Google TV Streamer: a serious competitor for the Apple TV?

The Google TV Streamer is the successor to the Google Chromecast and is more similar than ever to the Apple TV in terms of functionality.

Google TV Streamer

Unlike the Chromecast, the Google TV Streamer is no longer a small device that you plug into an HDMI port behind your TV. Just like the Apple TV, it is a small box that you probably place on a TV cabinet. The design is minimalist, with a USB C port on the back for power supply, an Ethernet connection, an HDMI 2.1 port and a reset button.

It comes with a USB C cable, an adapter and a remote control. So you have to provide your own HDMI cable. The remote is a little longer than the Chromecast’s, but has most of the same functions. If you cannot find the remote control, briefly press the reset button on the Google TV Streamer. The remote control then plays a sound.

Even more user-friendly than the Chromecast

Installing the TV Streamer is a piece of cake. It’s just a matter of plugging it in, pairing the remote control and going through the steps that appear on the screen. Then open the Google Home app on your iPhone and follow a few more steps. Then you can install apps like Netflix and log in without having to enter the password. Google uses QR codes to make it as easy as possible for you.

The Google TV Streamer has powerful hardware

Although the Chromecast usually functions fine, it is not a speed monster. That is not really necessary, but the difference in speed that you notice when you use the Google TV Streamer is very pleasant. This speed is thanks to the fast MediaTek chip in combination with 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage space. The latter is a significant step forward, because the Chromecast only had 8 GB of storage space.

The Apple TV 4K also has 4 GB of RAM and in terms of storage space you can choose from 64 and 128 GB (only the 128 GB version has an Ethernet connection). So you can install many more apps on the Apple TV.

The device runs on Google TV

Do you already have a Chromecast with GoogleTV used, then you know what to expect. On the Home screen you will see all installed apps, with the ‘Look further’ section below. This way you have the most important things immediately within reach. Google TV is mainly focused on streaming apps such as Netflix and Disney+ and also offers hundreds of TV channels.

Google TV is based on Android 14 and is therefore especially suitable for people who have an Android device. If you have an iPhone, you are probably more likely to choose an Apple TV for the same reason. You can then use AirPlay as standard and, for example, view the photos in your iCloud. You have to put in a little more effort with the Google TV Streamer.

Moreover, you can do more with tvOS, for example installing games where you have enough storage space to save your progress locally. And there are many apps developed for tvOS that you can choose from. With the Google TV Streamer, these options are more limited, if only because of the storage capacity. Google TV does use AI to make better suggestions when it comes to discovering streaming content.

Just like the Apple TV 4K, the Google TV Streamer is equipped with Matter, which ensures that smart home products from different manufacturers can work together. If you use smart home products, there is a good chance that you do so via HomeKit and not via Google Home. In that case, an Apple TV is more user-friendly.

At 129 euros, the Google TV Streamer is a lot more expensive than the Chromecast (approx. 40 euros), but still cheaper than an Apple TV 4K (€ 159.90). If you still want to purchase an Apple TV, take a look at the deals below. Then you can be sure that you are not paying too much!

Google TV Streamer: Conclusion

As the successor to the Chromecast with Google TV, the Google TV Streamer is a big step forward. The streamer has everything the Chromecast has, but the new hardware makes for a much smoother experience. The extra storage space is also a plus. If you have an Android device, the smart home functions are a nice bonus. If you have multiple Apple devices, an Apple TV 4K works a lot better with them.