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Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV: Which streaming device should you buy?

Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV: Which streaming device should you buy?

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K plugged into the back of a TV and the Chromecast with Google TV in a hand
(Image credit: Futurity)

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K arrived to challenge the Chromecast with Google Telly and the rest of the $l streaming devices last twelvemonth. Each of these streamers comes with an existing audience that sort of knows what they expect, but many may be curious nearly which one is right for them.

While Roku's latest is our pick for the best streaming device overall, (and, naturally the best Roku device) the question of Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV is non exactly a one-sided battle. In fact, each has its own strengths, and its own group of fans.

So, let'southward unpack how these devices differ, and which is right for you.

Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google Telly specs

Roku Streaming Stick 4K Chromecast with Google Television receiver
Starting price $49.99 $49.99
Resolution Up to 4K UHD at 60 fps Upwards to 4K UHD at 60 fps
Dimensions three.7 10 0.viii 10 0.5 inches six.4 x two.4 x 0.5 inches
Colors Black Snow, Sunrise, Sky
Supported audio formats Dolby Atmos, Dolby-encoded audio, DTS Digital Surround, Digital stereo Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus
Supported video formats Dolby Vision, HDR10/10+ and HLG Dolby Vision, HDR10/ten+
Remote Roku Voice Remote with TV power and volume buttons Google Assistant-enabled remote with TV power, volume and input buttons

Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google Goggle box: Price and value

While the Roku Streaming Stick 4K seems to go on auction more often, both information technology and the Chromecast with Google Idiot box kickoff at $49.99.

As nosotros outline below, both offer 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos / Vision back up. And both come with vox-enabled remote controls.

Winner: Necktie

Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google Goggle box: Streaming quality

Christoph Waltz in Most Dangerous Game on the Roku Streaming Stick 4K

(Image credit: Henry T. Casey)

Unsurprisingly, this section is also a push. The Chromecast with Google Tv and Roku Streaming Stick 4K stream up to 4K Ultra High-Def at 60 fps, and both support Dolby Vision and HDR10+ formats, for stronger and bolder colors.

In terms of sound quality, while neither annunciate Dolby Atmos on their box, both appear to have it. Atmos provides immersive audio sound, if yous're not aware. Roku told Input that this is because of a licensing issue, while a contempo Chromecast update improved Atmos support.

Atmos, co-ordinate to Roku's own site, is sent via pass-through HDMI. The latter provides a deeper, more immersive sound.

Winner: Tie

Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV: Operation

Wonder what's faster? Well, while both aren't as fast equally the speedy (and pricey) Apple TV 4K, this is 1 area where I tin see a slight departure.

The Chromecast with Google TV is definitely the slower of the two, with Disney Plus and Netflix taking noticeably longer to load. Not to a point where information technology'south a bad device, listen you, simply Roku Streaming Stick 4K brings apps up faster.

Animations, especially on Disney Plus, can appear slightly stuttery on both.

Winner: Roku Streaming Stick 4K

Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV: Apps

If nosotros'd written this face up off last twelvemonth, this battle would take gone to the Chromecast with Google TV. Roku's year was spent with frustrations for YouTube's live Tv app subscribers, as the YouTube TV app was kicked out of the Roku Channel Store, and then forced to hide inside of the YouTube app (like how Hulu has its live TV service).

A concluding second deal between YouTube TV and Roku saved the day for all parties involved.

And now? Well, both devices have every single app you could need, with the basics including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, Funimation, Hulu, HBO Max and Peacock.

Winner: Tie

Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google Idiot box: Alive Tv

Cutting the cord has been one of our favorite topics in the last yr. And while the Chromecast with Google TV doesn't exercise this too as, say, Burn down TV, it's still beating the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, peculiarly with how it connects to one of the best streaming services.

Chromecast with Google TV Live tab open

(Image credit: Google)

The Chromecast with Google Television has a LIVE department at the top of its screen, into which yous can connect your channels from YouTube TV and (more recently) Sling TV. And that's huge if you inquire us, because live TV guide integration into the home screen shows that the Chromecast with Google Television receiver is enlightened of where the marketplace is going.

Nosotros wish the Chromecast could integrate the likes of fubo TV and Hulu with Alive Boob tube (two of the other all-time cable Television set alternatives), but after YouTube TV and Roku's beef last year, information technology's obvious that partnerships are rare in these waters.

By dissimilarity, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is playing checkers to the Chromecast's chess. Recently, the Roku OS added a Live TV Zone, which is only a style to promote and integrate the live/linear complimentary TV channels from The Roku Aqueduct and promote the live TV applications mentioned above. Integration with those third parties would be much better.

