The Roku Streaming Stick 4K arrived to challenge the Chromecast with Google TV and the rest of the $50 streaming devices last year. Each of these streamers comes with an existing audience that somehow knows what to expect, but many may be curious as to which one is right for them.
While Roku’s latest is our pick for best streaming device overall (and, naturally, best Roku device), the question of Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV isn’t exactly a battle to be fought. One Way. In fact, everyone has their own strengths and their own group of fans.
So, let’s unpack how these devices differ and which one is right for you.
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV specs
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs Chromecast with Google TV: Price and value
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs Chromecast with Google TV: Streaming Quality
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV: Performance
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV: Apps
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV: Live TV
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV: Design
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV: Features
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV: Home screen
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV: Remotes
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs Chromecast with Google TV: Which is right for you?
Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV specs
| Roku 4K Streaming Stick | Chromecast with Google TV | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $49.99 | $49.99 |
| Resolution | Up to 4K UHD at 60 fps | Up to 4K UHD at 60 fps |
| Dimensions | 3.7 x 0.8 x 0.5 inches | 6.4 x 2.4 x 0.5 inches |
| Colors | Noir | 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, HDR10/10+ |
| From a distance | Roku voice remote with TV power and volume buttons | Google Assistant-enabled remote with power, volume and TV input buttons |
Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs Chromecast with Google TV: Price and value
While the Roku Streaming Stick 4K seems to go on sale more often, it and the Chromecast with Google TV start at $49.99.
As we describe below, both offer 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos/Vision support. And both come with voice-activated remotes.
Winner: To attach
Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs Chromecast with Google TV: Streaming Quality
Unsurprisingly, this section is also a boost. The Chromecast with Google TV and Roku Streaming Stick 4K stream up to 4K Ultra High-Def at 60fps, and both support Dolby Vision and HDR10+, for stronger, bolder colors.
In terms of audio quality, while neither advertises Dolby Atmos on their box, both seem to have it. Atmos delivers immersive audio sound, if you’re unaware. Roku said Grab that this is due to a licensing issue, while a recent Chromecast update improved Atmos support.
Atmos, according to Roku’s own site, is sent via HDMI pass-through. The latter offers a deeper and more immersive sound.
Winner: To attach
Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV: Performance
Wondering which is faster? Well, while both aren’t as fast as the speedy (and expensive) Apple TV 4K, this is one area where I can see a slight difference.
The Chromecast with Google TV is definitely the slower of the two, with Disney Plus and Netflix taking noticeably longer to load. Not to the point where it’s a bad device, mind you, but Roku Streaming Stick 4K brings apps faster.
Animations, especially on Disney Plus, can appear slightly stuttering on both.
Winner: Roku 4K Streaming Stick
Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV: Apps
If we had written this showdown last year, this battle would have gone to Chromecast with Google TV. Roku’s year was spent with frustrations for subscribers to YouTube’s live TV app, as the YouTube TV app was kicked out of the Roku Channel Store and then forced to hide inside the Roku Channel Store. YouTube app (like how Hulu has its live TV service).
A last-second deal between YouTube TV and Roku saved the day for all parties involved.
And now? Well, both devices have all the apps you could possibly need, with the basics including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, Funimation, Hulu, HBO Max, and Peacock.
Winner: To attach
Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV: Live TV
Cutting the cord has been one of our favorite topics over the past year. And while the Chromecast with Google TV doesn’t do it as well as, say, Fire TV, it still beats the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, especially with the way it connects to one of the best streaming services.
The Chromecast with Google TV has a LIVE section at the top of its screen, where you can connect your channels from YouTube TV and (more recently) Sling TV. And that’s huge if you ask us, because the integration of the live TV guide into the home screen shows that the Chromecast with Google TV knows where the market is going.
We wish the Chromecast could integrate the likes of fubo TV and Hulu with Live TV (two of the best cable TV alternatives), but after YouTube TV and Roku’s beef last year, it’s obvious partnerships are rare. in these waters.
