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Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen, 2022) vs Google TV Streamer (4K)
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen, 2022) ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 8) and scores better on speed & interface, apps & formats, ads & privacy, wi-fi & reliability. Google TV Streamer (4K) wins on remote.
The biggest complaint about the Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen, 2022) is expensive, and now pricier; for the Google TV Streamer (4K) it's price went up. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen, 2022) | Google TV Streamer (4K) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in streaming devices | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Box with smart-home hub | Box with smart-home hub |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 3% | 12% |
| Overall score | 4.2 | 4.0 |
| Speed & interface | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Apps & formats | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Ads & privacy | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Remote | 3.0 | 4.5 |
| Wi-Fi & reliability | 4.5 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $50 · $$ $50–100 · $$$ over $100. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen, 2022)
- Expensive, and now pricier
CNET lists it as 'still a lot more expensive than rival, capable streamers' and Tom's Guide as 'still expensive'. PCMag notes Apple raised the price by $70 to $199 on June 25, 2026, citing memory costs.
- Finicky remote, no Find My
PCMag found the touchpad overly sensitive and the lack of a home button unintuitive (both can be changed in settings). Wirecutter calls the remote sometimes finicky, and Tom's Guide lists no Find My remote feature.
- Apple-first, with some gaps
Wirecutter says it puts Apple's content at the forefront. PCMag found tvOS and the Apple TV app confusingly overlapping, no live TV guide, no YouTube Music, and Siri only via the remote. Ethernet is only on the pricier model (CNET).
Google TV Streamer (4K)
- Price went up
Reviewers note it launched at $99, twice the old Chromecast with Google TV, and CNET lists 'costs twice what most streaming sticks do' as a con. Google's own store now lists it at $149.99. Amazon's review summary says some owners consider it overpriced.
- Busy interface, some app gaps
CNET calls the interface very busy, says the content rows can't be customized and the simpler apps-only mode disables search. At its 2024 review CNET found Apple Music and BritBox didn't work and Xbox Cloud Gaming, Luna and PlayStation Plus were missing. Amazon owners report trouble with unofficial apps.
- Wi-Fi 5, no hands-free voice, no AirPlay
Wirecutter lists Wi-Fi 5 only, no far-field microphones and no Alexa, Siri or AirPlay 2 support as flaws, and wishes an HDMI cable were included. PCMag notes the cheaper Onn 4K Pro has Wi-Fi 6 and hands-free voice. Amazon's summary says some owners report units that stop working.
Who should pick which
Pick the Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen, 2022) if
iPhone, Mac and HomeKit households
The fastest app loading
Apple Arcade and Apple Fitness+
Skip it if: You're on a budget; You don't use Apple services; You want hands-free voice control
Pick the Google TV Streamer (4K) if
Subscribers to many services who want one home screen
Google Home and Nest households
A wired Ethernet setup
Skip it if: You use AirPlay from an iPhone; You want hands-free voice control; You want a stick that hides behind the TV
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