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Google TV Streamer (4K) vs Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen)
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Google TV Streamer (4K) ranks higher (#2 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on ads & privacy.
The biggest complaint about the Google TV Streamer (4K) is price went up; for the Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) it's expensive. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Google TV Streamer (4K) | Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in streaming devices | #2 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Box with smart-home hub | Box |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 12% | 10% |
| Overall score | 4.0 | 3.7 |
| Speed & interface | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Apps & formats | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Ads & privacy | 3.5 | 2.0 |
| Remote | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Wi-Fi & reliability | 3.5 | 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
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.
Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen)
- Expensive
PCMag lists the price as its main con. Its list price is now $199.99 per PCMag and Tom's Guide (it launched at $139.99). Amazon owners are divided on value.
- Crashes and Wi-Fi problems for some
Amazon's review summary says functionality is mixed, with some owners saying it hardly ever works, crashes all the time or has Wi-Fi connectivity issues.
- Prime-first and too specialized
Wirecutter says it still puts Prime Video content at the forefront and is too specialized. PCMag notes no AirPlay or Google Cast, and that Wi-Fi 6E doesn't improve video quality.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), PCMag review
Who should pick which
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
Pick the Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) if
Hands-free Alexa control of the TV and smart home
Routing a cable box or console through Alexa
Wired Ethernet setups
Skip it if: You don't use Alexa; You want service-neutral recommendations; You're on a budget
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