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Buy the Google TV Streamer (4K) if you want built-in gigabit Ethernet, four times the storage of Chromecast with Google TV (4K), more memory, smart-home hub capabilities, and a remote you can locate. Choose Chromecast with Google TV (4K) if you mainly want 4K and Dolby Vision at Google’s lower listed US device price. Choose the HD Chromecast only when your television and viewing needs are HD-only.
Google lists the Streamer at $99.99 in the US comparison, compared with $49.99 for Chromecast with Google TV (4K) and $29.99 for the HD model. Those are Google-listed comparison-page prices; they are not a guarantee of today’s checkout price, a promotion, local pricing, or availability.
Google TV Streamer and Chromecast: the short answer
The two 4K devices deliver the same core resolution class and both support Dolby Vision, but they are aimed at different buyers. Google TV Streamer (4K) is a larger, box-style device with built-in 1 Gbps Ethernet, 4 GB of RAM, 32 GB of storage, a Matter hub, a Thread Border Router, and a redesigned remote. Chromecast with Google TV (4K) is a smaller dongle with 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage; Ethernet is possible only with a separately sold Ethernet power adapter.
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#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
Google describes the Streamer’s CPU as 22% faster than the Chromecast with Google TV (4K). That is a comparative specification from Google, not an independent benchmark, so it should not be read as a promise that every menu or app will feel 22% faster.
Side-by-side specifications
| 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 role | 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 |
Google does not state a publication year for these listed prices and specifications. Treat them as the figures shown on Google’s comparison and specification pages, and verify the current regional listing before purchase.
What you get by paying more for Google TV Streamer
Built-in wired networking
The Streamer includes a 1 Gbps Ethernet port, so you can run a network cable directly to the device instead of relying on Wi-Fi. This is useful when the television is near a router, when a crowded wireless network causes buffering, or when you want a predictable wired connection for a fixed media center. The port is part of the device rather than an accessory you must add.
Chromecast with Google TV (HD and 4K) can use Ethernet only through a separately sold Ethernet power adapter. The adapter adds both cost and another piece of hardware, and the total price should be checked against the current Streamer listing before deciding that the cheaper dongle is the better wired-network value.
Four times the storage
Google TV Streamer has 32 GB of storage, while each Chromecast with Google TV model has 8 GB. Storage is used for installed apps, app updates, cached data, and the operating system. The larger capacity gives the Streamer substantially more room for a large app library and reduces the chance that limited free space becomes a maintenance issue. It does not turn streaming services into offline-download services unless a particular app supports that function.
More memory
The Streamer has 4 GB of RAM. Chromecast with Google TV (4K) has 2 GB, and the HD version has 1.5 GB. More RAM can give an operating system more working room for apps and background processes, but Google’s published figures do not establish a specific loading-time or frame-rate improvement in normal use.
Smart-home hub functions
Google says the Streamer includes a built-in Thread Border Router and acts as a hub for Matter and Google Home for setup and control of compatible smart-home devices. That makes the Streamer more than a video player if you are building a Matter or Thread installation. The Chromecast comparison entries do not list those hub functions.
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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
Compatibility still depends on the smart-home device, app, network, and location. A Matter or Thread label on the Streamer does not mean every smart-home product will work identically or that a separate ecosystem account is unnecessary.
A remote you can find and customize
The Streamer remote has a customizable button and a Find My Remote function. The standard Chromecast voice remote is supplied with both Chromecast models but does not have those Streamer-specific distinctions in Google’s comparison. If a remote regularly disappears between sofa cushions, the locating feature may be worth more to you than a small difference in video hardware.
What Chromecast with Google TV still does well
4K and Dolby Vision at the lower listed price
Chromecast with Google TV (4K) supports 4K, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision. Google’s listed US price is $49.99, exactly half the Streamer’s listed $99.99. For a television that supports Dolby Vision, this model preserves the headline picture features while leaving out the Streamer’s larger storage, built-in Ethernet, smart-home hub role, and redesigned remote.
That price comparison is device-only and based on Google’s listed US figures. It does not include any separately sold Ethernet adapter, replacement cable, subscriptions, taxes, shipping, or a temporary promotion.
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The Chromecast models use a dongle form factor. That can be convenient when the HDMI port is behind a wall-mounted television or when you want the streaming hardware hidden from view. The Streamer is a box, so plan for a surface or mounting arrangement that accommodates it and its connections.
HD for the lowest upfront cost
The HD Chromecast is listed at $29.99 in the US comparison and outputs up to 1080p. It supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, but not Dolby Vision. It is a sensible budget choice when the display is HD-only, when you are replacing an older 1080p television, or when 4K content is not part of your plan.
It is not a good way to “future-proof” a 4K television: choosing it means accepting a 1080p maximum even if the display and broadband connection could otherwise handle 4K.
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
Picture and sound: what the labels actually require
4K is a chain, not just a device specification
Google says 4K viewing requires all of the following:
- A 4K-capable television or display.
- HDCP 2.2 support.
- Broadband of at least 20 Mbps.
- Content and an app or service that provide 4K.
