Roku vs Google TV | Who’s Got the BEST Streamer? 

Thanks for the review. I own both the chromecast with google tv and a Roku streaming stick plus and agree with your points except for the remotes. I don’t care for the chromecast remote- too small and slippery. I upgraded my Roku remote to the Voice Remote Pro which gives you hands-free voice control, a headphone jack, a lost remote finder and it’s rechargeable so no more batteries. The only thing I can’t do that I wish I could is remap the shortcut buttons like you can with the chromecast remote.

As a developer who worked on both Roku and Android TV, I can tell you Roku came a long way in making their OS more stable. I know because I fixed many of the"screen freeze" issues for Roku. As a pure-play, Roku still the winner hands down. We will have to see if this remain true in the coming year or two. You are right, I too wish fewer licensing dramas with Roku. But hey its a juggle out there.

I have the same freezing issue with my Google device, which is an AT&T TV streaming box. It seems that a couple of times a week it does exactly what you’re describing and I’m not 100% sure it’s not related to some sort of updates that are being installed but they are forced on you rather than allowing you to decide when to do them similar to some other company I think they’re called Microsoft? anyway by and large I found the Roku player to be slightly better in reliability but what’s funny is the apps I tend to have the most trouble with our Google apps such as RU-vid or RU-vid TV to name a couple. G, I wonder where that is. Great video.

This is a good review, but for the layman, it's worth noting a few important points: 1.) The brands "Chromecast" and "Google TV' are used interchangeably in the video, but it should be noted that the specific device being reviewed here is the "Chromecast with Google TV." It is not the simple Chromecast dongle or the Chromecast Ultra device. If you buy a Chromecast or a Chromecast Ultra, you are NOT going to get the Google TV interface or the remote control. 2.) "Google TV" is also the name of a new user interface for the Android TV operating system, which runs on top of the Chromecast with Google TV device. Google TV is making its way to other Android TV devices, including Sony TV sets, the Onn TV streamers and the Nvidia Shield, which will function in many of the same ways as this device. 3.) It wasn't clear to me which Roku device was being reviewed, and I get the point of the video was not to review hardware, but since the remotes *were* reviewed, it would have been an important thing to note for this reason: Roku's streaming sticks and the Roku Ultra all use infrared-Bluetooth hybrid remotes, while the cheaper box devices use infrared remotes. The Bluetooth-capable remotes have an advantage, since users don't have to point the remote at the device. The Chromecast with Google TV's remote is, by default, an infrared-Bluetooth hybrid remote. 4.) On the ads segment, it should have been pointed out that the Chromecast with Google TV comes with an "apps-only" mode. While that does disable the Google Assistant, it also disables all ads and tracking on the Google TV interface. The Roku doesn't have a comparable feature. 5.) It bums me out to hear the reviewer has had problems with some Android TV apps locking up on him. I've been using the Chromecast with Google TV for more than a year, and I've never experienced this problem - but I use it for what the device was intended for: Streaming TV. I don't have utility apps or VPNs or anything like that, even though the device is capable of doing it, and I don't install pirate TV apps or sketchy third-party software to "unlock" programs that I know I have to pay for. Since the apps I install come from well-known software developers, I know them to be reliable. I've never had the device reboot unexpectedly and never had freezing video. I would say the reviewer's experience is specific to however he's using the device and not a common problem on Chromecast with Google TV hardware. 6.) The Chromecast with Google TV's hardware is limited by its lackluster on-board storage - just 8GB, of which the operating system takes nearly half of that space. That leaves just 4 GBs for apps, some of which are developed to cache content in a way that hogs space. That limits most people to around 15 big-name apps; the Roku doesn't seem to have this problem. The Roku Ultra also offers the ability to install more apps when a micro SD card is installed; the Chromecast with Google TV doesn't offer a comparable feature. 7.) Taking into mind point number 6, the Roku and Chromecast with Google TV are different devices for different people. The Chromecast with Google TV is, at its very foundation, still a Chromecast - it was designed with the idea in mind that people will still stream content from phones and tablets, while giving people the flexibility to install some of their most-used apps on the device itself and control it with a remote control. Roku devices, on the other hand, are intended to be used as a person's primary streaming device for those who really don't want to use their phones or tablets at all (though you can with Airplay supported on some devices and Roku Cast available for developers to implement - most have not).

good video, thanks. ive bought a new google tv, with a Roku tile already on it. do i need a sperate Roku device, or just a Roku remote? and if i cut the cord to cable, does Roku have local channels by chance?

