Very often, if you want the best technology on offer, you have to pay big bucks. One of the exceptions to that, however, is the humble Chromecast. 

For those of you who have never heard of it, this is Google's Chromecast. 

This device plugs into the HDMI port of a television, allowing the user to stream content from their phone onto the big screen. Aside from being a genius invention, it only costs €39. It's available both in store and online. 

I first bought a Chromecast back in 2014 and it brought my TV back into the home. Up until that point, I watched videos and shows on my laptop. There is very little setup required and it has utterly transformed how I consume content. 

This is the ideal solution for anyone looking to access Netflix on the big screen, without upgrading to a Smart TV. 

How does it work?

Once plugged into the HDMI port, connect it to your home Wifi network via the Chromecast app. The app is very helpful in aiding with this process, so don't worry if it sounds daunting. After a few simple steps, the Chromecast is ready to go.

Content streamed on your phone is then broadcast onto the TV, once the Chromcast symbol is selected. You will notice this symbol in the right-hand corner of services such as YouTube and Netflix. 

A full list of apps that are compatible with Chromecast is available here. 

There are other products on the market that offer a similar service to that of Chromecast. One such product is Apple TV, but that costs around four or fives times the amount of money. Prices start from €179.

If you're looking to get more value from your TV and subscription services, Chromecast may be your best bet.