Google TV Streamer (4K) Review: Google's Grown-Up Streaming Box

Bottom line: The Google TV Streamer ($99) is the best Google TV box ever made and the right upgrade from the Chromecast — Ethernet, 4GB of RAM, a proper remote, and a Matter/Thread hub. It’s also the lead device for Gemini AI. Worth it if you’re in Google’s ecosystem; the Roku Ultra is the neutral alternative at the same price.

Overview

After years of Chromecast dongles, Google finally made a proper streaming box. The Google TV Streamer (2024) is a puck-shaped device that sits on a shelf, includes an Ethernet port, ships with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, and runs the latest Google TV interface. At $99 it competes directly with the Roku Ultra and Apple TV 4K.

Performance

This is the fastest Google TV device yet. The new processor paired with 4GB of RAM makes Google TV’s content recommendation interface genuinely snappy — the home screen loads instantly, apps open quickly, and multitasking between YouTube and Netflix never stutters. It’s a big step up from the Chromecast with Google TV’s occasional hesitations.

What We Liked

• 32GB storage — room for all your apps with space to spare
• 4GB RAM — snappiest Google TV device available
• Ethernet port — wired connection for reliable 4K streaming
• Redesigned remote — proper backlit buttons, no more fumbling in the dark
• Google TV interface — best content aggregation across all streaming services
• Matter & Thread support — future-proof smart home hub built in

What We Didn’t Like

• $99 vs $49 Chromecast — significant price jump from the dongle
• Google account required — no way around it
• Promoted content on home screen — Google surfaces paid placements in recommendations
• No Dolby Vision gaming — Apple TV 4K has this, the Streamer doesn’t
• Design is bland — plain white puck sitting on your shelf

How It Compares

At $99 it lines up directly against the Roku Ultra and the Apple TV 4K. The Streamer wins on content aggregation and AI — Google TV pulls your watchlists across services into one feed, and it leads Google’s Gemini rollout — while Roku stays simpler and more neutral and Apple is faster and ad-free. If you want maximum power and Plex hosting, step up to the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro; if you want to spend less, the locked-down Fire TV Stick 4K Select is cheaper but far more limited.

Who Should Buy It

• Google ecosystem users who want watchlist aggregation and Google Assistant/Gemini.
• Multi-service streamers who are tired of jumping between apps to find something to watch.
• Smart-home owners who can use the built-in Matter/Thread hub.

Skip it if you don’t want to tie your TV to a Google account, or you only use one streaming service — a simpler Roku will feel less busy.

Verdict

The Google TV Streamer is the best Google TV device ever made, and the right upgrade path from the Chromecast. The Ethernet port, extra RAM, and better remote address every complaint about the original Chromecast. If you’re already in the Google ecosystem, this is the one to get. If you’re not, the Roku Ultra is a less opinionated alternative at the same price.