I would have loved if you went a tiny bit further in the apps category. I have found that although an app might be available for a service like RU-vid or Twitch, it may be missing some features (e.g. cannot actually log into the Twitch app and show the channels you follow or participate in a chat). That might help break the tie for me. All in all, this was really helpful though thanks!

Good review. I have both and whats crazy is I have my Chromecast Google TV connected to my Roku Hisense TV. Lol But I feel Google Chromecast TV User interface is just cooler. I dont like going from app to app just to find something I like watching, let alone scrolling through TV channel guides of channels I dont watch. Lol. So I give usability to Google TV and still has a better app selection as well.

I've been using the higher end Rokus for the past few years but a few months ago. DTS doesnt't come up on my AV receiver anymore. I decided to buy a Chromecast with Google TV to try and it does output DTS. Both are connected to my AV receiver. There is audio difference as far as I can tell and this is why I'm moving to Chromecast.

Excellent video, and the seek bars let the user ignore factors that aren't important.

I have note 20 android phone the rest of family has iphones..anyways Iam an amazon prime member and bought a roku ultra to use with my hue gradient light tv strip. I have not set it up yet. Is there any advantages of getting amazon fire stick instead since am an amazon prime member over the roku ultra or new chromcas or should I stay with roku ultra or get the new chromcast with remote?? I have 2 echo dots, and two ring camaras, also have two google nest with nest doorbell and google home and nest thermostat and Google home too. I Just need a streaming service for my apps so hue lights can sync/match with whatever iam streaming on tv through my philips sync box. Tv native apps don't work with hue gradient lights that's why I need a streaming device. Right now I have older external chromcast but the downside is that I have to use my phone to stream to tv. Right now I have cable direct tv. Will I be able to get all channels I currently have right now with one of the devices mentioned avobe? Thank u

Thanks for the nice review, that said GET ROKU! I have TCL roku and TCL google. The roku has additional streaming channels at the end of my antenna channel list. Roku pauses live antenna tv seamlessly (using a flash drive) so you can grab a coffee and not miss a thing. Google has this feature that is very poorly thought out. You have to scroll three screens to set it up and everytime you change the channel do it again. It is super glitchy. I have called tcl to get walked through a tv reset because of other glitches (only got my bluetooth headset to setup once and it doesn't recognize the flash drive half the time etc.), it has issues. I'm stuck with the google tv I bought from best buy because my 15 day window to return is slammed shut. Hope google works this out.

I wish you would have compared features like private listening and phone remote experiences.

You mentioned Google TV (or is it the Chromecast device?) freezing or crashing an average of once or twice a week -- wow -- that's almost a no-go for me. Coincidentally tonight our Roku Premiere just randomly stalled twice in a row while loading two ads on Hulu. Maybe that was our wifi (though nobody else was using it at the time), or AT&T. But yes, it doesn't seem like Roku stalls even once a week like you say you experience with Google TV. And Roku has only completely crashed two or three times in the last year-plus to the point of me having to unplug/plug it back in and/or just restart the TV. But like you mentioned, Roku does not do recommendations, which I feel would be very helpful for us if they are well-targeted. So until I watched this I was looking forward to getting a good deal on Google TV this coming November. But now I'm on the fence. So I hope their development team works hard the rest of this year to stop those frequent freeze-ups and crashes!!

I love the Chromecast w/ Google TV. To me it’s much better than Roku mostly because of the reconditions and I can use it to control my smart features. However I have taken all of my Chromecast devices off of my TVs because their storage is WAY too small. You can only have a few apps and as soon as one does an update you get a message about not enough storage. I know you can add storage but by the time you spend money to get what you need for that you might as well get the $100 Roku. Even though I love the Google TV I won’t use it until buy any more until they add more onboard storage.

