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Head-to-head · Best Streaming Devices

Google TV Streamer 4K vs Roku Streaming Stick (2025)

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Google TV Streamer 4K comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.1 vs 3.9). Google TV Streamer 4K is best for: Smart home enthusiasts who need a built-in Matter hub and wired Ethernet stability. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Google TV Streamer 4K
Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Streaming Devices
Google TV Streamer 4K
1 source$149.99as of Oct 11

The Google TV Streamer features a MediaTek MT8696 processor and 4GB of RAM that CNET found deliver snappy performance suitable for cloud gaming, while its built-in Thread radio allows it to act as a Matter hub. The remote includes an infrared blaster and speaker, which 6monthslater.net noted helps locate the device easily. However, XDA Developers reported persistent UI freezes, screen flickering, and unstable HDMI-CEC handshakes that cause random power cycling of connected devices. Additionally, reliance on Wi-Fi 5 limits future-proofing compared to modern standards, making this unit best for wired setups or smart home enthusiasts who can tolerate software bugs.

Strengths
  • — MediaTek MT8696 processor and 4GB RAM deliver snappy performance suitable for cloud gaming
  • — Built-in Thread border router acts as a Matter hub for smart home devices
  • — Gigabit Ethernet port provides stable connectivity alongside Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Watch-outs
  • — User interface suffers from random freezes, lag, and flickering screens
  • — HDMI-CEC handshake is unstable causing devices to power on or off randomly
  • — Wi-Fi 5 standard lacks future-proofing compared to modern Wi-Fi 6E routers
$149.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Roku Streaming Stick (2025)
Ranked #5 in Best Streaming Devices
Roku Streaming Stick (2025)
3 sources

The Roku Streaming Stick (2025) is Roku's least expensive player, a 1080p stick that plugs directly into an HDMI port and can run off a TV USB port. PCMag found it loaded apps and streamed video quickly and praised the simple interface and Apple AirPlay support. PCWorld highlighted that its voice remote controls TV volume and power, an upgrade over the old Roku Express remote. However, it does not support 4K or HDR, TechRadar noted a little lag when navigating the interface, and PCWorld measured weak Wi-Fi performance at long range.

Strengths
  • — Voice remote controls TV power and volume, which PCWorld called a big upgrade over the old Roku Express remote
  • — Can be powered from a TV USB port; PCMag measured power draw at just 2.2W
  • — Simple, accessible Roku interface with Apple AirPlay support
Watch-outs
  • — Limited to 1080p with no HDR support
  • — TechRadar noted a little lag when navigating the interface
  • — No Twitch app on the Roku platform, according to PCMag
Buy at roku.comFull review →

How they stack up

Google TV Streamer 4K

The Google TV Streamer 4K is limited to Wi-Fi 5, while the Roku Ultra (2024) and the Onn 4K Pro (2026) both have Wi-Fi 6. Its Gigabit Ethernet port is faster than the 100 Mbps port on the Onn 4K Pro (2026), and it has 4GB of RAM against 3GB in the Onn 4K Pro (2026).

Roku Streaming Stick (2025)

The Roku Streaming Stick (2025) tops out at 1080p without HDR, while the Roku Streaming Stick Plus adds 4K and HDR10+. Both sticks can be powered from a TV USB port.

Specs side-by-side

SpecGoogle TV Streamer 4KRoku Streaming Stick (2025)
ProcessorMediaTek MT8696—
Resolution4K1080p
Audio SupportDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby DigitalDTS Digital Surround and Dolby-encoded audio pass-through over HDMI
Connectivity802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5)Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)
OSGoogle TV (Android 14)Roku OS
HDR SupportHDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby VisionNone
Power—USB-C, approx. 2.2W when streaming
Size—3.7 x 0.80 x 0.45 inches
Model—3840R
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