Google TV Streamer (4K) Review: Fast, With a Hub Inside

If you are weighing up a Google TV Streamer (4K) review before buying, the question is probably whether a mid-range streaming box can justify itself next to cheaper streaming devices. The Streamer pairs 4K HDR streaming with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and smart home features such as Matter and a Thread border router. It is aimed at people who want one box under the TV to handle both entertainment and the connected home.

This review is based on manufacturer specs and what independent experts report, not hands-on testing by us.

What the Google TV Streamer (4K) is

The Streamer connects to the TV over HDMI 2.1 and is powered through USB-C, with a power adapter and a 1.8 m power cable in the box. The package also includes a voice remote with 2 AAA batteries. It sits in the mid-range price tier, and a common criticism is that it is pricey compared with cheaper streaming devices.

Its case rests on 32 GB of storage and 4 GB of memory, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a smart home layer. Five independent expert guides recommend it, and the four published scores we have average 8.7/10. Tom's Guide gives it 4.5/5, Engadget 87/100, Android Authority 9/10 and AVForums 8/10. That is a consistent picture of a strong product with a few clear caveats.

Design and build

The Streamer measures 6.4 x 3.0 x 1.0 in and weighs 5.7 oz. It comes in two colors, Hazel and Porcelain. Google says the body uses at least 65% recycled plastic, which will matter to buyers who care about the environmental side of electronics.

The main design criticism from reviewers is the size. The body is bulky and hard to hide behind a TV, which is a real consideration if you want a clean setup or tight shelf space. It is a device you plan around rather than one you forget about.

The ports are sensible for a living-room box: HDMI 2.1 (Type A), USB-C for power and data, and an Ethernet port. One small annoyance is that an HDMI cable is not included, so you may need to buy one if you do not have a spare.

Features and what they mean day to day

Picture and sound

The Streamer supports up to 4K HDR at 60 FPS. On the video side it handles Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG. For audio it supports Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Atmos. In practice that means it can pass the main premium HDR and surround formats to a compatible TV or soundbar, so you are not locked out of a format your equipment can show. Whether you see the benefit depends on your TV and speakers.

Storage and memory

The box has 32 GB of storage and 4 GB of memory. Reviewers praise this as leaving plenty of room for apps, and the memory is intended to support quick switching between them. If you install a lot of streaming services, games and utilities, the extra headroom is one of the practical reasons to consider it over a basic streamer.

The remote

The voice remote has a customizable button and a remote finder. The finder is a small but welcome feature in any home where the remote disappears into sofa cushions. The customizable button lets you set a shortcut for something you use often, rather than relying only on fixed buttons.

Gemini features

Google highlights Gemini-powered show summaries and AI screensavers. These are extras rather than reasons to buy on their own. Show summaries can help when you are deciding what to watch, and the screensavers are a way to personalize the screen when the box is idle. Treat them as a bonus.

Smart home tools

This is where the Streamer differs most from a plain media player. A home panel lets you control smart home devices and view camera feeds while you are watching. Matter support and a built-in Thread border router mean it can act as part of your smart home network. Reviewers single this out as a strength.

If you want to read about a dedicated smart home hub for comparison, our Aqara Hub M3 review covers a device built around that job.

Performance, connectivity and day-to-day use

The most consistent praise from reviewers is for speed. Navigation is described as fast and smooth, and apps load quickly. That fits the 4 GB of memory and 32 GB of storage, though we have not measured it ourselves, and we would not put a number on it.

For connectivity, there is a built-in Gigabit Ethernet port that runs at up to 10/100/1000 Mbps. Reviewers like that it allows a steadier wired connection, which is useful for 4K streaming if your router is in reach or you have a wired point near the TV. Wireless is 802.11ac on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, with Bluetooth 5.1.

That Wi-Fi spec is one of the criticisms. The Streamer is Wi-Fi 5 only, with no Wi-Fi 6 support. The Ethernet port gives a wired alternative if Wi-Fi speed matters to you. But if you are building a network around newer Wi-Fi standards and want the box to match, it is worth knowing.

What experts like and what they criticise

Reviewers praise:

• Fast, smooth navigation and quick app loading.
• Support for 4K HDR with Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos.
• Generous storage and memory for apps.
• The Gigabit Ethernet port for a steadier wired connection.
• Smart home features, including the panel, Matter and the Thread border router.

A common criticism is:

• The price is high compared with cheaper streaming devices.
• Wi-Fi 5 only, with no Wi-Fi 6.
• The bulky body is hard to hide behind a TV.
• The HDMI cable is not included.

The price criticism is the one most worth weighing. The Streamer is not trying to be the cheapest way to watch video, and a common criticism is that it is pricey compared with cheaper streaming devices.

Who should buy it

The Streamer suits people who want a fast, well-organized 4K streamer that doubles as a smart home hub. It makes the most sense if:

• You have a TV and audio setup that can use Dolby Vision, HDR10+ or Dolby Atmos.
• You run smart home devices and want to control them, or check camera feeds, from the TV.
• You want a wired Ethernet connection for steadier streaming.
• You install a lot of apps and want plenty of storage and memory.

Who should skip it

Skip it if you only need basic streaming. A cheaper streaming device will play video for less, and the extra features here will go unused. It is also a poor fit if you want Wi-Fi 6 support, or if you need a discreet device that tucks out of sight behind the TV. Finally, if you do not own a smart home setup, the Matter and Thread features are not much of a reason to choose it.

How it fits in its category

The Google TV Streamer (4K) is a mid-range-priced streamer with 32 GB of storage, 4 GB of memory, Gigabit Ethernet and smart home features. Those features only help if you use them.

Verdict

The Google TV Streamer (4K) is a well-rounded choice for buyers who want a capable streaming box with the smart home built in. Experts like its speed, its format support and its Ethernet port, and the average expert score of 8.7/10 reflects that. The drawbacks are real but easy to weigh: it costs more than basic streamers, it is limited to Wi-Fi 5, it is bulky, and the HDMI cable is not included. If those fit your setup, it is an easy device to recommend. If you only need a simple way to watch shows, a cheaper option will serve you better.

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