Google TV Streamer
Exact average 83.2 · 7 printed, 7 estimated · printed scores only: 83
Image: Google14 professional reviewers tested the Google TV Streamer, and 12 recommend it. Most praised: performance and picture quality. Most common complaint: price.
Reviewed by The Verge, Tom's Guide, Engadget and 11 more
The catch: Limited to Wi-Fi 5, no HDMI cable.
7 of these 14 outlets print no score. We estimated theirs from the review text, then adjusted the estimates against the ratings outlets actually print (ours ran slightly low). An estimate is never higher than 92.
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a score.
What 14 critics said
Highest score first · all converted to 0–100- 90The Verge
The Verge calls it Google's best streamer yet, with an excellent interface and strong smart home features, held back only by middling speed.
Read The Verge review - 90Tom's Guide
The reviewer likes the new smart home control panel and fun AI screensavers, and sees it as a worthwhile upgrade.
Read Tom's Guide review - 87Engadget
A quick, well-designed streamer with the best interface and useful smart home control; missing Wi-Fi 6 and a bundled HDMI cable make the price feel a little high.
Read Engadget review - 85Android Central
The reviewer finds this the best Google TV box available and enjoys using it, but is bothered by an aging chip, missing HDMI cable and gaps in live TV and game streaming.
Read Android Central review - 82CNET
A fast, capable high-end streamer with excellent smart home integration and broad app support, held back by a busy interface, some missing apps and a high price versus sticks.
Read CNET review - 80WIRED
A smooth, stable streamer with Dolby Vision and handy smart-home controls that never gets in the way, held back by modest omissions like no HDMI cable and Wi-Fi 5.
Read WIRED review - 70Tech Advisor
It is Google's most powerful streamer yet, but its headline smart home panel has since reached cheaper Chromecasts.
Read Tech Advisor review - 89est.ZDNET
Calls it Google's best streamer, faster and less buggy than Fire OS and a great fit for Android users, with only small gaps such as no audio sync tool or hands-free voice.
Read ZDNET review - 83est.CNN Underscored
A faster, Ethernet-equipped and smart-home-savvy Chromecast successor that the reviewer would recommend, though it is pricey, uses old Wi-Fi and its AI content is weak.
Read CNN Underscored review - 83est.Expert Reviews
Google's strongest streamer yet, fast and polished with useful smart home extras, though it lacks Wi-Fi 6 and is priced above Amazon's rivals, only just justifying the cost.
Read Expert Reviews review - 83est.The Independent
Named best for smart home control, with a slick interface that doubles as a home hub and a remote that works with soundbars.
Read The Independent review - 83est.NBC Select
Runner-up streaming pick, used by a staffer for over a year and liked for its ease of use and speed.
Read NBC Select review - 83est.Business Insider
In this buying guide the Streamer is the pick for Google users: fast and well integrated with smart home, but with an unremarkable remote and Wi-Fi 5.
Read Business Insider review - 77est.Digital Trends
Faster, better equipped and a good smart home pick than the old Chromecast, but the busy software and the price hike to $149 make it hard to justify on value.
Read Digital Trends review
"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates
How it compares
Direct comparisons by professional outlets, exact models only, in our words. Shown as evidence; they never change the critic score.
vs Roku Ultra83
- Android Police (2024) picks the Roku Ultra. Still choose this one if: you already own Google hardware like Nest cameras and thermostats.
- CNET: it depends. Choose this one if: you are deep in the Google ecosystem and want personalized suggestions from the interface.
vs Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)87
- Digital Trends picks the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation). Still choose this one if: you want a cheaper streamer that works with the Google Home ecosystem.
vs Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen)84
- What Hi-Fi? picks the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen). Still choose this one if: you need Google's AI features or are deeply invested in the Google ecosystem.
What critics praise most
What critics dislike most
Other streaming devices critics rate highly
Common questions
Is the Google TV Streamer worth it?
Most critics think so: 12 of 14 recommend it. Limited to Wi-Fi 5, no HDMI cable.
Do critics agree about the Google TV Streamer?
Broad agreement: scores range from 70 (Tech Advisor) to 90 (The Verge), a spread of 20 points across 14 reviews. Most reviewers land fairly close together.
What do critics dislike about the Google TV Streamer?
Price (6 of 14 reviews), Software and app (3 of 14 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Google TV Streamer?
The Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) (critic score 87), best overall.