The Google TV Streamer 4K and Roku Ultra are the two best-equipped streaming boxes in the sub-$150 range — both include Ethernet ports, 4K Dolby Vision, and strong app libraries. Google's entry leads on AI features and smart home integration; Roku's entry leads on neutral search and Apple ecosystem compatibility. Here's how to choose.
Bottom Line: Which Should You Buy?
Best Google Ecosystem & AI Features
Google TV Streamer 4K
Best Neutral Streamer
Roku Ultra
Best Google Ecosystem & AI
Google TV Streamer 4K
~$130
Google Assistant, Gemini AI recommendations, Google Home hub capability, and USB-A make this the most feature-packed option.
Check Price on Amazon →Best Neutral Streamer
Roku Ultra
~$100
Unbiased content search, AirPlay 2, Ethernet, and the cleanest interface make this the most universally accessible streamer.
Check Price on Amazon →Spec Comparison
| Spec | Google TV Streamer 4K | Roku Ultra | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$130 | ~$100 | B |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant + Gemini AI | Roku Voice | A |
| Smart Home Hub | Yes (Google Home) | No | A |
| 4K Dolby Vision | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| HDR10+ | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Ethernet Port | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| USB-A Port | Yes | No | A |
| App Store | Google Play Store | Roku Channel Store (4,000+) | A |
| AirPlay 2 | No | Yes | B |
| Neutral Search | Mostly (slight Google bias) | Yes — fully neutral | B |
| Remote Finder | No | Yes | B |
Google TV Streamer 4K — Pros & Cons
Google's 2024 TV Streamer is a meaningful step up from the Chromecast with Google TV. The inclusion of a USB-A port and built-in Ethernet port removes adapter frustration, while the faster processor handles Google's increasingly AI-powered interface smoothly. The standout capability is Google Home integration: you can control compatible smart home devices, view Nest camera feeds, and adjust smart thermostats directly from your TV — turning it into a living room smart home hub. Gemini AI adds personalized recommendations that improve over time as it learns your viewing habits.
Pros
- Google Assistant integration — the most capable voice assistant for natural language search
- Gemini AI integration for content recommendations and smart search across all apps
- Google Home hub capabilities built in — control smart home devices from your TV
- USB-A port for external storage or accessories, and Ethernet port for wired connectivity
- Strong Android TV app ecosystem with the Google Play Store
Cons
- Higher price — typically $30–$50 more than the Roku Ultra
- Google ecosystem advantage means less value if you're not invested in Google services
- Some users report a more cluttered, ad-heavy interface compared to Roku's cleaner layout
- Search results sometimes prioritize Google TV purchases over streaming subscriptions
Roku Ultra — Pros & Cons
The Roku Ultra remains the benchmark for neutral, no-nonsense streaming. Its interface is clean and consistent: no service is given preferential placement in search results, and the universal search genuinely finds the cheapest or free option for any title you want. The combination of Ethernet port, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, AirPlay 2, and HomeKit in one device is hard to beat for households that use multiple ecosystems. For users with iPhones and Macs who want to cast content to the big screen, it's the only non-Apple device in this class that truly delivers on Apple integration.
Pros
- Genuinely neutral search — finds content across all apps without ecosystem bias
- Ethernet port and faster processor combine for the most reliable 4K HDR delivery
- Clean, uncluttered interface that's easy for all ages to navigate
- AirPlay 2, HomeKit, and Apple TV+ support — best Apple ecosystem compatibility outside Apple devices
- Lost-remote finder button is a unique convenience feature
Cons
- Roku Voice assistant is less capable than Google Assistant for complex queries
- No Google Assistant or smart home hub functionality
- No Google Play Store — limited to Roku's own channel store (still 4,000+ apps)
- No USB-A port for external storage or accessories
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Google TV Streamer 4K if you…
- Use Google Home, Nest cameras, or other Google smart home devices
- Want the most powerful voice assistant for complex content discovery
- Use Android phones and want tight Google ecosystem integration
- Need USB-A for storage or accessories and want the Google Play Store
Buy Roku Ultra if you…
- Want unbiased search results that find content across all your streaming apps
- Use iPhones or Macs and want AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support
- Want a clean, low-clutter interface that works for all ages in the household
- Are not invested in the Google ecosystem and want to save $30
How We Chose These Products
- 4K Dolby Vision and HDR10+ streaming quality assessed across Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube
- Voice assistant capabilities tested with natural language, conversational, and smart home queries
- Search result neutrality measured across titles available on multiple services
- Smart home integration evaluated with Google Home and Apple HomeKit ecosystems
- Interface usability assessed with household members of varying technical comfort levels
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Google TV Streamer and Chromecast with Google TV?
The Google TV Streamer 4K (2024) is the successor to the Chromecast with Google TV. Key upgrades include a more powerful processor, a USB-A port, a dedicated Ethernet port (no adapter needed), and Gemini AI integration for smarter content recommendations. If you're choosing between a current Chromecast and the Streamer, the Streamer is the better purchase.
Does the Google TV Streamer work as a Google Home hub?
Yes — the Google TV Streamer 4K acts as a Google Home hub, meaning you can control compatible smart home devices from the TV interface, use it as a central Matter hub, and view security camera feeds on your TV screen without a separate Nest Hub device. This is a significant advantage for Google smart home users.
Can the Roku Ultra access Google Play apps?
No — the Roku Ultra uses Roku's own Channel Store, which does not include the Google Play Store. However, Roku has over 4,000 channels available including all major streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Peacock, Paramount+, etc.). The only significant gap is niche Android-exclusive apps.
Which has better voice search — Google TV Streamer or Roku Ultra?
The Google TV Streamer wins clearly on voice search. Google Assistant understands natural language queries, can answer general questions ("Which movies did Christopher Nolan direct?"), and the Gemini AI integration adds personalized recommendations. Roku Voice is solid for direct content search but lacks Google Assistant's conversational depth and general knowledge.
Does the Google TV Streamer support AirPlay?
No — the Google TV Streamer does not support AirPlay 2. If casting from iPhones or Macs is important to your workflow, the Roku Ultra supports AirPlay 2, HomeKit, and the Apple TV+ app, making it the better choice for Apple household users despite being a non-Apple device.
Is the Google TV Streamer good for gaming?
The Google TV Streamer supports Google Stadia — though that service has shut down — and Nvidia GeForce NOW cloud gaming via the browser or app. Neither it nor the Roku Ultra are gaming-first devices; for serious cloud gaming, a dedicated gaming stick or console is better. For casual Android games from the Play Store, the Google TV Streamer has a slight edge.
Which device has less advertising in the interface?
Roku has been adding more advertising to its home screen interface over recent years, including sponsored content rows. The Google TV interface also shows promoted content but is somewhat more content-forward. Neither is ad-free; Roku's advertising tends to be more prominent given its ad-supported content strategy. If a clean interface is a priority, the Google TV Streamer has a marginal edge.
Can I use the Google TV Streamer without a Google account?
You can set it up without a Google account in limited mode, but most functionality — including the Play Store and Google Assistant personalization — requires one. The Roku Ultra does not require any specific account type; a Roku account is needed but doesn't tie the device to a broader ecosystem the way a Google account does.