Google TV Streamer 4K
$99.99Cheaper
Released 2024-09
Best Streaming Devices · head-to-head
Google TV Streamer 4K vs Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen)
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Google TV Streamer 4K is cheaper at $99.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Apple
Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen)
$129
Released 2022-11
Which is better: the Google TV Streamer 4K or Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen)?
The Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The Google TV Streamer 4K is the cheaper at $99.99. Get the Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) for the stronger spec sheet, the Google TV Streamer 4K to spend less.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.
Key specs, head to head
The numbers that decide it, drawn to scale — longer bar wins, the accent bar is the stronger figure.
Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Google TV Streamer 4K | Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $99.99 | $129 |
| Brand | Apple | |
| Released | 2024-09 | 2022-11 |
| Max resolution | 4K | 4K |
| HDR formats | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Processor | MediaTek MT8696 | Apple A15 Bionic |
| Storage (GB) | 32 | 64 |
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 5 | WiFi 6 |
| Remote voice | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet | Yes | No |
| Release | 2024-09 | 2022-11 |
Sources — Google TV Streamer 4K: androidpolice.com (verified 2026-06-15). Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen): apple.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Google TV Streamer 4K and Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen)?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Processor: Google TV Streamer 4K MediaTek MT8696 vs Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) Apple A15 Bionic
- Storage (GB): Google TV Streamer 4K 32 vs Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) 64
- Wi-Fi: Google TV Streamer 4K WiFi 5 vs Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) WiFi 6
- Ethernet: Google TV Streamer 4K true vs Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) false
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Google TV Streamer 4K
All four whitelisted, hands-on reviews survived verification (PCWorld, Engadget, Tom's Guide, What Hi-Fi). The one unanimous positive is the redesigned remote with its find-my-remote chime; three also value the smart-home control panel with Matter hub and Thread router. All four flag the doubled $100 price against cheaper Onn/Chromecast and premium Apple TV/Fire TV rivals. Verdicts split on speed and thin AI. (4 sourced reviews, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Best-in-class Google TV interface that organizes content across streaming apps; Fast, responsive app loading and navigation versus cheaper Google TV hardware; Useful smart-home control panel with Matter hub and Thread border router.
Flagged: Doubled $100 price is hard to justify against cheaper Onn/Chromecast or premium Apple TV/Fire TV rivals; Only Wi-Fi 5, no Wi-Fi 6/6E, so less futureproof; AI features feel inessential or minimal.
Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen)
Four whitelisted testers (Tom's Guide, Engadget, PCWorld/TechHive, What Hi-Fi) hands-on reviewed the 3rd-gen Apple TV 4K and unanimously call it the best streaming box, praising blazing A15 speed, the ad-free interface and a $50 price cut. Only Tom's Guide stopwatch-measured load times, clocking Netflix in 1 second and Disney Plus in 4. Gripes: still pricey, limited ports and no bundled HDMI cable. (4 sourced reviews, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Fastest streaming box — snappy A15 performance and quick app launches; Clean, ad-free interface with tight Apple-ecosystem (AirPlay/AirPods/iCloud) integration; $50 price cut ($129 start) makes it far easier to recommend.
Flagged: Not worth upgrading from the 2021 model — minimal new features; Still pricey versus Roku Ultra / Fire TV Cube; Limited physical connectivity and no HDMI cable in the box.