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Google TV Streamer (4K) vs Roku Ultra (2024)
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Google TV Streamer (4K) ranks higher (#2 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on speed & interface, ads & privacy, remote.
The biggest complaint about the Google TV Streamer (4K) is price went up; for the Roku Ultra (2024) it's expensive for what it adds. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Google TV Streamer (4K) | Roku Ultra (2024) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in streaming devices | #2 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Box with smart-home hub | Box |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 12% | 9% |
| Overall score | 4.0 | 3.6 |
| Speed & interface | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Apps & formats | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Ads & privacy | 3.5 | 3.0 |
| Remote | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| 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.
Roku Ultra (2024)
- Expensive for what it adds
Tom's Guide and PCMag list the price as a con. CNET says a speed bump, faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth aren't enough for a flagship, and the new remote can be added to any Roku for $30. Roku raised its list price to $150 in July 2026.
- Crashes and dropped connections for some
Amazon's review summary says connectivity is mixed, with some owners reporting frequent disconnections, and that some say the device crashes or freezes weekly and the remote doesn't work properly.
- Remote lost the headphone jack; voice lags
PCMag and CNET note the new Voice Remote Pro drops the 3.5mm headphone jack. CNET found it slower to respond to 'Hey Roku' than the old remote, and PCMag calls Roku's voice features stiff.
Source: PCMag review, CNET 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 Roku Ultra (2024) if
Roku fans who want the fastest Roku
Wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi 6 homes
A rechargeable remote you can find by voice
Skip it if: You want the snappiest box for the money; You want deep smart-home control; You want a headphone jack on the remote
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