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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallGoogle TV Streamer is worth considering if you want built-in Ethernet, more memory and storage, smart-home hub features, or its upgraded remote. If you already have Chromecast with Google TV (4K) and mainly want 4K playback, the Streamer does not raise the resolution ceiling: both support up to 4K. Google’s US comparison lists the Streamer at $99.99, twice the 4K Chromecast’s $49.99, so the upgrade is mainly about added features and capacity.
What’s different between Google TV Streamer and Chromecast with Google TV?
The Streamer is a box that sits near your TV; Chromecast with Google TV is a dongle that plugs into it. Google’s published comparison shows the Streamer adds built-in Ethernet, more RAM and storage, smart-home hub features, and remote extras. The 4K Streamer and 4K Chromecast share a maximum resolution of up to 4K.
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| Feature | Google TV Streamer (4K) | Chromecast with Google TV (4K) | Chromecast with Google TV (HD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google comparison price in the US | $99.99 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
| Form | Box | Dongle | Dongle |
| Maximum resolution | Up to 4K | Up to 4K | Up to 1080p |
| RAM / storage | 4 GB / 32 GB | 2 GB / 8 GB | 1.5 GB / 8 GB |
| Ethernet | Built in | Available via a separate Ethernet power adapter | Available via a separate Ethernet power adapter |
| Smart-home features listed by Google | Matter, Thread border router, Google Home hub | Not listed in Google’s comparison | Not listed in Google’s comparison |
| Remote extras listed by Google | Customizable button and Find My Remote | Not listed | Not listed |
| HDR formats listed by Google | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG |
Prices and specifications are from Google’s comparison page and Google’s device specifications. The prices are Google’s listed US comparison prices, not a guarantee of today’s retail price; local prices may differ.
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Performance and capacity
Google lists 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage for the Streamer, compared with 2 GB and 8 GB for the 4K Chromecast. Its comparison says the Streamer CPU is 22% faster than the 4K Chromecast’s. Google’s August 2024 announcement also describes faster app loading and smoother navigation than the previous Chromecast generation. These are Google’s specifications and performance claims, not independent benchmark results; they do not establish how much faster the device will feel in every home or how much storage will be available for apps.
#1 Best Overall
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Picture and audio
Google lists the Streamer for up to 4K HDR at 60 fps, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. The 4K Chromecast also supports up to 4K and Dolby Vision, with Dolby Atmos pass-through listed in its specifications. The supported output you actually see or hear depends on the TV, content, apps, network, and connected audio equipment.
Is the Google TV Streamer worth upgrading to?
Consider it if you want its added features
- Built-in wired networking: Ethernet is part of the Streamer, while the Chromecast requires a separate Ethernet power adapter for a wired connection.
- More listed memory and storage: Google specifies double the RAM and four times the storage of the 4K Chromecast.
- Smart-home connectivity: Google lists a Matter and Google Home hub and a Thread border router on the Streamer.
- Remote conveniences: It adds a customizable button and Find My Remote.
Those benefits may justify the higher listed price if you will use them. The comparison is based on Google’s published features, not hands-on testing.
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Keep the 4K Chromecast if 4K is all you need
If you already own the 4K Chromecast and are satisfied with it, upgrading solely to get 4K playback is not compelling: Google lists both devices for up to 4K. The Streamer’s case rests on its additional hardware and features, not a higher maximum resolution.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Choose based on your display if you have the HD Chromecast
The HD Chromecast tops out at 1080p. If you have a compatible 4K TV and want 4K playback, moving to a 4K device makes sense; Google’s listed US comparison price for the 4K Chromecast is lower than the Streamer’s. The Streamer is the more feature-rich choice, but its added cost is not necessary just to move from HD to 4K.
Rank #3
- Advanced 4K streaming - Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance optimized for 4K TVs.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
What do you need for 4K and the best setup?
- Check the display and connection. Google lists a 4K-capable display and an internet connection of at least 20 Mbps among its 4K requirements. Availability and performance can vary by app, device, network, and area, and some content requires a subscription. See Google’s device requirements.
- Check your HDMI cable before buying one. Google says an Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 certified cable is sold separately and needed to connect the Streamer to a TV, AV receiver, or soundbar for optimal performance. You may already have a suitable cable.
- Check the rest of the audio chain. For high-quality audio, Google advises confirming HDMI 2.1 support on connected equipment. If you connect the Streamer directly to the TV, use the TV’s eARC port.
- Confirm device support for the format you want. A listed format does not guarantee every app or device combination will deliver it; the TV, content, and audio equipment must support the relevant output.
Google’s cable guidance is at Google TV Streamer connection requirements. Google lists remote compatibility with both the Google TV Streamer Voice Remote and Chromecast with Google TV; check the exact model and current availability before buying a separate remote.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Enjoy nextlevel streaming at an affordable price with the onn Google TV 4K Pro Streaming Devicewith Gemini This powerhouse streaming device delivers uncompromising performance and stunning visualstransforming your TV into a premium entertainment hub
- Immerse yourself in vivid colorssharp contrastand cinematic quality with stunning 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Vision
- Experience theaterqualitymultidimensional sound with immersive Dolby Atmos Audio
- Powerful performance with 3GB of RAMis 50% more than the 4K Plus modelfor super smooth app performancefast navigationand seamless multitasking
- Enjoy incredibly smoothbufferfree streaming and gaming with blazingfast WiFi 6 Connectivity or use the optional Ethernet Port for the feastestreliable connectivity
Rank #4
- No More App-Switching. Forget learning to navigate a new screen with every app. TiVo Stream 4K enables one centralized place for searching, browsing, and creating watch lists across all your apps..DC Input Range 5V/1.0A. Power Consumption : Maximum 5 W
- Recommendations Across All of Your Apps: Get rid of the walls between what you watch. TiVo recommends your next favorite shows and movies based on what you love, not where they live.
- Say it and watch it. The power of voice control makes it easy to find shows. Integrated Google Assistant allows you to launch apps, dim the lights and more.
- One place for all your favorite streaming apps. TiVo Stream 4K includes Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock plus many more, so you can get to your shows fast.
- TiVo Stream 4K is one of Time Magazine’s “2020 Best Inventions, Special Mention” and PCMag hails it as “an excellent media streamer for TV lovers.” Operating Temperature 0˚C - 40˚C
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.
