Google TV Streamer vs Apple TV 4K: Which streaming device wins?

Tom's Guide

13 hours ago

The Google TV Streamer takes over for Google's long-lived Chromecast devices, offering a premium TV interface jam-packed with loads of free content and helpful features.
The third-generation Apple TV 4K is a compelling mix of performance and specs built on the Apple ecosystem. While a bit pricey, this streaming device has tons of versatility and offers speedy load times.
Streaming devices are a dime a dozen these days, but if you're looking for the absolute best performance built on the most versatile interface, the Google TV Streamer and Apple TV 4K are the ones to get.
Deciding which of these two to buy can be slightly tricky. The Google TV Streamer is the newer of the two, taking over for the now-defunct Chromecast. Up against it is the third-generation Apple TV 4K, which first launched in 2022. While it's a few years older, it still remains one of the best streaming devices, offering blazing fast speeds and Apple's interconnected OS ecosystem.
So which one should you buy?
Google TV Streamer
Apple TV 4K
Ports
USB-CHDMI 2.1aEthernet (10/100/1000)
HDMI 2.1Ethernet (10/100/1000)
Refresh rate
60Hz
60Hz
Storage
32GB
64GB/128GB
Resolution
3,840 x 2,160p
3,840 x 2,160p
HDR
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision
Smart TV software
Google TV
tvOS
Price
$99
$179/$199
Apple engineering tends to be at the forefront of design, offering products with minimalist aesthetics that normally don't stand out. This extends to the Apple TV 4K, which has a boxy look and glossy finish, sporting the Apple logo on the top.
It comes in a black finish, unlike the original Apple TV, which was available in a glossy silver color. This is something I like about the Apple streaming device, as it blends in a bit more on your tabletop, making it a lot less noticeable.
The Google TV Streamer takes a different approach: It comes in a porcelain white colorway, which extends to its included remote. The device itself looks almost like a ski slope or skateboard ramp, flowing downward in a way that allows it to tuck neatly under a TV.
This makes it easy to hide the wires that protrude from its rear and it's easier to hide behind the screen if you want it out of the way.
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To make matters slightly confusing, the Apple TV 4K comes in two different models — one of which is 64GB while the other is 128GB and offers a few more features. These include an Ethernet port and Thread networking technology, both of which are available on the Google TV Streamer.
The major difference in terms of I/O between devices is the USB-C port available on the Google TV Streamer. This input not only functions as its power delivery source, but can also be used for data transfers. The TV Streamer also has a button on its rear so you can easily find the remote if it ever gets lost in the couch.
All in all, I find both devices to be particularly premium-feeling when it comes to design. While it might be nice if the Apple TV 4K had a USB-C port, I don't think it's totally necessary. A 32GB model at a cheaper price wouldn't hurt, though.
Winner: Draw
These two devices are neck-and-neck in the performance category. They largely offer similar speeds, though the Apple device does come equipped with two much-higher storage capacities. This means you won't have to worry about memory all that much, especially on the 128GB model.
The Google TV Streamer and Apple TV 4K also support the full range of HDR specifications, wrangling Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG all in one package. Of course, the TV you use alongside the device will require compatibility with the spec first, but having that full range on hand is a big plus.
They also both have Dolby Atmos support, so if you're looking to get the best possible sound out of these streaming devices, it's definitely in the cards. I'd recommend pairing your TV and streaming device bundle with one of the best soundbars like the Sonos Arc Ultra for the best sound quality.
Speaking of content playback, while you will get Apple TV Plus content served up to you, it's not as in-your-face as the Google TV interface, plus navigation is slightly more convenient on the Apple device (in my opinion).
Another thing the Apple TV 4K has is a clean, no-ad interface. That's truly hard to come by these days, as it feels like ads are plastered everywhere you look.
Lastly, the Google TV Streamer only supports Wi-Fi 5, while the Apple TV 4K has access to Wi-Fi 6. You won't need that faster speeds or security of Wi-Fi 6, but the stability is nice to have if you've ever noticed signal dropout in your home.
Winner: Apple TV 4K
Google TV is one of our favorite TV interfaces, offering a plethora of free content to enjoy and simplified navigation that's just too hard to beat.
But Apple puts in a sincere effort with its redesigned tvOS platform. The big new feature is karaoke support, referred to as Apple Music Sing. It's a fun feature that lets you use your iPhone as a microphone to sing along to millions of songs on Apple Music. Also new is the liquid glass look that definitely looks more polished, but adds little to the general functionality of the interface.
The Google TV Streamer, on the other hand, offers both better smart home support via Google Home and boasts several improvements with Gemini, the greatest of which are stronger search functionality and recommendations. Voice controls are also greatly improved on the device, extending to smart home automations, news overviews, and the like.
Apple's AI plans are still up in the air at the moment, so it's hard to say if the Apple TV 4K would ever get an upgrade to include Apple Intelligence. Seeing as the third-gen model uses the A15 Bionic chip, it's unlikely the device could even support it, but rumors are circulating that a new set-top box with the A17 Pro processor is in the works.
While I do like the clean and less-cluttered (ad-free) look of Apple TV 4K's tvOS, I think you'll get far better mileage out of Google TV and Gemini.
Winner: Google TV Streamer
You can't go wrong choosing one over the other, as they both offer very similar experiences. But here's how I'd set them apart from one another.
I think if you're looking to get the best streaming upgrade for your TV but are looking to spend as little as possible, the Google TV Streamer is the one to buy.
You can find the Google TV Streamer for $97 on Amazon right now, which nets you about the same features available on the $199 128GB Apple TV 4K.
You will have to contend with Google TV's ads and older Wi-Fi 5 standard, but I find these compromises tolerable given the price disparity. Plus, you get access to some incredible features built on Gemini. That's totally worth the $99 price of entry.
If you use Apple products regularly, appreciate that functionality, and want to deal with absolutely no ads tossed your way (on the fastest possible interface to boot), get the Apple TV 4K instead.
I personally use Apple's streaming box more often, but I think it'll be better when Apple finds its AI footing. When that might happen is still anyone's guess.