In contrast, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K plays checkers at Chromecast chess. Recently, the Roku OS has added a Live TV area, which is just a way to promote and integrate The Roku Channel’s free live/linear TV channels and promote the apps of live television mentioned above. Integration with these third parties would be much better.
Winner: Chromecast with Google TV
Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV: Design
The Chromecast with Google TV (a dangling oval-shaped puck) and the 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 would enable USB-C hubs for accessories like Ethernet adapters (which we don’t need yet, but power users may prefer for their stable connections).
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K has a long-range Wi-Fi receiver built into its power cable, a plus for those whose routers are far from their entertainment centers. Both are powered by small USB adapters.
We don’t like giving ties, but optional USB-C hub support and built-in Wi-Fi boost are light enough features to make a wash of it.
Winner: To attach
Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV: Features
The new Chromecast still has an edge here as it allows users to cast iOS and Android apps on their phone to the TV screen. And you can mirror a Chrome browser window to the TV. Yes, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K supports AirPlay for Apple devices, but it’s not as widely available as Casting.
The biggest special feature of the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is private listening, which can be really useful for those trying not to blow up their house (and annoy roommates or family members) with the sounds of their shows. Roku also has a library of free, ad-supported content in The Roku Channel, and while there’s no Chromecast app with Google TV for that content, it can be streamed or streamed from there. mobile app from Roku.
The Chromecast with Google TV also comes with a bunch of perks that are totally unrelated to streaming. Google Stadia has its own version of the game for the Chromecast, which you may or may not have already adopted. The Chromecast also supports checking streams from compatible Nest cameras.
Winner: Chromecast
Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV: Home screen
This is the more subjective ride, as your mileage may vary depending on what makes a good home screen. Between the new Chromecast and Roku Streaming Stick 4K, however, we prefer the latter.
Google opted for a home screen focused on content promotion and recommendations. A lot of people probably like that. We count ourselves on the opposite side of the field, preferring what Roku and Apple TV do: give you a grid of apps and get out of your way.
Winner: Roku 4K Streaming Stick
Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV: Remotes
The Chromecast with Google TV is the first Chromecast to pack a remote, and it’s pretty good. And while it has one button we wish the Roku Streaming Stick 4K had – the input switch button near the bottom – we have to give Roku that trick.
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K remote comes with a directional pad and dedicated play/fast forward/rewind buttons. Oh, and it also has an instant replay button, which rewinds just a bit. That alone is enough to make it a winner for us.
Winner: Roku 4K Streaming Stick
Roku Streaming Stick 4K vs Chromecast with Google TV: Which is right for you?
| Roku 4K Streaming Stick | Chromecast with Google TV | |
|---|---|---|
| Price and value (10 points) | 9 | 9 |
| Streaming quality (15 points) | 14 | 14 |
| Performance (15 points) | 14 | ten |
| Apps (10 points) | ten | ten |
| Live TV (10 points) | 4 | 8 |
| Design (10 points) | 9 | 9 |
| Features (10 points) | 6 | 9 |
| Home screen (10 points) | 9 | seven |
| Remote (10 points) | 9 | seven |
| Total (100 points) | 84 | 83 |
And that’s called a nail biter, folks. If anything was proof that these devices are similar, and both worthy of being called two of the best streaming devices, it’s this score of 84-83, with the Roku Streaming Stick 4K taking it by a hair.
In this Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Chromecast face-off with Google TV, we’ve seen how incredibly similar they are across multiple categories, only differing in ways that may or may not interest you.
If you want to stream a video, you know you need to get the Chromecast with Google TV. What if you love free Roku content? Well, go ahead. Both make great streaming devices, and the Chromecast’s attempts to break out of the prison of just streaming are to be commended, though I’m not telling Roku to get into gaming.
But if I had to tell you which of these streaming devices to buy? I recommend the Roku Streaming Stick 4K.
