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Buy the Google TV Streamer (4K) if you want built-in wired Ethernet, four times the storage of Chromecast with Google TV (4K), twice the memory, smart-home hub capabilities, or a remote you can locate. Buy Chromecast with Google TV (4K) if you mainly want 4K and Dolby Vision at Google’s lower listed US price and can live without those additions. Choose the HD Chromecast only for an HD-only television and the lowest upfront cost.
This recommendation is based on Google’s published specifications and listed prices, not independent hands-on testing. Prices and availability vary by country and can change; the figures below are Google’s listed US comparison-page prices, with no publication year stated.
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Google TV Streamer vs. Chromecast with Google TV at a glance
| Feature | Chromecast with Google TV (HD) | Chromecast with Google TV (4K) | Google TV Streamer (4K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google-listed US price | $29.99 | $49.99 | $99.99 |
| Form factor | Dongle | Dongle | Box |
| Maximum resolution | 1080p | 4K | 4K |
| RAM | 1.5 GB | 2 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage | 8 GB | 8 GB | 32 GB |
| Video formats | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision |
| Audio | Dolby-encoded audio and HDMI passthrough | Dolby-encoded audio and HDMI passthrough | Dolby Atmos; specifications also list Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus |
| Ethernet | Separately sold Ethernet power adapter | Separately sold Ethernet power adapter | Built-in 1 Gbps Ethernet |
| Smart-home hub | Not listed in Google’s comparison | Not listed in Google’s comparison | Matter hub and Thread Border Router |
| Remote | Standard Chromecast voice remote | Standard Chromecast voice remote | Customizable button and Find My Remote |
The two 4K products overlap on the essentials: both support 4K output, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Vision. The Streamer’s higher price pays for capacity, connectivity and control features rather than a different Google TV interface.
Choose Google TV Streamer (4K) when its extras solve a real problem
You need a reliable wired connection
The Streamer has a built-in 1 Gbps Ethernet port. That is useful when the television is far from a wireless access point, sits in a congested apartment network, or streams in a room where Wi-Fi reliability matters more than minimizing hardware cost. You connect the network cable directly to the box instead of buying an additional power adapter.
#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
Chromecast with Google TV has no built-in Ethernet port. Wired networking is possible only through a separately sold Ethernet power adapter. Google does not list the adapter’s price in the comparison material, so calculate that extra cost from the current local listing before assuming the $50 Chromecast is the cheaper wired solution.
You install many apps or keep games on the device
Google TV Streamer includes 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage. Chromecast with Google TV (4K) has 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage; the HD model has 1.5 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage. The Streamer therefore provides four times the listed storage of either Chromecast and twice the memory of the 4K model.
Storage is shared by the operating system, app packages, downloads and cached data, so the nominal number is not all free for your apps. The larger capacity gives you more room before uninstalling software or clearing data becomes part of routine maintenance. It does not turn the device into a general-purpose game console, and Google’s published figures do not establish how much faster any particular app will feel.
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You want a smart-home hub in the streaming box
Google lists the Streamer as a Matter hub and a Thread Border Router. Google describes it as a hub for Matter and Google Home for setup and control of compatible smart-home devices. That can remove the need for a separate hub in a home that uses those standards.
The Chromecast models do not have those hub functions listed in Google’s comparison. If your smart-home plan depends on Matter or Thread, the Streamer’s role is a functional difference, not merely a specification upgrade. Compatibility still depends on the individual device, app, network and location.
You frequently misplace the remote
The Streamer’s remote includes a Find My Remote feature and a customizable button. The Chromecast remotes are described as standard Chromecast voice remotes. A find function is particularly useful when the box is used by several people or the remote is often left between sofa cushions; a customizable button can be assigned to a preferred action according to the available software options.
Choose Chromecast with Google TV (4K) when picture support matters most
At Google’s listed US comparison prices, Chromecast with Google TV (4K) is $49.99 and Google TV Streamer (4K) is $99.99. Both support 4K and Dolby Vision, so the Chromecast delivers the core video formats for half the listed device price. It is the sensible choice when your network is dependable over Wi-Fi, you do not need a Matter or Thread hub, and 8 GB of storage is sufficient for your app collection.
