We recently got our hands on the new Google TV Streamer 4K, with Google sending it over for a hands-on. Priced at $129.99, this streaming device now comes with a new design to sit atop your mantle or TV table (instead of being a USB dongle), smart home control, and a sleek design. Here’s how it performed.
Inside the box you get the Google TV Streamer 4K itself, plus the new remote, which has shortcut buttons for YouTube and Netflix. The plastic feels incredibly light. There’s a USB-A power adapter and USB-A to USB-C cable that powers the main unit. An HDMI 2.1 cable is recommended and not included. There’s also an ethernet port on the back. It supports Wi-Fi 5 (and not Wi-Fi 6), which is not the latest wireless protocol.
The initial setup wasn’t as smooth as we hoped. Pairing the remote is straightforward—just hold the back and home buttons together—and selecting a language is simple. However, setting it up using the Google Home app was a mixed experience. The app directs you to scan a QR code displayed on your TV, but we encountered multiple “connection failed” errors.
When we switched to manual setup using the remote, it was time-consuming (we ditched pecking at a keyboard with the remote half-way through). Eventually, after some troubleshooting, the Google Home app setup finally worked.
Navigating the interface is relatively snappy (it didn’t seem blazing fast and smooth like an Apple TV, but also wasn’t slow), and the visuals are impressive, with 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos all supported. The 32GB storage lets you install plenty of apps, while the faster processor makes app-switching smooth. For fast forwarding though, it was slower than an Apple TV as you can’t tap down and roll circles or swipe. You need to tap forward and hold here, and wait.
There’s also Google Gemini that summarizes shows and other details, which saves you time when trying to find something to watch.
For Android users or fans of Google’s ecosystem, the Google TV Streamer 4K might be calling your name. It blends entertainment and smart home functionality seamlessly, though the setup process could be smoother. That could have just been us, as we have never had issues setting up Google devices before.
While we won’t be switching away from our Apple TV 4K, the Google TV Streamer 4K holds its own, especially if you’re invested in Google services or looking for a device that combines streaming and smart home control. It’s definitely an upgrade if you’re coming from an older Chromecast (compared to the Chromecast 4K, you get 4x the storage and 2x the RAM, but at double the price).
The Google TV Streamer 4K is available from Google for $129.99 (entry Apple TV 4K is $129) and is also available on Amazon.ca.
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$129 box might work for the Apple user base but not likely for the Fandroids.
Ridiculously overpriced. It should cost under $50 CDN. The Walmart Onn Pro is still the best value now but it's not available in Canada at the moment.