If you already own a compatible speaker, smart display, or TV and have YouTube Music Premium, casting may be the cheapest option: YouTube Music says playback can continue after you close the web app or turn off your computer. That is not a promise of uninterrupted 24/7 service. If you mean a public YouTube livestream that loops uploaded music, that is a different setup from personal playlist playback.
Cheapest option for personal listening: cast to a device you already own
YouTube Music Help says Premium members can cast from the web app or music.youtube.com to a speaker, smart display, or TV device. Its guidance states: “When casting, your music will keep playing even if you exit Chrome, close the web app or turn off your computer.” See YouTube Music Help for the casting details.
- Confirm that YouTube Music Premium is active for your account; the cited casting instructions are for Premium members.
- Open YouTube Music in Chrome or at music.youtube.com and select the cast control.
- Choose a compatible speaker, smart display, or TV that appears as a cast target, then start the playlist.
- After playback begins, close Chrome, the web app, or turn off the computer if desired. YouTube Music documents that playback can continue in this situation.
The lowest additional cost may be zero if you already have both the required membership and a compatible device. Your actual total depends on your country, whether membership is already paid for, and what equipment you own; the cited help pages do not establish a universal cheapest price or guarantee continuous playback every hour of every day.
How the alternatives compare
| Option | What it requires | What the official information establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Cast to an existing compatible endpoint | A YouTube Music Premium membership and a speaker, smart display, or TV that can be selected as a cast target | YouTube Music says playback can continue after closing the web app or turning off the computer; it does not promise 24/7 uptime. YouTube Music Help |
| Play on a phone in the background | A phone kept available for playback and a qualifying YouTube Premium membership | YouTube Help lists background play in the YouTube and YouTube Music mobile apps as a YouTube Premium benefit. It does not establish a cheapest plan or playback-duration guarantee. YouTube Help |
| Buy a speaker for casting | A compatible speaker, plus the required membership and setup | YouTube documents casting to speaker devices, but the cited help does not establish model-by-model compatibility or show that buying hardware is cheaper. A YouTube blog post describes YouTube Music on Google Home speakers but is an older announcement, not current model-specific guidance. YouTube Music Help; YouTube blog |
Check compatibility and cost before buying anything
- First check whether the device you already own appears in YouTube Music’s cast-device list. The cited help identifies device categories, not every current model.
- Confirm the membership requirement and local price for your account and region. The official material cited here does not provide a current price comparison.
- If you need playback to continue with a phone or computer off, distinguish casting to an endpoint from background playback on the phone: the phone route still uses the phone as the playback device.
- Only consider buying a speaker if you lack a compatible endpoint. The available official material does not prove that a particular speaker model or purchase is the cheapest choice.
Personal playlist playback is not a public 24/7 YouTube livestream
Casting is intended to keep music playing on a listening device after the controlling computer is shut down. It does not establish that your channel is broadcasting a public live video stream. If your goal is a public channel livestream built from uploaded recordings or a playlist, use a livestreaming method designed for that job and make sure you have rights to the music and visuals. YouTube’s official casting guidance does not promise uninterrupted public-stream uptime.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you mean a public YouTube livestream looping uploaded videos, StreamNeo is a separate option: upload a recording or playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It runs in the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home; it streams uploaded files as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. This is for uploaded videos streamed to YouTube, not camera-based personal listening. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start the free first day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
