The Google TV Streamer is the latest Google TV player to arrive, and one that marks a change in device philosophy for the company. Overall, the Google TV Streamer is designed to be a major upgrade over the Chromecast with Google TV, so most homes will find it is the best option for them.
That said, whether it is actually worth upgrading from the Chromecast with Google TV depends on a number of factors, including whether a home feels they need a more powerful device, and whether they are willing to pay for a more expensive device.
While Google has confirmed it is discontinuing the Chromecast line, the company has also confirmed that existing Chromecast devices will continue to receive software and security updates. In this sense, there’s no imminent reason for Chromecast with Google TV owners to upgrade to the latest device.
The Specs Differences
There’s no doubt that the Google TV Streamer is a more powerful device in general. Here’s a quick overview of how the main specs compare.
Google TV Streamer vs Chromecast
Streaming Better Rating
TBD
Price
$99.99
4K: $49.99
HD: $29.99
Memory
4GB
4K: 2GB
HD: 1.5GB
Storage
32GB
8GB
OS
Android TV OS
Android TV OS
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 GHz/5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.1
Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 GHz/5 GHz), Bluetooth
Resolution
Up to 4K HDR, 60 FPS
4K: Up to 4K HDR, 60 FPS
HD: Up to 1080p HDR, 60 FPS
Video
Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
4K: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
HD: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Audio
Dolby Atmos
Dolby-encoded audio (HDMI pass-through)
Ports
USB-C, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet
HDMI
As the table shows, the Google TV Streamer wins out in the specs department. It features more memory and a faster processor which should combine to offer improved performance in general.
Adding to this, it also comes with more storage. This should not only make it a better option for storage of apps and media, but also in terms of app performance and management as well.
For those that already find the Chromecast with Google TV’s storage to be too limiting, or the device to be a little sluggish, then upgrading to the new model may be worth it.
The Price Difference
The Google TV Streamer is a more powerful device and that power brings with it a much higher price tag. Ever since launch, the Chromecast with Google TV has remained priced at $29.99 for the HD version and $49.99 for the 4K version in the United States, making it a relatively cheap device. The Chromecast with Google TV lineup has also commonly gone on sale, often dropping down to as low as $19.99 for the HD version.
In contrast, the Google TV Streamer comes with a $99.99 price tag attached in the U.S. At this price, it costs twice as much as the Chromecast with Google TV 4K. While the Google TV Streamer is still too new to encounter any major price drops, it would seem unlikely that it would ever drop lower than $70 when on sale.
Even at a massively discounted price, the Google TV Streamer is likely to still be far more expensive than the Chromecast with Google TV 4K ever was, and that’s a fairly big price to pay when you already have a fully functional streaming player.
A Dongle vs A Set-Top Box
One of the more obvious differences between these two streaming players is the design. While the Chromecast with Google TV 4K features the more familiar dongle shape and design, the Google TV Streamer is more similar to a traditional set-top box.
Which of these designs is ultimate better is hard to say, but upgrading to the Google TV Streamer will certainly result in a device that’s harder to hide. For those that prefer to minimize their setup, they may want to stick with the dongle design of the Chromecast with Google TV.
One of the reasons for the change in design is the greater emphasis on a smart home hub. The Google TV Streamer is built to control other smart home products and the Google TV interface includes a new home panel to further help with controlling those other devices.
If smart home control is something you would benefit from, then the Google TV Streamer might be worth the upgrade. Even though it is possible that the Chromecast lineup could receive similar support through updates, the Google TV Streamer features Matter support and a built-in Thread border router, which should make it compatible with even more smart devices in the home.
So Should You Upgrade To The Google TV Streamer?
Both streaming players offer a relatively similar experience, due to the use of Google TV. However, the Google TV Streamer is a more powerful device and this should make it better at handling operations in general.
How much better is debatable, but those wanting the more powerful device, and one that’s more future-proof, will want to consider upgrading to the Google TV Streamer.
Google TV Streamer
$99.99
A premium Google TV 4K player. Google TV brings together free live channels and Play Store apps for a robust streaming experience.
If dropping another $100 on a new streaming player feels like a lot then we don’t see any immediate reason why existing Chromecast with Google TV users should upgrade. At least, not yet. As time goes on the Google TV Streamer is likely to go on sale (maybe even as soon as this Black Friday), lessening the cost in upgrading.
For those that do plan to upgrade, whether now or at a later time, the Chromecast with Google TV will still be a great device to keep hold of, and one that could be used in a second room or kept as a backup.
Not to mention, the design of the Chromecast makes it a much better option for transporting, making it ideal for use on vacations and other trips away from home.
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