Hey there! If you‘re reading this, odds are you‘re trying to decide between Google TV and Roku for your home streaming needs. Well, you‘ve come to the right place my friend!
As someone who has tested out both platforms extensively, allow me to give you the full low-down on how Google TV and Roku compare. I‘ll compare and contrast the key features and strengths of each to help you determine which option best fits your streaming priorities.
A Quick History Lesson
Before diving into the nitty gritty details, let me first give you some background on where Google TV and Roku came from. Understanding the origins of each platform provides helpful context.
Google TV first launched in 2010 as an early smart TV platform developed by good ol‘ Google themselves. The goal was to integrate web and TV content together into one user interface. However, many major media companies like NBC, ABC and CBS blocked their content from being accessed on Google TV early on over piracy concerns and disagreements with Google. This frustrated many users who found the platform lacking in content.
In 2014, Google rebranded Google TV as Android TV, the operating system still used across smart TVs today. Then in 2020, Google revived the Google TV brand for its latest Chromecast streaming dongle. This brought Google TV full circle as the company‘s premier television platform.
Roku‘s origin story stretches back even further. In 2002, the company was started under the name ReplayTV with a focus on digital video recorders (DVRs). In 2008, Roku launched its first streaming box capable of delivering Netflix‘s streaming library to TVs everywhere.
With over 56 million active accounts globally as of 2021, Roku has grown to become the top streaming platform in the United States today. They successfully beat out early competitors like Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV thanks to partnerships with TV brands and affordable pricing.
Okay, let‘s move on to discussing what really matters: the features!
Size of the Streaming Library
One of the top considerations when getting a streaming device is "will this give me access to all the apps and content I want?" In this area, Roku clearly prevails over Google TV.
The Roku Channel Store grants access to over 20,000 streaming channels and apps. From all the major services like Netflix and Hulu to the most obscure niche movies and shows, Roku aims to be a one-stop-shop for streaming. They also operate the Roku Channel which provides free ad-supported movies and TV shows.
Google TV on the other hand taps into the Google Play Store which contains around 6,500 apps optimized for television viewing. Now don‘t get me wrong – Google TV grants access to all the staples like Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max and the like. But compared to Roku, the selection is noticeably smaller and missing key apps you might want access to.
If you really want the most robust selection of streaming services possible, Roku emerges as the winner here. However, Google TV still provides plenty of great entertainment options for casual streamers. But for hardcore media buffs, Roku‘s nearly comprehensive catalog is hard to beat.
Hardware Performance and Design
Physically speaking, the newest streaming devices from Google and Roku are similar in terms of size and aesthetic. However, there are some notable differences when it comes to technical capabilities under the hood.
The Chromecast with Google TV measures 6.4 x 2.4 x 0.5 inches compared to the Roku Streaming Stick 4K at just 3.7 x 0.8 x 0.5 inches. Both plug directly into your TV‘s HDMI port and come bundled with compact voice remotes. Visually, they share a low-profile, compact stick shape meant to disappear behind your TV.
Internally, the Chromecast contains a full 8GB of onboard storage space with about half of that available to users. On the flip side, even Roku‘s top-end Streaming Stick 4K only packs 2GB of storage built-in. Now for streaming alone, internal storage isn‘t make-or-break. But having more storage on the Chromecast provides you with more flexibility to install additional apps, games and other content.
| Spec | Google TV (Chromecast) | Roku Streaming Stick 4K |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | 8GB | 2GB |
| Processor | Quad-core ARM | Quad-core ARM |
| Memory | 2GB RAM | Unknown |
They match up very closely when it comes to video support too. Both Roku and Google TV support crystal clear 4K HDR streaming at up to 60 frames per second. You‘ll get access to all the major high dynamic range formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10 as well. Audio support is rock solid too with both supporting surround sound like Dolby Atmos.
The one small video advantage Roku maintains is compatibility with HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) HDR format which Google TV notably lacks. However, since adoption of HLG has been relatively slow, this likely won‘t affect most viewers.
In terms of design, Google TV comes in more color options if aesthetics are important to you. But otherwise, the core hardware capabilities are very evenly matched. If I had to give the edge to one, Google TV gets a slight win thanks to more built-in storage for your apps and games. But it‘s very close!
Smart Home Integration
Smart home integration has become a keystone feature for modern streaming devices. Being able to easily control other connected devices like smart lights and thermostats right from your TV is super convenient. Both Roku and Google TV offer smart home support but with some pivotal differences.
Google TV fully integrates with the Google Home app and Google Assistant. This makes linking devices like Nest cameras, Chromecasts and smart displays seamless. If you‘re entrenched in Google‘s ecosystem, having a streaming stick that ties into that is a major perk.
