Head-to-head · Best Streaming Devices

Google TV Streamer 4K vs Roku Ultra (2024)

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

Roku Ultra (2024) comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.2 vs 4.1). Roku Ultra (2024) is best for: Audiophiles and home theater users demanding high-fidelity wireless performance. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #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

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Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Streaming Devices

Roku Ultra (2024)

4.2

2 sources

The 2024 Roku Ultra adds Wi-Fi 6 and a backlit, USB-C rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Ed), and CNET noted that it caches the most-used apps to cut loading times. It supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos, and Soundandvision praised its excellent video quality and Dolby Atmos sound separation. However, the new remote has no headphone jack, and CNET found no apparent IR output on it, although Roku told the outlet the remote is IR compatible. Soundandvision also noted that search results favor Roku Channel offerings, which may frustrate users looking for a title on another service.

Strengths

— Includes Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, which CNET had criticized the previous Ultra for lacking.
— Features a backlit Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Ed) with USB-C charging and hands-free voice activation.
— Supports advanced cinematic formats including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos audio playback.

Watch-outs

— The new remote lacks a dedicated headphone jack for private listening.
— Search results in the interface tend to favor Roku Channel offerings over other services.

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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 Ultra (2024)

The Roku Ultra (2024) has Wi-Fi 6, while the Roku Streaming Stick Plus and the Google TV Streamer 4K use Wi-Fi 5. It also supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, both of which the Roku Streaming Stick Plus lacks.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Google TV Streamer 4K	Roku Ultra (2024)
Processor	MediaTek MT8696	Quad-core
Resolution	4K	—
Audio Support	Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital	Dolby Atmos
Connectivity	802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5)	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
OS	Google TV (Android 14)	Roku OS
HDR Support	HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision	Dolby Vision, HDR10+

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