Winner: Chromecast with Google Television set

Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google Telly: Design

Chromecast with Google TV in a hand

(Image credit: Google)

Both the Chromecast with Google TV (a dangling oval-shaped puck) and Roku Streaming Stick 4K (a rectangular dongle with HDMI port) are designed to hide behind your TV.

The biggest difference here is that the Chromecast with Google TV uses a USB-C port, which reportedly enables USB-C hubs for accessories such equally ethernet adapters (which we've yet to demand, just ability users may prefer for their stable connections).

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K and all of its parts

(Image credit: Henry T. Casey)

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K has a Long Range Wi-Fi Receiver congenital into its power cable, a perk for those whose routers are far from their entertainment centers. Both draw power from small USB adapters.

We don't like giving out ties but the optional USB-C hub support and integrated Wi-Fi boost are slight plenty features to make this a wash.

Winner: Tie

Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV: Features

The new Chromecast still has an edge hither as it allows users to cast from iOS and Android apps on their phone to the TV screen. And you lot can mirror a Chrome browser window to the TV. Yes, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K supports AirPlay for Apple tree devices, merely that'south not as widely available as Casting.

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K's biggest special feature is individual listening, which can be actually valuable for those trying to not blast their homes (and annoy roommates or family members) with the sounds of their shows. Roku as well has a library of costless ad-supported content in The Roku Channel, and while in that location is no Chromecast with Google TV app for that content, it can be cast or streamed from Roku's mobile app.

The Chromecast with Google TV also comes with a agglomeration of perks completely unrelated to streaming. Google Stadia has its own version of gaming for the Chromecast, which you may or may not have adopted all the same. The Chromecast also supports checking the feeds from compatible Nest cams.

Winner: Chromecast

Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV: Home screen

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K home screen on a TV

(Image credit: Henry T. Casey)

This is the virtually subjective round, equally your mileage may vary on what makes a good home screen. Betwixt the new Chromecast and Roku Streaming Stick 4K, though, we adopt the latter.

Chromecast with Google TV home screen loaded on a TV on a wooden surface

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Google opted for a home screen that's centered around content-promotion and recommendations. Many people probably like that. We count ourselves on the opposite side of the field, preferring what Roku and Apple tree TV do: give you lot a filigree of apps and get out of your way.

Winner: Roku Streaming Stick 4K

Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV: Remotes

Chromecast with Google TV review

(Image credit: Google)

The Chromecast with Google TV is the first Chromecast to pack a remote, and it's pretty good. And while it has ane push that we wish the Roku Streaming Stick 4K had — the input-switching button near the bottom — nosotros gotta give this round to Roku.

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K's remote

(Paradigm credit: Henry T. Casey)

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K remote comes with both a directional pad and defended play/fast-forward/rewind buttons. Oh, and it also has an instant replay button, which rewinds simply a small scrap. That alone is enough to make information technology a winner for us.

Winner: Roku Streaming Stick 4K

Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV: Which is right for yous?

Roku Streaming Stick 4K Chromecast with Google TV
Price and value (10 points) ix 9
Streaming quality (fifteen points) 14 xiv
Performance (xv points) xiv x
Apps (10 points) 10 10
Live TV (10 points) four 8
Design (10 points) 9 ix
Features (ten points) six nine
Home Screen (10 points) nine 7
Remote (10 points) ix 7
Total (100 points) 84 83

And that's what nosotros call a smash-biter, folks. If annihilation was proof-positive that these devices are similar, and both worthy of being chosen two of the all-time streaming devices, it's that score of 84-83, with the Roku Streaming Stick 4K taking it by a hair.

In this Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV face-off, nosotros've seen how they're incredibly similar in multiple categories, only differing in ways that may or may non exactly matter a whole lot to you.

If yous desire to cast video, you know you should get the Chromecast with Google TV. And if you beloved Roku'due south costless content? Well, become right ahead. Both make for peachy streaming devices, and the Chromecast's attempts to break out from the prison house of just-streaming are to be commended, fifty-fifty though I am not telling Roku to get into gaming.

But if I had to tell you lot which one of these streaming devices to buy? I'g recommending the Roku Streaming Stick 4K.

Henry is a senior editor at Tom's Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past six-plus years. Prior to joining Tom'southward Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Mag. He's likewise covered the wild world of professional person wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/face-off/roku-streaming-stick-4k-vs-chromecast-with-google-tv-which-streaming-device-should-you-buy

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