Chromecast Audio vs Airport Express (Top 10 differences)

​With the new release of the Chromecast Audio (CA) device, I thought I would discuss how it compares to the Airport Express.  They are both audio only devices, but there are differences that should be considered.

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TOP 10  DIFFERENCES

​1.  The CA costs $35 and has a mini port that supports analog and digital (via a mini to optical adapter or cable).  It is capable of using Wi-Fi AC (which is superior to Wi-Fi N that the Airport Express uses).

The newer Airport Express typically sells for $90 or less (the older version is uglier but can typically be found for around $40).  It supports digital and analog via a mini port as well.  However, it can also expand your wireless network, has an ethernet input and output, and a USB port for connecting a printer.  It supports Wireless N.  

2.  The Chromecast is small and plastic.  It can be hidden out of the way, which makes it nice for hooking up to small radios that have an aux input.  I tested it with a Tivoli Pal and it worked great.

The newest Airport Express is a small square (with rounded corners) white box that takes up more space. than the CA.  However, in my opinion,  it looks good enough to have on display.   

Note:  I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products in this post.

The photo below is the back of the newer Airport Express:

​3.  The Chromecast can (theoretically) play 24/96 audio.  (Note: I tried this with BubbleUPnP and everything played at 48khz via the digital output, so I don’t personally know how to get 24/96 to play.  Edit: I looked into this and from what I have seen, there should be a firmware update to fix this issue.)

The Airport Express is limited to 16/44.1.  However, it is bit perfect rather than resampling to 48khz, which is what happens right now with any audio I send to the CA.

​4.  The CA uses “Casting” and is supported by several different apps on both Android and iOS.

The Airport Express uses Airplay and has little support on Android, but is supported by virtually every app on iOS.  Since Airplay is built into the iOS operating system, it can be accessed even when an app doesn't have direct support.

  ​5.  Casting will get the audio signal directly from the audio service (Spotify/Radio/etc..).  This means you can take phone calls after you start casting from a mobile device (with most audio applications).  Essentially, the mobile devices typically works as a remote.

Airplay sends audio to the mobile device and then the mobile device sends audio to the Airport Express.  This means that you will lose the audio stream when you take a phone call.  It also means that if you have an outdated router, you could be more susceptible to drop outs.

​6.  Casting will eventually support multi-zone audio.

Airplay supports multi-zone audio now, but it has some limitations (see my article on this subject).

​7.  On Macs and PCs, you can currently cast to only one CA at a time from Chrome’s browser.

With an app called Airfoil, you can stream any audio signal from your computer to any or all Airplay devices.  Also, iTunes has multi-zone Airplay built into its normal interface.

​8.  With Casting, you always have to use wifi because there is not an ethernet port.

With the Airport Express you can exclusively be on ethernet.  You simply send the audio signal from the service to your connected computer and “Airplay" over a wired connection to an Airport Express that is also wired.

​9.  Video apps with Casting built in often don’t even see the CA, so it is mainly for audio services on mobile.  In other words, if you pull up Youtube on an iPhone, you can cast to "Chromecast Video”, but you can’t just Cast the audio stream to the CA .

With Airplay, you can split the signal and watch the video on the iPhone and hear the audio on the Airport Express.  

​10.  The Chromecast Audio can use USB power.  This is beneficial if you don’t want to take up another power outlet and can power it with a device that has a powered USB port. (Note:  I tried this with a Phillips SoundRing and it worked, but there was static.  Something in the CA or Phillips device probably isn’t shielded, so I won’t be using it that way.)

The Airport Express cannot be powered by USB.  Also, the audio tone that lets you know the CA is connected is unusually annoying.  If you are just hooking up the CA, make sure you turn that off in the settings.

CONCLUSIONS

The Chromecast Audio is a great device for the price.  It is almost a no-brainer to pick it up just to try out.   Right now, they have several promotional offers involved that can make the Chromecast Audio practically free (if you are willing to temporarily switch to Google Music or Rhapsody).  If you are on Android, Airplay is so limited, and Sonos is so expensive, that this becomes a very intriguing device.  However, if you are "all in" on iOS, Airplay works with unsupported (by Casting) apps like Apple Music, Podcast app, Overcast app, and pretty much every other, unsupported by Casting, app that has audio.  Airplay is just much more versatile on iOS at this point.  Therefore, I would go with Airplay if you are on iOS and Casting if you are on Android.  I personally won’t be using the Chromecast Audio very often unless it becomes compatible with Apple Music or Overcast, but I will keep it around, just in case.  ​It might come in handy when Apple Music is added to Android later this year.