How do you switch from Google Tv or Roku to cable/satellite? I haven’t seen any of these videos demonstrate this.

I have many Roku’s,I have a Roku ultra for my living room.I got a google tv hd for $20 for my back porch tv.I love the interface.It’s like a better fire tv UI.I moved into my main tv for the winter months.I’ve found that the picture is more bright & vibrant with the google tv too.I’ll probably get a 4k google tv and give the Roku to one of my kids

I really love the roku I have both the streaming stick and the roku box 💖💝

I think you need 11 criteria to make sure there is no tie - and number 11 has to be price - I cant believe you can choose one over the other when one costs twice as much (at least in Canada).

Does the Chromecast for TV restrict you to only casting via the Chrome browser like the regular Chromecast device?

I love my Vizio smart Chromecast tv 32" that I bought in April which was April 18th ,2021 and I like my Amazon fire stick lite.

Considering apps, the one thing you didn't consider and should have was the features and functionality of the specific clients. For example, I've done a comparison between the Roku client and the Android/Google TV client and it even isn't a contest. The Android client is half-baked when compared to the Roku client. Cast photos and search functionality is completely missing from the Android client, changing settings is inferior as is search functionality. Just because a client is available doesn't mean it is any good.

Can you do a video on the new direct tv stream

I like Roku and firestick have u done a review on roku and firestick together?

Enjoyed your review but wish you had reviewed “ease of set-up” for each system.

Hello, I have a Samsung TV (2014 version). I currently have Directv. I want to get the RU-vid Tv standalone NFL Sunday Ticket. Because my tv is older than 2016 I can't access RU-vid TV so I've been told I need something like Roku or Google Chromecast to access. Given this information, what do you recommend? I'm not a big streamer I just want it to get RU-vid TV. Thank you.

8:23 I've heard there is a setting on Google TV for "App Only Mode" that will turn off the recommended ads up top. Can anyone confirm this works to remove the ads from being in the way?

Roku streaming Stick 4k is keeping logging out of RU-vid Tv every time the TV is turned off/on. Unfortunately pretty common issue with Roku.

My Netflix account won’t allow (regular) chromecasting on the basic (ad supported) plan. Would one of those allow me to circumnavigate that?

I have had a Roku TV for many years. It has served me well and I like it, there are some things I wish for different though. There is only a power button. No other button. A friend broke my remote and at the time I did not have Wi-Fi. I have purchased three sound bars and none of them will connect to my Roku TV. Some streaming apps on my Roku TV Play with a very quiet volume and when a ad comes on it is so loud it rattles the windows. When you call Roku they tell you to adjust the sound settings in apps, some content comes to the TV as surround sound or something like that. The majority of streaming apps do not have a way to adjust the audio output other than language and captions. I was thinking about purchasing a smart TV and I had a few questions I'm currently scouring RU-vid to see if they can find answers. For instance can you install Google Play games on a smart TV? How many buttons does a smart TV come with? What can / can't a Roku / Smart TV do that the other can / can't. Can the Smart TV do any nifty things like "smart TV do a barrel roll"?

Also a feature that Roku has (Idk that google does) but the app on your phone for the remote is seamless and allows you to utilize a function with headphones if you want to watch the tv without waking anyone up late at night. Pretty spiffy

I have a roku TV with an android box hooked to it. I have the best of both worlds. I can watch pretty much anything I want including live TV.

Google TV/Android Tv is the best hands down...its like a bookmark for your streaming apps...so many streaming services now so it's perfect to keep track what your watching...oh and I'm using a Android TV box which surprisingly has been glitch free...

Thank you! for the review, it help me made my mind I’ll go with ROKU this time 😎

Very helpful.

I don't know if anyone notice the quality of Tidal and Spotify through Chromecast with Google TV. Use your optical/s/pdif out from your TV to your HD Receiver. Try it in different modes. I use 2.1 (stereo +Subwoofer) mode. The CCwGTV definitely has a build in dac chip. I even tried it on my bluetooth speakers. Awesome! A hidden gem in the audio world.

