Google is turning a page in its history with the Google TV Streamer 4K streaming box. After a decade of loyal service, the Chromecast is bowing out, making way for a more ambitious product. Priced at €119, this streaming box abandons the compact size of its predecessor for a larger pebble design, intended to sit proudly alongside your TV. On the menu: a beefy spec sheet with 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage, a long-awaited Ethernet port, and the integration of modern smart home technologies like Matter and Thread.
The Google TV Streamer 4K clearly targets a different audience than the Chromecast. Whereas the latter simply transformed a traditional TV into a Smart TV, the new box is aimed at users who want to enhance the experience of their existing system. Owners of LG TVs running webOS, Samsung, or other sometimes sluggish operating systems will find a smooth and responsive alternative here. But at this price, can the product compete with the Apple TV 4K at €190 or the venerable Nvidia Shield TV Pro at €219?
Our review reveals a product that's accomplished in many ways, with remarkable fluidity and intelligent management of streaming services. However, a few compromises and the absence of Gemini dampen enthusiasm. Here's our detailed analysis after several days of intensive use of the Google TV Streamer 4K.
Table of Contents
Design and ergonomics
Google has opted for a clear aesthetic departure with the Google TV Streamer 4K. Gone is the discreet HDMI dongle, replaced by an elongated pebble-shaped box that measures approximately 16 cm in length. The understated off-white finish (an anthracite version is also available) blends naturally into a modern environment. The device also recalls the design of the Google Wifi Pro, creating a visual coherence for those who already own other products in the ecosystem.
The slightly raised rear section houses the various connection ports. This slope facilitates access to the connections while maintaining a low profile on the TV stand. The overall package exudes quality manufacturing, even if the relatively soft cardboard packaging clashes with the more premium standards of the Pixel range.
Unlike the Chromecast, which hid behind the TV, the Google TV Streamer 4K asserts its presence. This design choice may not suit die-hard minimalists, but the object remains discreet enough to blend into the decor. The only regret is the absence of a LED on the front to confirm the device's power status, which can create moments of uncertainty when turning it on.
Google TV Streamer 4K connectivity and installation
The Google TV Streamer 4K streaming box features three essential ports: a USB-C for power, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and an HDMI 2.1 output. This connectivity, while minimalist, meets the needs of most users. The Ethernet port is a welcome upgrade, absent from traditional Chromecasts (only the Stadia model had it via the power adapter). For cloud gaming players or fans of 4K HDR content, this wired connection guarantees optimal bandwidth stability.
However, we would have appreciated a second USB-C port to connect an external hard drive, a controller, or any other peripheral. This technical limitation contrasts with the Shield TV Pro, which offers more expansion options. Setting up the Google TV Streamer 4K is nonetheless simple: plug in the power supply, connect the HDMI cable to the TV, and optionally connect the Ethernet cable. The initial setup process takes just a few minutes via your Android smartphone.
When it comes to supported formats, the Google TV Streamer 4K makes no compromises: 4K at 60 Hz, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos are all on the menu. The device decodes all modern audio and video formats without flinching. However, unlike the Shield TV, which offers hardware upscaling via its Tegra chip, the Google TV Streamer sticks to standard image processing.
Interface and performance
This is undoubtedly the Google TV Streamer 4K's greatest asset: fluidity. From the first few seconds of use, the difference with previous Chromecasts is obvious. Navigating the Google TV interface provides a feeling of responsiveness comparable to switching from 60 to 120 Hz on a smartphone. No more micro-latencies or slowdowns: every action responds instantly, from scrolling through tiles to launching apps.
This speed is explained by an upgraded technical sheet. With 4 GB of RAM (compared to 2 GB previously) and 32 GB of internal storage (compared to 8 GB), the system can finally breathe. The MediaTek MT8696 processor, although dating from 2021, proves to be perfectly sized for its intended use. Applications launch without delay, multitasking works smoothly, and switching between streaming services is seamless.
The Google TV interface itself is a strong selling point for multi-service subscribers. The system intelligently aggregates all your content from Netflix, Disney+, Canal+, Prime Video, YouTube, and other platforms. The home screen presents a unified view of your currently playing series and movies, regardless of the source service. No more switching between apps to find where you left off: everything appears centralized on the Google TV Streamer 4K's main page.
Google TV's personal list feature further enhances the experience. Add any content to your list from any platform, and the system will automatically link to the service where it's available. This centralization avoids the need for multiple lists on each app. The recommendation algorithm intelligently prioritizes the services you use most, preventing you from drowning in suggestions.
The quick menu accessible via the Home button follows the Android codes, providing direct access to Wi-Fi, audio outputs, screen saver mode, and Bluetooth devices. Connecting a wireless headset takes just a few seconds, often more easily than with native TV menus.
