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If Casting Is Dead, Where Do You Put Your Tech Budget? A Smart Buyer’s Guide

mmoneys

2026-01-24

11 min read

Netflix’s 2026 casting change exposed a bigger risk: streaming hardware dies faster. Learn where to spend smart, cheapest reliable devices, and how to avoid wasted tech spend.

If casting feels dead and your tech budget is shrinking — here’s where to spend smart

Hook: You opened a new streaming app on your phone, tapped the cast icon, and nothing — Netflix quietly yanked wide casting support in early 2026. If you’ve ever wasted money on a streaming puck that died in two years or bought a smart TV that never got promised updates, this guide is for you. I’ll show where to put the next dollar of your tech budget so you keep watching without overspending on devices that become paperweights.

The problem right now (short version)

Late 2025 and early 2026 brought two useful reminders: streaming platforms change rules fast, and hardware lifecycles are shorter than many consumers expect. Netflix’s January 2026 move to remove broad mobile-to-TV casting support exposed how dependent many households had become on one kind of interaction. That change — plus faster adoption of new codecs (AV1), DRM upgrades and shifting app policies — means the wrong device today can stop working for your favorite apps in months, not years.

How to think about your tech budget in 2026

Before buying, reframe how you budget for streaming tech. Treat hardware like recurring software: plan upgrades as a yearly or biennial line item, not a one-off event. Use this prioritized strategy:

Protect your viewing experience (apps run reliably, picture/sound meet your needs)
Maximize resale or reuse value (modular, widely supported devices)
Minimize sunk cost risk (avoid proprietary-only systems)

Rule of thumb budget percentages

If you set an annual media/tech budget, try these proportions:

50%: streaming subscriptions (including ad tiers)
30%: core devices (one stick or box every 2–3 years)
20%: accessories, cables, repairs, or upgrades (soundbar, remote, HDMI cable)

What to buy in 2026: cheapest devices that still work

Not all inexpensive devices are equal. The cheapest route is often a streaming stick with an active software ecosystem and a physical remote. Why? The recent casting change underlines that a remote-and-app model is more future-resilient than single-purpose casting adapters.

Budget-friendly device types (ranked)

Affordable streaming sticks with remotes — These offer app stores, regular updates, voice controls, and are tiny. They’re the best cost-to-longevity tradeoff. (If cost is a concern, consider refurbished options — many take the same software updates as new units: refurbished options can be great value.)
Entry-level set-top boxes — Slightly pricier, better for heavy users who want more storage or local apps.
Refurbished premium devices — Apple TV, higher-end Roku/Fire refurbished units are often supported longer and can be cost-effective.
DIY options (Raspberry Pi, small PCs) — Great for technically skilled buyers who want total control and upgrades; more time investment required. If you plan a DIY route, some developer-focused home-office guides can help with connectivity and dongles: localdev toolkits and home-office stacks are useful reading.
Smart TV only (not recommended) — Avoid relying solely on the TV’s built-in OS unless the manufacturer commits to multi-year updates.

Key features that make cheap devices future-proof

Active app stores: Devices that can install and update apps independently are safer.
Remote control and on-device UI: Second-screen controls (casting) can be deprecated — remotes remain.
Codec & DRM support: Look for AV1 or HEVC support and Widevine L1 or PlayReady where needed for HD/4K playback.
Regular OS updates: A 2–3 year update commitment is a good baseline.
Sideloading ability: If an app disappears, sideloading or alternative app stores help keep a device useful.

Chromecast alternatives — what to buy instead

With Netflix scaling back casting, many households that relied on legacy Chromecast adapters (no remote) need alternatives. Here’s how to replace or augment casting without blowing the budget.

