Speed is everything these days.
I recently covered VPN clients, and noticed how the two most well-known clients (NordVPN and ExpressVPN) offer exceptional speed and performance — you barely know you are connected through an extra server to help with privacy and security.
On the latest TV models, the processor used for the interface and streaming apps is faster than what we’ve known in the last few years. And don’t get me started on sporty cars like the Lexus IS 500 F Sport I’m testing now. Speed helps you get where you want to go faster, even if “where you want to go” is a new show on Netflix.
That’s why I am so impressed by the Google TV Streamer I’ve been testing lately. The processor is 22% faster than previous models, and you can tell. Every click and every app just operates faster, opening to show you a series of thumbnails in Amazon Prime or popping up YouTube videos with a vibrancy and assurance that makes the whole TV viewing experience more enjoyable.
We now live fully in a 4K world, not only in browsing TV options but for most playback. DirecTV has been embracing 4K with their app lately as well, now offering multiple programs in 4K that make the viewing experience much more crisp and life-like. Yes, 4K has been around a while now, but this is one of the first streaming gadgets I’ve tested that makes 4K viewing easier.
The device is all white and about the size of your hand, so not as tiny as previous Google Chromecast devices. This helps make the Google TV Streamer sit flat on a TV stand a little better. The remote is highly responsive and didn’t seem like it was impacted by interference. Finding features was easy and straightforward with one main dial for moving around. A nice bonus is that the buttons can be customized to do what you want them to do.
Google includes 800 free channels and supports all the latest enhancements for great picture quality such as 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and, for sound, supports Dolby Atmos. The device has 32GB of storage which is more than enough for installing apps. A new home panel feature is where you can control smart home features such as lights and locks.
Most of the features on the Google TV Streamer are found on other streaming gadgets, to be honest — there are a few differentiators here, though. One is that the processor also helps with voice control. I’ve used every make and model of media streamers and the one gotcha is often how slow they are at things like voice control. There’s almost always a lag. Not so much with the Google TV Streamer, which brings up the Google Assistant quickly and shows the results just as fast — without having to wait for the voicebot to catch up.
About the price. While several low-cost options are available, especially from Amazon and Roku, the TV Streamer is really worth the $99 price tag due to the speed. I like being able to find my shows quickly and I hate waiting for apps to load.
Our reviews are always 100% independent. Gearadical may earn a small affiliate fee when you click and buy using our links.