Gaming and streaming performance
For cloud gaming enthusiasts, the Google TV Streamer 4K delivers on its promises despite some technical compromises. GeForce Now works stably with an Ethernet connection, allowing you to enjoy AAA titles like Sifu in good conditions. Pairing it with a Bluetooth controller (a Stadia in our test) offers a smooth and responsive experience, even if the box remains equipped with Bluetooth 5.1 without upgrading to more recent standards.
Connection stability is a major asset for gaming. Even with WiFi 5 (the lack of WiFi 6 is disappointing), the measured speeds are very good and more than enough to avoid the slightest lag during gaming sessions. The Ethernet port obviously offers even greater stability, particularly appreciated for competitive games where every millisecond counts. Latency remains contained in both cases, guaranteeing decent playability.
However, the GeForce Now app itself is showing some signs of wear and tear, with occasional slowdowns. Benchmarks reveal scores that are average for box-based gaming, far from the performance seen on modern smartphones. Even more telling: the performance gap with the previous Chromecast is limited to an average of 15-20%. This modest improvement explains why the Google TV Streamer 4K hasn't dethroned the Shield TV in gaming. The latter retains an advantage thanks to its dedicated GeForce Now optimization, its Tegra graphics chip, and its hardware upscaling features, which always make a difference for demanding gamers.
Fans of 4K HDR content will appreciate the extensive compatibility with all modern formats. Switching between different HDR standards (HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision) is done automatically depending on the content being viewed on the Google TV Streamer 4K. Dolby Atmos, an audio innovation compared to the previous Chromecast, is correctly transmitted to a compatible soundbar or home theater system, enriching immersion in games and movies.
Bottom line: The Google TV Streamer 4K does a good job of serving casual cloud gaming needs, but hardcore gamers will likely find the Shield TV more suited to their needs, despite its age.
Advanced remote control
Google is delivering a slightly redesigned remote control compared to the Chromecast remote. About one centimeter longer, it's more comfortable to hold. The buttons are well positioned and respond precisely. There are dedicated YouTube and Netflix shortcuts (non-customizable), as well as a volume rocker, traditional navigation controls, and a Home button.
The main new feature is the customizable star button. You can assign it to open Google Home, launch a specific app, or even switch HDMI sources. This flexibility comes in handy for quickly accessing your favorite streaming app or GeForce Now for gamers.
Another welcome addition is the "Find My Remote" feature. From the Google TV Streamer 4K interface or the Google Home app on your smartphone, you can make a remote control misplaced in the couch cushions play a sound. This feature seems innocuous until the day you spend ten minutes searching for the remote to start your series. It could have been even more useful with a visual tracking system, but audio is usually enough.
The only downside concerns the power supply: the remote still runs on two AAA batteries. A USB-C charging system would have been more modern and environmentally friendly, avoiding the need to worry about replenishing batteries. That said, the battery life is measured in months, which limits the hassle.
The remote can also control the TV itself after setup. It controls power on, off, and volume, potentially allowing you to put away the TV's original remote. Several testers configured their Samsung or LG to automatically point to the Google TV Streamer 4K's HDMI port upon startup, effectively transforming the Google box into the main system.
Google and voice assistant integration
The Google ecosystem is fully expressed in this streaming box. The interface adopts the visual codes of Android with its quick menu and settings tiles. For users of Pixel smartphones or other Google devices, the transition to the Google TV Streamer 4K is seamless.
Google's voice assistant remains functional, although it can be improved. Asking "Play The Three Musketeers" will trigger a search offering different platforms where you can find the content. To launch it directly, you need to specify the service: "Play The Three Musketeers on Canal+." The command works... most of the time. Some services like MyCanal exhibit erratic behavior, with random opening failures despite an active subscription. On the other hand, "Play My Little Reindeer on Netflix" does trigger direct playback.
These approximations remain frustrating in 2024, especially since Google TV otherwise handles multiple subscriptions excellently. The assistant deserves more reliability to fully exploit the potential of the Google TV Streamer 4K's content aggregation.
Google Home integration turns your TV into a basic home automation hub. You can view feeds from your connected cameras, control lighting, or adjust the thermostat from the living room screen. This feature will appeal to users already invested in the Nest and Google Home ecosystem, even if it remains less sophisticated than a true dedicated hub.
Hub Matter and Thread: Towards the Universal Connected Home
Beyond streaming, the Google TV Streamer 4K incorporates smart home technologies. It acts as a Matter hub, a unified standard that aims to connect connected objects from different brands. Specifically, it can centralize and control Matter-compatible devices, whether they come from Amazon (Echo), Apple (HomePod), or other manufacturers. This standardization reduces the barriers between ecosystems, to the greater benefit of the user.
The device also serves as a Thread border router. This communication protocol allows Thread-enabled devices to communicate with each other via a mesh topology, improving range and responsiveness. If your home has Nanoleaf Thread bulbs or Eve Systems sensors, the Google TV Streamer 4K will participate in the mesh network to extend coverage.