Budget replacements

Streaming sticks with remotes — They mirror the phone-to-TV convenience but use an on-device app model. Look for devices that support your key apps natively.
TV app + phone control — Many platforms (Roku, Amazon Fire, Samsung TV) offer phone apps that act as remotes and keyboards — close to second-screen control without casting.
Wired phone-to-TV (short-term hack) — USB-C to HDMI adapters are cheap and reliable for temporary needs; they bypass app compatibility issues entirely.
AirPlay or Miracast-capable devices — If your ecosystem is Apple-heavy, AirPlay remains a strong option. Miracast has less app support but works for screen mirroring.

Practical buying tip

If your household used a Chromecast puck without a remote, prioritize a stick with an app store and remote — they cost a little more, but you replace risk with long-term value. Avoid single-purpose adapters unless you have a specific legacy device that you know will continue to work.

Smart TV buying in 2026: what to check before checkout

Buying a new TV is the biggest single streaming hardware expense. You don’t want to pay for software you’ll lose after 12–18 months.

Checklist before buying

OS update policy: Ask the retailer or brand how long the TV will receive OS/app updates.
App ecosystem: Confirm that the TV supports the apps you use today and has an app store for future installs.
External device friendly: Ensure the TV has enough HDMI ports and power for a streaming stick.
Codec/DRM support: AV1, HEVC and Widevine/PlayReady support matters for future-proofing.
Modular design: Prefer TVs that clearly document how an external stick integrates — this makes upgrades painless.
Warranty & repair policy: Longer warranties or easy repair options reduce risk of early replacement spend.

Buying strategy

Buy the screen for display quality and longevity, not for the smart platform. Plan to attach a well-supported streaming stick that you can replace separately when needed. This splits the replacement cycles: the TV can last 7–10 years while the stick is replaced every 2–4 years.

How to avoid wasted spend on soon-to-be-unsupported hardware

Here’s a practical checklist you can run through before any purchase or upgrade. If you follow it, you’ll avoid most wasted spend.

Pre-purchase checklist

Search for update history: Look for evidence the brand pushes updates. Forums and Reddit often document this.
Confirm app availability: Search the device’s app store for your core apps today — and for alternatives (Plex, Kodi, YouTube clients).
Check codec/DRM support: If you pay for 4K/HD streams, make sure the device supports the required DRM level and codecs.
Look for community support: Devices with active third-party development (sideloads, Linux builds, forums) can be revived if manufacturers drop support.
Avoid closed ecosystems: Devices that lock you into a single vendor’s ecosystem often depreciate faster.

If you already own potentially deprecated gear

Audit apps: Which apps are essential? Which ones can be moved to a phone or PC?
Repurpose hardware: Old streaming sticks make good travel companions or a dedicated kid’s device.
Sell or trade-in: Many platforms still pay for used sticks or TVs — recoup some cost rather than letting them collect dust.

Cost-saving tactics and advanced strategies

Stretch your tech budget further with smart habits and a few advanced tricks.

1. Buy with upgrade paths in mind

Choose items that are simple to swap out. A plain 4K TV + a $30–$60 streaming stick is cheaper long-term than an expensive proprietary smart TV whose OS you can’t update.

2. Use refurbished and certified pre-owned

Refurbished premium sticks and boxes often have the same software support as new units and can be deeply discounted.

Coordinate replacements across your household so you don’t replace everything in the same year. Staggering smooths out budget impacts.

4. Lean on multi-purpose devices

Devices that double as music streamers, AirPlay receivers, or Plex clients give more value per dollar.

5. Embrace low-cost wired fallbacks

Kept for emergencies: a laptop with HDMI or a USB-C-to-HDMI dongle solves app breakages instantly and costs less than some single-use adapters.

6. Track subscription value

Don’t buy hardware to chase every new app. If a streaming service doesn’t get enough use, cut the subscription and save for a real upgrade later.