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
Its lower price does not mean every television will display 4K. Google says the display, device and content must all support the resolution. A service may offer a title in several quality tiers, and an account or subscription may be required. The Chromecast can output Dolby Vision, but the television and the specific program must also support it.
Choose Chromecast with Google TV (HD) only for an HD-first setup
The HD model costs $29.99 on Google’s listed US comparison page and tops out at 1080p. It supports HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG, but not 4K or Dolby Vision. Select it when the connected display is HD-only, a second television does not justify 4K hardware, or the lowest initial price is the overriding requirement.
Do not choose the HD model as a temporary 4K purchase. Its maximum output cannot be upgraded by changing a setting or cable. If you expect to replace the television with a 4K model soon, the $49.99 4K Chromecast avoids buying the device twice, provided its other limitations are acceptable.
What the resolution and HDR specifications mean
4K output is a system requirement, not a guarantee for every title
Both the Streamer and Chromecast 4K are capable of 4K output. Google’s requirements state that 4K viewing needs a 4K-capable display, HDCP 2.2 and broadband of at least 20 Mbps. The content and service must also provide 4K, and the device, display and connection must negotiate the format successfully.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11A 4K television connected through an incompatible display path can fall back to a lower resolution. Likewise, a fast internet connection does not make an HD-only version of a program become 4K. Treat 20 Mbps as Google’s stated minimum requirement, not a promise of uninterrupted playback under every household’s load.
HDR depends on the television and content
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Vision are format capabilities, not picture-quality guarantees. The display must support the relevant format, and the program must be mastered and delivered in it. The HD Chromecast supports HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG but not Dolby Vision; both 4K devices list Dolby Vision alongside those other formats.
Memory, storage and the claimed CPU advantage
Google lists the Streamer’s CPU as 22% faster than the CPU in Chromecast with Google TV (4K). This is a comparative specification from Google, not an independent benchmark. It should not be converted into a claim that menus, app launches or playback will be 22% faster in ordinary use.
Rank #3
- 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
The more concrete difference is capacity: 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage in the Streamer versus 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB in the 4K Chromecast. More memory can give an operating system more room to keep processes active, while more storage reduces the chance that a large app library will crowd the device. Neither specification changes the maximum video resolution or guarantees performance in a particular application.
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Ethernet hardware
Built-in Ethernet is included in the Streamer’s design. Chromecast with Google TV requires a separately sold Ethernet power adapter for a wired connection. The adapter’s current price is not stated in Google’s comparison material, and regional bundles can differ, so check the exact box contents and listing in your country.
HDMI cable
Google’s technical information says an HDMI cable is required for Google TV Streamer and sold separately, and recommends an “Ultra High Speed” HDMI 2.1 certified cable for optimal performance. Do not assume a cable is included when calculating the Streamer’s total cost. A cable cannot add 4K or HDR support to a display that lacks those capabilities; it only provides the required connection path.
Television and network requirements
- An HDMI-equipped television or display is required for Google TV Streamer.
- For 4K viewing, use a 4K-capable display with HDCP 2.2 and broadband of at least 20 Mbps, as specified by Google.
- For HDR, the display must support the HDR format being viewed.
- Apps, devices, networks and location affect feature availability; subscriptions and other charges may apply.
Comparing the total cost, not just the sticker price
| Scenario | Device cost from Google’s listed US prices | Additional items to verify | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| HD television, Wi-Fi only | $29.99 for Chromecast with Google TV (HD) | Current box contents and any subscription fees | HD Chromecast |
| 4K television, Wi-Fi only | $49.99 for Chromecast with Google TV (4K) or $99.99 for Streamer | HDMI cable requirements, display compatibility and service plans | Chromecast 4K for value; Streamer for capacity and smart-home features |
| 4K television with wired networking | $49.99 Chromecast 4K plus a separately sold Ethernet power adapter, or $99.99 Streamer | Adapter price is not stated in Google’s comparison; Streamer HDMI cable sold separately | Streamer when the adapter cost and convenience narrow the gap |
| Smart-home system using Matter or Thread | $99.99 Streamer | Compatibility of each smart-home device and regional availability | Streamer |
These are comparison-page figures, not guaranteed checkout prices. Google advises readers outside the United States to check the Google Store for local pricing. Promotions, stock and regional bundles can change the amount you actually pay.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Feature-by-feature trade-offs
Form factor and placement
Chromecast with Google TV uses a dongle that connects at the television. Google TV Streamer is a box that sits near the display and network equipment. A box can be easier to access when using Ethernet, but it occupies shelf space that a dongle does not. Choose based on the available HDMI layout and whether the television is wall-mounted or enclosed in furniture.
