UPDATED AUGUST 2026 · RESEARCH-BASED REVIEW
Google TV Streamer replaced Chromecast with Google TV as Google’s flagship living-room streaming device. It moves away from the tiny dongle format and into a proper set-top box, with more memory, more storage and built-in Ethernet.
For UK buyers, the key question is whether those upgrades justify paying more than a mainstream Fire TV or Xiaomi device.
Google TV Streamer specifications
- Resolution: up to 4K HDR at 60fps
- Video: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG
- Audio: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Atmos
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 32GB
- Networking: 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1 and 10/100/1000 Ethernet
- Ports: HDMI 2.1, USB-C for power/data and Ethernet
- Smart home: Matter support and Thread border router
- Software: Android TV OS with the Google TV interface
What is good about the Google TV Streamer?
4GB RAM is unusually generous for a streamer
Many mainstream streaming devices still ship with 2GB RAM. Google’s 4GB gives the interface and background apps more breathing room and makes this a stronger long-term proposition for people who switch between apps frequently.
If you want to understand why that matters, read our guide to 2GB vs 4GB RAM on streaming devices.
32GB storage is a major upgrade over old Chromecast hardware
Google increased internal storage to 32GB, compared with 8GB on Chromecast with Google TV. That leaves much more space for apps, updates and caches.
See our 8GB vs 16GB vs 32GB storage guide for the practical difference.
Built-in Gigabit Ethernet
Google includes a 1Gbps Ethernet port, making the Streamer especially attractive for permanent main-TV installations where wired networking is available.
It is one of the reasons the Streamer appears in our best streaming devices with Ethernet guide.
Strong HDR and audio support
Google officially lists Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG video support, plus Dolby Atmos. That gives the Streamer broad compatibility with modern 4K televisions and home-cinema setups.
Useful smart-home extras
The built-in Thread border router and Matter support make the Streamer more than a basic media player if you already use Google Home devices. The TV interface can act as a smart-home hub and the redesigned remote includes a customisable button and a find-my-remote feature.
What are the drawbacks?
The Wi-Fi spec is surprisingly conservative
Google lists 802.11ac Wi-Fi rather than Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E. That does not make the device slow for ordinary 4K streaming, but it looks less future-facing than some cheaper competitors. If possible, the built-in Ethernet port is the best way to use it in a fixed setup.
You need to supply the HDMI cable
Google says a certified HDMI 2.1 cable is required and sold separately. That is worth factoring into the total cost if you do not already have one.
It is not the cheapest way to get Google TV
Xiaomi and STRONG offer cheaper Google TV hardware with good 4K support. The Streamer’s value comes from the combination of RAM, storage, Ethernet and Google’s own software support rather than being the lowest-cost route.
Google TV Streamer vs Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen)
Google’s box has 4GB RAM and Gigabit Ethernet, while Xiaomi offers 32GB storage, Wi-Fi 6 and a lower typical purchase price. The right choice depends on whether wired networking and extra RAM matter more to you than value.
Read our full Google TV Streamer vs Xiaomi TV Box S comparison.
Google TV Streamer vs Apple TV 4K
Apple TV 4K remains the stronger fit for Apple-heavy households and buyers who prioritise tvOS, while Google’s box is the more natural choice for Android/Google Home users.
See Apple TV 4K vs Google TV Streamer for the full comparison.
Who should buy the Google TV Streamer?
- Buy it if you want a premium Google TV box with 4GB RAM and 32GB storage.
- Buy it if you have Ethernet near the TV.
- Buy it if you use Google Home, Matter or Thread smart-home devices.
- Consider Xiaomi or STRONG instead if lower cost or Wi-Fi 6 matters more.
- Consider Apple TV 4K if your household is deeply invested in Apple devices.
Final verdict
Google TV Streamer is not a bargain streamer, but it fixes several of the biggest weaknesses of Chromecast with Google TV. The move to 4GB RAM, 32GB storage and built-in Gigabit Ethernet makes it a much more convincing primary-TV device.
For buyers who simply want the cheapest 4K stick, it is overkill. For buyers who want the most complete Google TV hardware without moving into enthusiast Android boxes, it is one of the safest premium choices.
Still undecided? Use the ViewHarbour Device Finder or compare two models directly on Compare.
Official research sources
Research status: ViewHarbour has not claimed hands-on testing of this exact unit. This review is based on Google’s current specifications, support documentation and comparative analysis against other devices in the ViewHarbour database.