Second-screen and remote control: the practical replacements for casting

Even if casting as a protocol is being deprecated by some apps, the concept of controlling playback from your phone is alive. Here are the practical options:

Platform remote apps: Roku, Fire TV and others let your phone act as a remote — including text input and private listening.
Web-based control panels: Some streaming apps offer web remote pages that control playback on the TV app instead of casting the content.
Voice assistants: Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri shortcuts can trigger playback and control devices without relying on casting.
Wired screen mirror: Use USB-C video out for perfect reliability when apps break or networks are flaky.

Two real-world scenarios (experience-based)

Scenario A: The frugal family

Household: two adults, two kids, one living room TV. Pain: frequent app breakages or missing apps on an old smart TV.

Action plan:

Buy a low-cost streaming stick with a physical remote and phone remote app.
Repurpose existing TV as a dumb display.
Set a two-year replacement plan for the stick; save $15/month to fund it.

Outcome: Better app compatibility, fewer subscription fights, and cheaper incremental upgrades.

Scenario B: The power watcher and audiophile

Household: big TV, soundbar, frequent 4K HDR watching and occasional local media playback.

Action plan:

Buy a mid-range box that supports AV1, Widevine L1 and has local Plex/Kodi support.
Keep an older smart TV for display but route audio through the soundbar with eARC-compatible HDMI.
Buy refurbished premium device to reduce cost but keep long-term software support.

Outcome: Future-proof quality, reduced risk of app deprecation, cost savings vs buying a new high-end TV.

Final checklist before you spend

Does the device have a remote and app store?
Is there evidence of regular OS/app updates?
Can the device decode modern codecs (AV1/HEVC) and satisfy DRM requirements?
Can you sideload apps or repurpose the device if the manufacturer stops support?
Do you have a wired fallback (laptop or USB-C adapter) for emergencies?

Practical takeaway: Buy for modularity. A cheap, well-supported streaming stick plugged into a long-lasting TV gives you the most flexible, lowest-risk setup in 2026.

Where to spend first — and where to save

Spend on:

A supported streaming stick with a remote and clear update history.
High-quality HDMI cables (cheap ones can cause intermittent problems).
Refurbished premium devices if you need DRM/codec guarantees.

Save on:

Brand-new smart TVs for their built-in platforms (unless update policy is clear).
Single-use casting dongles without a remote or app store.
Overpriced “smart” features you can get cheaper via a stick.

Looking ahead: trends to watch in 2026 and beyond

Expect these developments to shape where you spend tech dollars this year and next:

Wider AV1 adoption: Lower bandwidth, better quality — devices that lack AV1 are likely to be limited for high-efficiency streaming.
More DRM and app consolidation: Platforms will tighten access for premium 4K content; pay attention to DRM levels.
Platform interoperability: Some manufacturers will emphasize open ecosystems; those devices will retain value longer.
Streaming consolidation and bundling: With shifting service mixes, keep devices that support multiple app ecosystems.

Actionable next steps (do this today)

Audit: List all your TVs and streaming devices. Note OS, year, and apps you rely on.
Check Netflix and other must-have apps on each device right now — can you play and control from the device itself?
Buy one modular streaming stick with a remote and phone app to standardize the living room experience.
Save monthly for a 2–3 year replacement fund so you never face an unexpected full-cost upgrade.

Conclusion and call to action

Casting’s decline is a wake-up call, not the end of convenience. In 2026, the smartest buyer stops gambling on proprietary shortcuts and spends where it reduces replacement risk: on modular devices with active ecosystems and good update histories. Small, strategic purchases — a reliable streaming stick, a decent HDMI cable, a wired fallback — will save you from throwing money at expensive TVs or adapters that stop working overnight.

Ready to save and stay streaming? Start with an audit: list your devices, prioritize the room where you watch most, and pick one widely supported streaming stick as a replacement. Want a tailored recommendation for your budget and viewing habits? Click through to our device comparison tool (or sign up for our weekly budget and buying newsletter) to get personalized, timely guidance so you never pay for obsolescence again.

moneys

Contributor

Senior editor and content strategist. Writing about technology, design, and the future of digital media. Follow along for deep dives into the industry's moving parts.