Google TV Streamer

I prefer the Google interface to Apple's, as I use Android, but I still find myself waffling between the Roku and the Google streaming devices, because they're both so good and easy to use. For now, I'd call it a toss-up based entirely on which ecosystem you prefer (and probably how many smart devices you have). Roku has a backlit remote, but Google can turn on the lights. You'll have to decide which is best for you.

The Google TV Streamer is a completely redesigned streaming device, but the changes are more than aesthetic, as it boasts a new interface to control smart home devices, and uses AI to help you make more informed decisions on what to watch. But, it’s twice as expensive as the previous generation, and more in line with premium devices from Roku, Apple, and Amazon.

This is the best set-top box Google has made yet. It’s not some earth-shattering new idea or game-changing improvement on the formula, but Google TV is the best streaming UI on the market, and the hardware doesn’t hold the streamer back this time. Combined with an easy-to-use smart home panel and Matter and Thread support, all for under $100, this is the set-top box we’d recommend to most people.

Although Google killed off the Chromecast line to bring it to us, the Google TV Streamer is a worthy successor. With hardware upgrades across the board, this is the most powerful Android TV device we've ever seen from Google. When you add in some truly useful new features — including Google Home support, Thread/Matter support, and a new Find My Remote button — you have the new Google TV device to beat. It's still not as powerful as an NVIDIA Shield, but for the average user, this is the only Android TV box to buy.