These features remain transparent to the average user, but they position the product as a central element of the connected home of tomorrow. For those gradually investing in home automation, this is a powerful argument.
The great absentee: Gemini
This is probably the biggest disappointment of the Google TV Streamer 4K: the absence of Gemini. Google's generative AI assistant, already deployed on smartphones and computers, remains absent from this box. Yet, the use cases seem obvious: getting a summary of a series before watching it, personalized recommendations based on your preferences, synthesized user reviews, or YouTube video suggestions based on specific questions.
Google Assistant, while functional, feels dated compared to the capabilities of modern conversational AI. Its literal responses and lack of context quickly frustrate. Nest Hub products and the Google TV Streamer 4K would benefit from a major update to integrate Gemini.
According to some sources, this feature will arrive before the end of 2024 via a software update. It remains to be seen whether this promise will materialize and under what conditions (free or via a paid subscription?). In the meantime, the Google TV Streamer 4K is lagging behind on this front in the face of emerging AI assistant capabilities.
Advanced options and limitations
For demanding users or tinkerers, the Google TV Streamer 4K shows some limitations. The settings interface remains relatively clean, with all HDR and audio formats supported, but few fine-grained options for tweaking the image or sound. You won't find advanced upscaling settings like on the Shield TV, nor the ability to play with ports or color profiles.
The lack of a second USB-C or USB-A port is noticeable for those who want to connect an external storage device or other accessories. The Google TV Streamer 4K focuses on its core mission of streaming without attempting to become a versatile media center.
The MediaTek MT8696 processor, while powerful for everyday use, dates back to 2021. It will be more than enough to install a VPN, enjoy numerous applications and navigate the interface, but it will not allow you to push performance as far as a latest-generation Tegra chip for niche uses.
Price and competitive positioning
At €119-120, the Google TV Streamer 4K is positioned in a delicate price range. The price has tripled compared to the Chromecast with Google TV (which retails for around €40), which represents a significant investment. However, compared to its high-end competitors, the price seems competitive.
The Apple TV 4K with Ethernet starts at €190, or €70 more. The Shield TV Pro has a list price of €219, although it can be found on sale for around €160-180 given its age (released in 2019). Both alternatives offer more powerful chips and additional features: Apple ecosystem for one, AI upscaling and gaming optimization for the other.
The Google TV Streamer 4K streaming box is therefore positioned as a compelling middle-of-the-road option for "the average person" who simply wants a smooth, flexible TV OS without the hassle. For those looking to enhance their existing Smart TV experience on a budget, the equation seems balanced. Android users and subscribers to multiple streaming services will find this a natural fit.
On the other hand, avid cloud gamers and technical perfectionists will likely gravitate toward the Shield TV despite its age. And Apple users deeply integrated into their ecosystem will logically favor the Apple TV 4K.
✔ Exemplary fluidity of the Google TV interface.
✔ Finally generous hardware configuration (4 GB RAM, 32 GB storage).
✔ Smart aggregation of streaming services.
✔ Ethernet port for a stable connection.
✔ “Find my remote” function.
✔ Integrated Matter Hub and Thread router (home automation).
✔ Competitive price compared to Apple TV and Shield TV.
✔ Full compatibility of 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos formats.
✔ Simple and discreet design.
✖ Absence of Gemini at launch.
✖ Remote control operated by batteries (vs. rechargeable battery).
✖ Limited connectivity (only one USB-C port).
✖ No visible power diode .
✖ Google Assistant is sometimes capricious.
✖ GeForce Now performance down vs Shield TV.
✖ Limited advanced options for demanding users.
✖ Price tripled compared to the standard Chromecast (€40 vs €120).
Google TV Streamer 4K verdict
The Google TV Streamer 4K represents a mature and successful evolution of the streaming box concept. By abandoning the ultra-compact form factor of the Chromecast, Google has finally been able to integrate a hardware configuration that's up to par: 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage transform the daily experience. The exemplary fluidity of the interface is the product's major strength, providing immediate ease of use.
The intelligent aggregation of streaming services is particularly appealing to multi-subscribers, offering a unified view of their content. The addition of an Ethernet port , the remote control location and the integration of Matter and Thread modernize the whole without revolutionizing the use.
There are tradeoffs, though: no Gemini , battery-powered remote, limited connectivity, lower advanced features, and slightly lower gaming performance than the Shield TV. Google's voice assistant is also showing signs of fatigue in the face of modern expectations.
At €120 , the Google TV Streamer 4K convinces with its balance between performance, features and price . It will advantageously replace a sluggish TV OS while remaining more accessible than the Apple TV 4K . Google has signed here a worthy successor to the Chromecast, even if a few software developments (Gemini in particular) would allow to fully exploit its potential.
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