Roku devices take a different approach by connecting into the Roku Smart Home platform. Instead of Google Assistant, they use Amazon‘s Alexa for voice controls. There is some compatibility for controlling basic smart devices. But the native integration Google TV offers with Google/Nest products is much tighter.
Here‘s a quick overview of how Google TV and Roku stack up on smart home capabilities:
| Feature | Google TV | Roku |
|---|---|---|
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant | Alexa |
| Compatible Devices | Chromecast, Nest, Google/Nest | Limited |
| Ease of Setup | Seamless with Google Home app | More difficult |
So if you want the most frictionless smart home experience, Google TV is likely the way to go. But Roku still gets the job done for basic voice commands.
Live TV Options
Access to live television is another big area of difference between these two competitors. Though neither offers their own proprietary live TV streaming package, Google TV clearly provides the better experience for live content.
The Google TV interface has a dedicated "Live" tab that aggregates live programming from providers like YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV and others. With a single subscription to one of these services, you can access and watch live channels all from one convenient spot – no jumping between apps required!
Roku devices are also compatible with the same live TV streaming services like YouTube TV and Hulu with Live. However, there‘s no unified tab or interface on Roku for viewing live content. You simply open up the relevant provider‘s app to watch whatever live programming they offer.
This isn‘t necessarily a deal breaker. But for folks cutting the cord who still want access to live sports, news and other programs, Google TV delivers a much more seamless experience. The last thing you want is hunting for the right app just to catch the big game!
Here‘s a glance at some of the top live TV services available on each platform:
| Live TV Service | Key Channels | Available on Google TV | Available on Roku |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | ESPN, TNT, TBS, FOX, ABC, CBS | Yes | Yes |
| Hulu + Live TV | ESPN, TNT, TBS, FOX, ABC, CBS, Disney | Yes | Yes |
| Sling TV | ESPN, TNT, TBS, FOX, AMC | Yes | Yes |
| FuboTV | Sports networks, News | No | Yes |
Voice Control
Voice control has become a staple feature for streaming devices, and both Google TV and Roku ship with excellent voice remotes. However, the Google Assistant technology blows Roku‘s voice features out of the water.
The Chromecast remote has a dedicated Google Assistant button which allows you to:
- Ask questions
- Control smart home devices
- Open apps
- Search for shows/movies
- And much more
The conversational nature of Google Assistant powered by advanced AI makes it incredibly natural to use. You can talk to it just as you would talk to a friend!
Roku‘s voice remote allows you to perform more basic commands like:
- Content search
- Media playback controls
- Opening apps
But the overall scope of what Roku‘s assistant can do is far more limited compared to the near-endless capabilities of Google Assistant. And while Alexa integration is nice for smart home control, it still can‘t match the seamless experience Google provides natively.
So if having an excellent virtual assistant is important to you, Google TV is simply miles ahead of Roku here. Roku‘s voice features get the job done for basic tasks, but can‘t compete with everything Google Assistant brings to the table.
Price and Value
Last but not least, pricing often plays a pivotal role in choosing a streaming device. And when it comes to value, Roku emerges as the clear winner.
Roku‘s lineup offers excellent streaming sticks at just about every price point:
- Roku Express: $29.99
- Roku Express 4K+: $39.99
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K: $49.99
- Roku Streaming Stick+: $59.99
- Roku Ultra: $99.99
Google on the other hand only offers two options:
- Chromecast HD: $29.99
- Chromecast 4K with Google TV: $49.99
For shoppers watching their wallets, Roku gives you fantastic performance at every tier. The Express 4K+ for just $39.99 is a crazy value proposition with full 4K HDR support.
Google‘s Chromecast 4K is a solid product for $49.99, but lower cost options with comparable capabilities are missing from their lineup. If streaming performance for price is your determining factor, Roku has the clear edge.
The Bottom Line
So after breaking down all the key considerations, which streaming platform comes out on top in the battle of Google TV vs Roku?
In my opinion, the winner is Roku – but just barely! Roku‘s main leg up is the content selection. With thousands more streaming channels and apps available, media enthusiasts simply have more options on Roku. And when you factor in the outstanding value across Roku‘s product portfolio, it‘s hard to beat.
However, Google TV remains a fantastic choice as well. The tighter integration with Google Assistant and Google Home products is a major perk for many. And accessing live TV through one unified interface rather than jumping between apps is definitely more convenient.
At the end of the day, choosing between Roku and Google TV comes down largely to your priorities as a streamer. If you want endless entertainment options, Roku can‘t be beat. But Google TV offers smarter smart home support. For most folks, I think Roku offers a slight edge – but Google TV has plenty of awesome benefits too.
Hopefully this overview gives you a better feel for how Google TV and Roku compare. Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to help a friend out. Enjoy whatever streaming stick you end up going with!
