Head-to-head · Best Streaming Devices

Google TV Streamer 4K vs Roku Streaming Stick Plus

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 4.0). 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.

Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Streaming Devices

Google TV Streamer 4K

4.1

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 Amazon Full review →

Ranked #3 in Best Streaming Devices

Roku Streaming Stick Plus

4.0

3 sources$34.99as of Oct 11

The Roku Streaming Stick Plus delivers native 4K resolution at 60Hz with HDR10+ and HLG support in an extremely compact form factor that avoids blocking adjacent HDMI ports. Expert Reviews found it to be a simple, effective entry-level streamer powered directly via USB-C without a separate wall adapter. However, the device lacks Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio formats, relying on older Wi-Fi 5 connectivity instead of modern standards. CNET reported significant software instability during initial setup, with frequent app crashes and buffering issues that require multiple system resets to stabilize. This model fits users seeking a clean interface for secondary TVs or travel who prioritize ease of use over premium features, while those requiring robust wireless performance or advanced audio-visual formats should look elsewhere.

Strengths

— Extremely compact form factor that avoids blocking adjacent HDMI ports on most televisions
— Supports 4K resolution at up to 60Hz with HDR10+ and HLG compatibility
— Includes a dedicated voice remote with shortcut buttons for Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, and Prime Video

Watch-outs

— Lacks support for Dolby Vision HDR or Dolby Atmos audio formats
— Equipped with older Wi-Fi 5 dual-band connectivity instead of modern Wi-Fi 6 standards

$34.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full 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 Plus

The Roku Streaming Stick Plus adds 4K and HDR10+ over the 1080p Roku Streaming Stick (2025), and both can be powered from a TV USB port. Unlike the Roku Ultra (2024), it lacks Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos and uses Wi-Fi 5 rather than Wi-Fi 6.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Google TV Streamer 4K	Roku Streaming Stick Plus
Processor	MediaTek MT8696	—
Resolution	4K	4K (2160p) at 60Hz
Audio Support	Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital	Dolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround
Connectivity	802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5)	Dual-band Wi-Fi 5
OS	Google TV (Android 14)	—
HDR Support	HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision	HDR10+, HLG

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