The device, display, content, connection, and service availability all affect the final resolution. A 4K streamer does not upgrade an HD video, and a 4K television cannot make a service deliver 4K when its catalog or subscription tier does not provide it.
HDR and Dolby Vision
HDR requires an HDR-capable display. Both 4K models list HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision. The HD model lists HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, but not Dolby Vision. Whether a specific title plays in one of those formats depends on the content provider, app, account or subscription, display support, and regional availability.
Audio differences in the specifications
The Chromecast entries list Dolby-encoded audio and HDMI passthrough. The Streamer’s specifications list Dolby Atmos as well as Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus. Your television, soundbar, receiver, HDMI path, app, and selected title must also support the relevant format; a device specification alone does not guarantee Atmos playback from every service.
Cables, power, and extra costs to plan for
Google TV Streamer HDMI cable
Google recommends an “Ultra High Speed” HDMI 2.1 certified cable for optimal performance with Google TV Streamer. Its technical specifications identify an HDMI 2.1 Type A connection and state that an HDMI cable is required and sold separately. Do not assume the cable is included in every regional box or listing; check the exact package contents where you buy it.
Chromecast Ethernet adapter
Ethernet on either Chromecast model requires a separately sold Ethernet power adapter. If wired networking is important, add that adapter to the Chromecast’s purchase price before comparing it with the Streamer’s built-in port.
Subscriptions and service charges
Google notes that subscriptions and extra charges may apply. The hardware price does not include streaming-service plans, premium content, paid apps, broadband service, or smart-home products. Features can also vary by app, device, network, and location.
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
Compatibility checklist before you buy
- Check the display. For 4K, confirm that the television supports 4K and HDCP 2.2. For HDR or Dolby Vision, confirm the exact HDR formats supported by the display.
- Check the connection. Google specifies at least 20 Mbps broadband for 4K. If the device will be wired, identify a nearby router or network outlet before choosing a location.
- Check the HDMI path. The television or display must have an available HDMI input. For the Streamer, budget for a separately sold HDMI cable and follow Google’s Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 recommendation.
- Check your services. Confirm that the apps and subscriptions you use offer the resolution, HDR format, and audio format you want in your region.
- Check smart-home needs. Choose the Streamer’s Matter and Thread functions only if you have, or plan to add, compatible devices that benefit from a Google Home hub.
- Check the complete cost. Include any Ethernet adapter, HDMI cable, taxes, shipping, subscriptions, and smart-home accessories rather than comparing device prices alone.
Which model fits common buying situations?
Choose Google TV Streamer (4K) when
- You want a built-in 1 Gbps Ethernet connection.
- You expect to install many apps or want 32 GB of storage.
- You are building a Matter or Thread smart-home setup.
- You frequently misplace remotes and value Find My Remote.
- You want a customizable remote button.
- You prefer the newer box form factor and accept the higher listed US price.
Choose Chromecast with Google TV (4K) when
- Your priority is 4K and Dolby Vision at the lower listed device price.
- Wi-Fi is adequate and you do not need the Streamer’s built-in Ethernet.
- You use a modest number of apps and 8 GB of storage is sufficient.
- You want a compact HDMI dongle.
- You do not need Matter, Thread Border Router, or the Streamer remote features.
Choose Chromecast with Google TV (HD) when
- Your display is HD-only.
- You do not need 4K or Dolby Vision.
- Minimizing upfront device cost is more important than maximum resolution.
- You are replacing an HD television rather than equipping a 4K display.
Common buying mistakes and how to avoid them
Mistake: assuming every 4K title will play in 4K
Resolution is limited by the display, device, content, connection, and service. Verify all five parts when troubleshooting a title that appears in HD.
Mistake: treating the 22% CPU figure as a measured speed guarantee
Google’s 22% figure is a comparative specification. It is not an independent test of app launch times, menu navigation, or streaming stability. Use the Streamer’s RAM, storage, Ethernet, and feature differences as the concrete reasons to pay more.
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The Streamer requires an HDMI cable, sold separately according to Google’s specifications. Chromecast Ethernet requires a separately sold Ethernet power adapter. Confirm regional box contents and current accessory prices before finalizing the comparison.
Mistake: buying the HD model for a 4K television
The HD Chromecast cannot output 4K or Dolby Vision. The initial saving can become a false economy if you later need to replace it to use the television’s full capability.
Mistake: assuming Matter support guarantees universal smart-home compatibility
The Streamer’s Matter hub and Thread Border Router support are useful additions, but actual setup depends on the smart-home product, app, network, and location. Check compatibility for each device you intend to add.
Final buying decision
For most buyers choosing between the two 4K devices, the decision is about features rather than picture resolution: both list 4K and Dolby Vision. Pay for Google TV Streamer (4K) when its built-in Ethernet, 32 GB storage, 4 GB RAM, smart-home hub role, or Find My Remote solves a real need. Buy Chromecast with Google TV (4K) when you want those core picture formats at Google’s lower listed US price and can live with Wi-Fi, 8 GB storage, and a standard remote. Select the HD Chromecast only for an HD-only setup.
Prices, stock, regional packaging, app support, and service availability can change, so verify the current Google Store or retailer listing and the requirements for your television before ordering.
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.