I pretty much agree with everything you said for the most part. I have them both and my favorite is whichever one I'm in at the time. One extra nod I give the Chromecast is it's better implementation of casting. But I also give the Roku somewhat higher marks on the remote. ...just my opinion 😉👍 PS. I didn't experience any freezing on Chromecast...yet

I have a TCL ROKU TV and the new google TV remote. The ROKO has an APP that is called free TV and shows as an antenna icon. This has about 1000 channels. I cant find any this like this on google TV. Anybody have any ideas?

I was debating getting roku or Chromecast. Has Chromecast freezing been fixed?

Chromecast with Google TV it has 8 gigs of storage just like the fire tv stick. I have the same 7 streaming apps installed on both. On Chromecast with Google TV I have 4.4 gigs of storage left and on the fire tv stick I have 2 gigs of storage left. So in my experience the Chromecast with Google TV manages storage better.

Small bits of variance in the features, between the two devices, make a big difference in the overall streaming experience.

I actually prefer Roku. Texture remote isn't slippery buttons are clicker. More buttons and Roku doesn't have the video playback stutter that the chrome cast has. You don't see ads on Roku unless you go all the way right. Leave settings showing and no ads. Roku seems faster to start up apps I use like Paramount and Prime

Great video... but one thing you forgot and it is that roku has so many free channels to watch

I should know this answer, but I do not. A TV which includes "Google TV" is it the same as connecting a Chromecast device to a TV, e.g. to an un-smart TV? I love my ROKU and am debating if I want to buy an additional small TV with the Google TV within. Thanks for any responses. Very informative video. Thanks for sharing this with us.

Does TCL 6 series google TV supports HBO MAX?

Weirdly I have both but I have more issues with my Roku freezing up and restarting I've never had that issue with the Chromecast

I've had Roku for years and it wasn't until the other day I decided to make the jump from Roku to Google TV. Hands down the best decision ever made. I got a Philips 4K Google TV from Walmart and it's amazing. Definitely worth the $200.

I too have had a lot of streaming issue with google tv which is what brought me here. Looks like Ill be going back to Roku.

Can someone tell me what's the point of installing apps on your streaming device when it's just a device for streaming?

Really wanted the Chromecast, but I don't care anything about all the aggregation from the Google interface. I want to turn it on, and all I see is my app tiles. I don't want to see 400 recommendations and have to scroll past that to get to my apps. Can you make the Chromecast show only your app tiles as default?

What about the contents? live sports streaming, EPL, La Liga, Bundesliga, Marathon etc

There is one feature that Roku has that is a game changer for me. I can pause live tv with Roku. I did a search and I don't think Google has that.

I was debating what TV to go with and Roku TV vs Google TV was the only deciding factor (everything, including brand was the same). And I've heard the same thing about freezing and have experienced it as you mentioned but you had me at Sideloading. I think Roku is more "stable" but Google TV is more flexible and I don't want to be personally be restricted (I do wonder why something with so much development still has so many bugs, but I guess that's about Google itself; a lot of things they make never really seem to get out of beta and not 100% polished). Thanks!

I cannot watch my spectrum as I did with Roku on my new Sony TV. Sony has Google but I don’t really like it so can I get a Roku box and put it on my Sony?

Personal preference, better than both, android TV interface. 😜

The Roku in my room stopped connecting to the internet, so I wanted to see if the Chromecast was any good. You make a lot of good points about the Roku in this video, but I have experienced freezing with it as well. Every once in awhile, it'll just reset on me. Usually when nothing is happening. Roku has been good to me for several years now, but I think now, I'm going to try the Chromecast. Worst case scenario, I've got Rokus in two other rooms, so I'm not going cold turkey. If there's one thing I know about Rokus, it's this: don't buy a Roku Express! The cheapest Roku is not worth it.

Do the newest Roku devices finally support 5 GHz UNII-2 extended frequency range (USA)? The Roku devices I've tested do not. If one owns a wireless access point supporting UNII-2E and it chooses one of the channels in this frequency range, your Roku is going to fall back to 2.4 GHz. If you live in an area with a high density of wireless devices, i.e. MDU/apartment, there's potentially a lot of co-channel interference on 2.4 GHz. This is a considerable oversight by Roku and a reason I personally wouldn't consider one of their devices. All of the other major device manufacters do support UNII-2E and have for several generations of devices.

