Google TV Streamer
Score: 80/100
Roku Ultra
Score: 89/100Rankings
The Roku Ultra 2024 is Roku's fastest streaming player, delivering 4K UHD with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi 6, and Ethernet, plus a premium rechargeable Voice Remote Pro. Its drawbacks are the lack of Apple AirPlay/HomeKit support, a barrel-style power connector, and limited shipping availability. Perfect for users wanting top-tier performance and cinematic features.
The Google TV Streamer (4K) is a compact set-top box offering 4K HDR with Dolby Vision, 4 GB RAM, 32 GB storage, and built-in gigabit Ethernet plus Thread/Matter integration. Its MediaTek processor is weaker than top-tier competitors, leading to occasional app lag, and the remote still needs AAA batteries. Ideal for Google-centric households seeking a feature-rich, affordable 4K streamer with strong smart-home connectivity.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
4 GBbest | 2 GB | |
32 GBbest | 4 GB | |
60 Hzbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 3.5 Wbest |
1 Gbpsbest | 1 Gbpsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 161.6 g | 18 gbest |
— | 2 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Software(1) | ||
Operating System | Google TV | Roku OS |
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos |
Performance(2) | ||
RAM (GB) | 4 GB | 2 GB |
Internal Storage (GB) | 32 GB | 4 GB |
Display(1) | ||
Maximum Video Resolution | 3840x2160 | 4K |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | Bluetooth |
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11ac | Wi‑Fi 6 |
Controls(1) | ||
Remote Type | Voice remote | Rechargeable Voice Remote Pro |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Device Weight (g) | 161.6 g | 18 g |
Device Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 25.4x76.2x162.6 mm mm | 25.4×124.5×127 mm mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers, such as FlatpanelsHD, commend the Google TV Streamer for its extensive app catalog, 4K HDR+ support, increased RAM/storage, AV1 codec and low power draw, as well as its built-in Ethernet and Thread/Matter smart-home capabilities. However, they criticize its weaker MediaTek processor, limited frame-rate matching to Netflix, and overall performance that trails behind Apple TV 4K and Nvidia Shield, positioning it as a decent but not market-leading streaming box.
Everyday users appreciate the smooth 4K streaming, seamless Google integration and immersive Dolby audio, noting that the device fits well into existing Google Home setups. Recurring complaints focus on occasional app lag, the need to replace remote batteries, and confusion over HDMI version specifications in some listings.
Professional reviewers hail the Roku Ultra 2024 as the most powerful and fastest Roku device, emphasizing its lightning-fast interface, seamless 4K/Dolby Vision/HDR10+ playback, and premium remote that together deliver a cinematic experience for any living-room setup.
Everyday users consistently praise the ultra-fast app launches, smooth 4K streaming over Wi-Fi 6, and the convenience of the Voice Remote Pro with its finder and headphone jack, while recurring complaints focus on shipping limitations, the barrel-style power connector, and occasional Wi-Fi range concerns.
