# Google TV Streamer vs. Chromecast with Google TV (4K): A Fresh Era of Streaming
For years, Google’s Chromecast with Google TV (4K) has gained popularity among streaming fans by providing a compact and budget-friendly way to access a multitude of content. Nonetheless, whispers have been circulating about Google developing a new version of the Chromecast, and the result is something completely distinct: the **Google TV Streamer**.
The Google TV Streamer is more than just an improved version of the Chromecast; it signifies a major transformation in Google’s strategy towards streaming hardware. Featuring a new design, improved capabilities, and an emphasis on smart home connectivity, the Google TV Streamer delivers far beyond what its predecessor offered. In this piece, we’ll examine the **Google TV Streamer** alongside the **Chromecast with Google TV (4K)** to assist you in determining which device suits your entertainment needs better.
## A Fresh Design Approach
### Google TV Streamer: An Upscale Redesign
The Google TV Streamer signals a shift from the conventional dongle format of the Chromecast. Rather than connecting directly to the back of your television, the TV Streamer is made to rest on a shelf or stand, similar to an **Apple TV** or **Roku Ultra**. This alteration in form factor provides additional ports and enhanced performance, although it does make the device less portable compared to the Chromecast.
Sporting a sleek, high-end design, the Google TV Streamer comes equipped with three ports: **USB-C**, **HDMI 2.1**, and **Ethernet**. The addition of an Ethernet port is a noteworthy enhancement, facilitating more reliable internet connections, particularly beneficial for 4K content. However, a drawback is that the TV Streamer does not include an HDMI cable, necessitating a separate purchase.
### Chromecast with Google TV (4K): Compact and Travel-Friendly
The Chromecast with Google TV (4K) adheres to the dongle format that originally contributed to the Chromecast’s fame. It connects directly to your TV’s HDMI port and is powered through USB-C. This compact design makes it convenient for travel, but it also constrains the number of ports and overall capabilities.
While the Chromecast is ideal for individuals seeking a straightforward, plug-and-play experience, it lacks the versatility and power of the Google TV Streamer. Moreover, being limited to a **USB-C port** solely for power and lacking an Ethernet option means you rely on Wi-Fi, which may not always ensure the best streaming experience.
## Performance and Features
### Google TV Streamer: Enhanced Performance and Storage
One of the pivotal enhancements of the Google TV Streamer is its performance. Driven by the **MediaTek MT8696 processor**, the TV Streamer boasts **4GB of RAM** and **32GB of internal storage**, representing a significant advancement over the Chromecast’s **2GB of RAM** and **8GB of storage**, which often resulted in performance bottlenecks and restricted app installations.
Additionally, the Google TV Streamer supports **expandable storage** via a USB-C dongle, simplifying the process of storing more apps and content. The device also comes with **Wi-Fi 5** and **Bluetooth 5.1** for improved connectivity, plus support for **Dolby Vision**, **HDR10**, and **Dolby Atmos**.
A prominent feature of the Google TV Streamer is its compatibility with smart home devices. It supports **Matter** and acts as a **Thread border router**, enabling it to function as a central hub for your smart home network. This makes it a great option for users looking for a streaming device that can also manage their smart home technologies.
### Chromecast with Google TV (4K): Sufficient but Outdated
The Chromecast with Google TV (4K) runs on the **Amlogic S905X3 processor**, which, while sufficient for standard streaming, struggles with more intensive tasks. The device’s **2GB of RAM** and **8GB of storage** pose limitations, particularly for those who enjoy using multiple apps. Many users have reported needing to delete apps to free up space for updates, which can be quite inconvenient.
Even though the Chromecast supports **Dolby Vision**, **HDR10**, and **Dolby Atmos**, its overall performance is noticeably slower compared to the Google TV Streamer. The absence of an Ethernet port means reliance on Wi-Fi, which can result in buffering problems, especially when streaming in 4K.
## Smart Home Integration
### Google TV Streamer: A Central Smart Home Node
One of the most impressive aspects of the Google TV Streamer is its capability to serve as a smart home controller. With support for **Matter** and **Thread**, the TV Streamer can manage a diverse array of smart home devices, extending beyond Google’s Nest ecosystem. The device also works seamlessly with the **Google Home** app, allowing control over your lights, cameras, and other