Roku is the defacto affordable low cost Apple TV streaming device. Roku's Airplay 2 works as good as my Apple TV 4K with my iPhone. Plus the interface on Roku is way better than Apple TV. If you're just an Android user it's a moot point.

and what about android tv? what's the difference?

Thanks for final words.. I grabbed GCC

Users may weigh the scores differently but imo UI and reliability are the two major concerns. The ad catagory seems related to the UI rather than a separate item. For me Roku wins by a wide margin. I like the customability Roku offer to place menu items where they are easiest for me. Remotes are a draw and parental controls are of no concern. Big win for Roku omo. But I worry how Google may compete on apps in future and deny some to Roku as Google has already done.

My biggest complaint with Roku is the frequent app carriage disputes. That's why I purchased a Chrome cast.

I'm pretty much Computer/Streaming Stupid besides my Roku TV is so easy & was cheap. Got the 57" loud 4K Roku Smart TV at Walmart for less than $300 4 yrs ago. Not a single issue.. All my apps are on there on the home page & no need for Chrome Cast, etc. They offer the same things as my Roku

I see you gave 2 points in neutrality to roku or did I miss ghat?

My Roku Ultra freezes and force reboots all the time, so I'm surprised by your reliability portion. I got so sick of it that I purchased a Chromecast with Google TV a couple days ago and am loving it so far. I guess time will tell if it will ever crash on me

I use Use Google TV mostly however I use Roku for Airplay etc

I got only Android/Google TVs in my house. I can jailbreak it just like Firestick. Fire OS is Amazon’s custom version of Android/Google.

If it wasn’t for one of the adds I would not have known about a movie that was on at the movies and I went to the movies and watched it

i noticed you picked roku over the google interface without showing us the google interface

Three different platforms. Roku, Chromecast, and Google TV. Roku and Chromecast are external devices, while Google TV is built in to newer Sony, TCL and possibly other TV's. I can compare a Roku with a Sony Google TV. (I don't have a Chromecast device) It's all about the remote: The Sony remote has everything you need, including Input button, volume button, channel up down button, 4 dedicated app buttons, All app button, are right there on one remote. Navigation is easier on the Sony Google TV remote, especially nice is the channel up /down that works great with RU-vid TV You can "surf" RU-vid TV channels, Roku has a limited button selection with no Up/Down channel buttons

Start with the chrome cast freezing and save people 10 minutes. That’s a dealbreaker

I mostly want chrome cast for screen casting vr.

Roku is the Jidderbug of streaming devices.

I have Nvidia Shield TV and I think it's the best streaming device.

I own 3 devices. Roku, Firestick and recently, a Google TV device (Onn from Walmart). For me, Google wins because of the customizability. I agree, Roku is more stable but The Google TV has more options to change settings, customize the interface, load 3rd party apps, etc. Firestick is the worst. It constantly crashes, has the most annoying ads and is the least customizable of the 3.

Roku now makes recommendations. I don't know how it compares, as I don't have the Google device.

Regular smart televisions With just the apps on the bottom of the screen That doesn't intrude on picture Is the best in my opinion

I have had almost every big name streaming device, and I can say it just depends on what you personally want in a device. I prefer the openness of the Android devices. I currently have a CCwGTV, ROKU TV, ROKU express 4k+, Roku Streambar, Amazon Fire TV cube and stick, Direct TV Stream Box, ONN Android box. I've owned a Shield TV, Apple TV 4k and a MI Box. I VERY rarely use my Roku devices, but it's just my preference to use the Android based devices.

Yay! Brandon Sanderson fan!

You skipped featured on Roku which has fed content

but the question is: does Chromecast allow you to power it off? Roku does not unless you unplug it.

I have Roku Tv? And it Freezes and It restarts it self

For twice the price, the Roku looks really janky and choppy. That’s important to me. The Chromecast just looks normal. But I really love that Roku remote with the Shortcuts.

