant on a mini PC and uses AirCast to make Chromecast devices available as AirPlay targets.
Navidrome and Navibeat
The writer hosts music with Navidrome on a mini PC and uses Navibeat to cast from the server. The app is listed at $5.99 as a one-time purchase.
06 / Quick answers
Before you decide
Is it still sold by Google?
No. Google discontinued Chromecast Audio in 2019. Used units may be available around $15, but prices and supply vary.
Can it stream without Bluetooth?
Yes. Compatible apps send audio over Google Cast and Wi-Fi, rather than relying on the phone staying within Bluetooth range.
How does it connect to a stereo?
Its combined 3.5 mm output supports analog and mini-TOSLINK optical. Use the cable that matches your amplifier’s input.
Who is it best for?
Someone who wants basic streaming on existing equipment, accepts used hardware and can live with uncertain future support.
A Cheaper Route to Stereo Streaming
The device’s appeal is practical: it can add network streaming to a stereo that already sounds good without requiring a buyer to replace the amplifier or purchase a new streamer. The source compares the used Chromecast Audio, at about $15, with newer network streamers that start around $100, citing the WiiM Mini as an example. Actual prices vary, and the used-unit figure is an approximate price reported by the writer.
That low price comes with a trade-off. Buyers are considering discontinued hardware with no continuing update program, not a supported new product. A cheap unit may suit someone willing to use older equipment and accept possible setup or reliability issues. It is less suited to buyers who want current features, a formal support path or a guaranteed service life.
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From Discontinuation to Continued Use
Google discontinued Chromecast Audio in 2019. The device is a small puck powered through micro USB, with Wi-Fi connectivity and no Ethernet port. Its appeal in this report rests on a specific combination: a low used price, the ability to connect through analog or optical audio, and compatibility with apps that continue to offer Cast controls.
The source also points to a March 2025 certificate outage that affected Chromecast Audio and second-generation Chromecast devices, producing an “untrusted device” error. Google issued a firmware update for Chromecast Audio that moved it to a new certificate authority, the report says. The incident shows that discontinued devices can still depend on online systems and software changes to remain usable.
“Google discontinued the Chromecast Audio in 2019, but you can still buy a used one for about $15.”
— XDA Developers report
Support and Long-Term Reliability
The source does not establish how many Chromecast Audio units remain available at roughly $15, or whether that price is typical across sellers and locations. Used listings may differ in condition and may not include the power adapter or cable. Buyers should check what is included and whether returns are accepted.
Google no longer maintains the hardware or routinely issues updates, according to the report. It is not clear whether future changes to Google Cast or connected services will affect the device, or whether any later security issue will receive a fix. The unit also has no Ethernet port, so performance depends on Wi-Fi quality; weak coverage may cause dropouts. The 2025 certificate issue was addressed with an update, but that does not guarantee support for future problems.
Check the Setup Before Buying
There is no new product announcement or scheduled update described in the report. For buyers considering a used unit, the practical next step is to confirm that the listing includes the needed power adapter and cable, choose a seller with a return option, and set it up with the latest Google Home app. They should also check that their preferred music apps show a Cast button and that the stereo has a compatible analog or optical input.
Whether the device remains a useful bargain will depend on the condition of each used unit, the home Wi-Fi connection and continued app support. Readers seeking a more current streamer may prefer a newer model; those who only need a basic way to send music to existing equipment may find the lower-priced, unsupported Chromecast Audio meets that narrower need.
Key Questions
Is Chromecast Audio still sold by Google?
No. Google discontinued Chromecast Audio in 2019. The source says used units can still be found for about $15, but availability and prices vary.
How does Chromecast Audio connect to a stereo?
Its combined 3.5mm analog and mini-TOSLINK output can connect to an AUX or RCA input with the appropriate cable, or to an optical input with a mini-TOSLINK-to-TOSLINK cable.
Can it stream music from a phone without Bluetooth?
Yes, through apps that support Google Cast. In the setup described by XDA, the device retrieves the stream over Wi-Fi after the user selects it in a compatible app, rather than depending on the phone to remain in Bluetooth range.
What are the main risks of buying one used?
The device is discontinued and lacks ongoing support, has no Ethernet port, and may be affected by weak Wi-Fi or future service changes. Check the unit’s condition, included cables and adapter, seller return terms, and compatibility with the apps you use.
Source: XDA Developers