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The Chromecast models list Dolby-encoded audio and HDMI passthrough. The Streamer lists Dolby Atmos, with Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus also shown in its specifications. A compatible television, soundbar or receiver and appropriately encoded content are required to hear the relevant format; the streaming box alone cannot create Atmos from a source that does not provide it.
Remote controls
Both Chromecast versions use the standard Chromecast voice remote. The Streamer adds a customizable button and Find My Remote. This is a quality-of-life difference rather than a change to the available video resolution, so it should not outweigh a large price difference unless the feature addresses a daily annoyance.
Rank #4
- 4K Ultra HD with Cinematic Visuals & Sound: Supports 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) at 60FPS, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ for enhanced contrast, brightness, and color accuracy. Delivers immersive audio via Dolby Audio and DTS:X surround sound
- High-Performance Hardware: Equipped with a Quad-Core CPU (up to 2.5GHz) and ARM G310 V2 GPU for seamless navigation and multitasking. Includes 2GB RAM and 32GB internal storage (ROM) for ample app and content space
- Google TV Smart Platform: Runs the latest Google TV OS, offering personalized content recommendations, access to thousands of streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, etc.), and voice control via Google Assistant
- Advanced Connectivity & Decoding: Features dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI 2.1, and USB 2.0 ports. Supports decoding of 4K 60FPS video formats and Google Cast for screen mirroring
- Complete Setup Included: Comes with Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen), voice remote control, power adapter, HDMI cable, and user manual. Compact design (95.25 x 95.25 x 16.7 mm) for discreet placement
Decision guide by household
For a basic bedroom or guest-room television
Choose the HD Chromecast if the display is 1080p and the goal is inexpensive access to Google TV. Choose the 4K Chromecast instead if the television already supports 4K or is likely to be replaced with one soon.
For a main-room 4K television
Start with the Chromecast 4K when Wi-Fi is stable and the app library is modest. Move to the Streamer when wired networking, 32 GB of storage, 4 GB of RAM or the remote features justify paying the additional listed $50.
For a network-constrained room
The Streamer is the simpler wired option because 1 Gbps Ethernet is built in. The Chromecast 4K can still work, but you must source the separate Ethernet power adapter and account for its cost and power arrangement.
For a Matter or Thread smart home
The Streamer is the only model in this comparison with Google-listed Matter hub and Thread Border Router functions. Confirm that your intended devices support the standards and that the required controls are available in your location before relying on the Streamer as the center of the setup.
For a large app library
The Streamer’s 32 GB storage gives it the clearest advantage. The 8 GB capacity of either Chromecast may be adequate for a small set of streaming apps, but heavy users should expect less headroom for downloads, caches and updates.
Common buying mistakes and how to avoid them
- Assuming 4K hardware guarantees 4K playback: verify the display, HDCP 2.2 path, broadband, title and subscription.
- Budgeting only for the box: include the Streamer’s separately sold HDMI cable and the Chromecast’s separately sold Ethernet power adapter when relevant.
- Buying the HD model for a 4K television: its 1080p maximum and lack of Dolby Vision cannot be changed later.
- Treating Google’s 22% CPU figure as a measured speed claim: it is a published comparative specification, not an independent test result.
- Expecting every HDR format on every screen: the television and program must support the chosen HDR format.
- Assuming smart-home support is universal: Matter, Thread, app, network and location compatibility still determine what can be installed and controlled.
Bottom-line recommendation
For most buyers choosing between the two 4K models, the decision is straightforward. Pick Google TV Streamer (4K) when built-in Ethernet, four times the storage, twice the 4K Chromecast’s RAM, Matter and Thread support, or the upgraded remote will be used often enough to justify Google’s listed $99.99 US price. Pick Chromecast with Google TV (4K) when the priority is 4K and Dolby Vision at the lower listed $49.99 price and Wi-Fi, 8 GB of storage and a standard remote are acceptable. Pick Chromecast with Google TV (HD) only when 1080p is all the display requires and minimizing the initial purchase price matters most.
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Quick Recap
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.