Nvidia shield android tv pro

Roku has private listening feature while Chromecast lacks that feature. That's a deal breaker for me.

I really hope that Roku gets a steam link channel I would really love that. It's the only reason I'm considering an Nvidia shield

My google tv disables the wifi on its own google hasn’t been able to fix this issue it’s not a deal breaker but it’s pretty annoying

Roku allows you to send audio to your Airpords. It is fascinating if you have your baby 👶 sleeping next to you.

I used the Roku which is why I wanted to see this review. Pop up adds freezing videos while on utube while watching ( or should I say trying to watch) cycling videos especially when I tried to mostly skip ads was "Infucking sufferable" freez, lock up, restart, etc , etc. Screw roku. Im trying Google next.

I've never experienced any issue of locking up as explained in this video, however, I have had device failure. I've been using Chromecast for at least 2 years on 3 TVs. within the past year, I upgraded 2 devices to Chromecast plus totaling 5 TVs and 5 Chromecast devices. 1 of my 5 Chromecast devices intermittently powers off. 8hr's - no issues. then powers off. OR after 1hr, it may turn off. No pattern to this failure. I've moved the device to ensure it was a Chromecast failure and not the actual TV. NOTE: The failure is on a 3rd generation "without a remote" that fails. So to better understand. Let me explain my setup. I have a total of 5 tv's. 55" - 65" 2 have Chromecast plus. 3 have 3rd generation - "no remote" 2 of these are on the majority of the day. 1 with Plus & 1 is 3rd gen. However, they all get used often within a week. So if you have a problem, simply replace it with a new one. Also, try google. they may replace it for free.

I'd go for the Google TV, but the freezing is a deal breaker for me. That is the reason why i'm replacing my Amazon 🔥 TV

Roku reliability??? I don't think it's only the lower tier Rokus that have issues! I am replacing my Ultra and old Premier+ with the new Roku Express 4K+ why? Because the High End Rokus as they get updated become very flaky!!! Reboots, Freezing, etc!! I have had much better luck with the Cheeper Rokus? Why? I have no idea? One guess is the Firmware updates are doing something to break them so you need/want to buy a new Roku! This is just speculation based on experience and knowing other hardware manufacturers have been guilty of this! Intentionally breaking older devices to sell new hardware! Again it's just speculation and I'm not the only one that has noticed this.

I use both... I have a Roku (carry forward from old TV) and my new TV is a Google TV... so I use both. Roku has the edge for me because of the Roku Media player and Google TV has the RU-vid app without the threat of it being removed. Each has its pluses and minuses.

Roku for the parents. Period. I also have Chromecast+G-TV, but just take me to the apps. I don't need all the Google suggestions.

I'm not sure why simplicity is seen as a positive. IMO Roku is too simple. So much that it hides features that should be accessible to user if they want it to be. A very Apple'esq approach and not in a good way.

Doesn't having Chromecast turn any TV into a smart TV as long as you have Wi-Fi.

The 2021 Apple TV 4K closely followed by the 2019 Nvidia Shield TV PRO. There really isn’t a close third. Everything else pales in comparison to these two. Between these two devices though…Chromecast w/Google TV is far superior.

I LOVE CHROMCAST TV , since i changed ROKU to CHROMCAST last NOV never looked back ...because of HBOMAX ...i am Utube TV user since 2015 & Google/chrome user forever , so works GREAT for me & happy with it & love the feathers ...ROKU interface not changed since decade Boring & blah same ole same ole ....F that... ONLY THING i like ROKU little better is fastward & rewind stuffs , ROKU dose the better job , i hope Google fix that with some updates ..beside that LOVE Chromecast TV

So between neutrality and easy of use he gave Roku 3 points but then he completely skipped the search category. Google TV won 5-4 and if he had included search Google TV would of won that too. 6-4 Google TV wins.

I go with Google Chromecast and Google TV because I can use Google Assistant to control all my smart devices 💯

I prefer Google tv.Im not saying it extends throughout all Roku devices,but I own an ultra and stick and the picture is much darker.The picture on Google tv is much better and more vibrant imo.I also prefer the UI on google tv.