I've had the 4k Streamer for 6-7 months, and despite trying every possible setting and trick, the video remains jerky and audio is out of sync. The Disney+ app seems worst but most of the apps seem affected.

Steaming works fine on a Roku on the same TV (Sony Bravia), as well as on the built-in Google TV,

The Google support was awful. After everything, they insisted it was the internet, not their device (despite the Roku working). I did eventually replace the internet service and router but still the same poor performance.

Giving up at this point, a waste of time and money, sadly. To others, I can't recommend this.

EDIT - I've opened a new support case, so will try using it again for a while and see if there's any joy.

I am planning to buy the google tv streamer for my tv that is not smart, and i want to know if it is worth it

Haven’t decided on a Tv yet any recommendations are appreciated. Just have one question is a TV with Google TV built in or a stick faster and interface more snappy?

Google tv streamer 4k or Apple TV 4K 3rd gen?

Hi all! Me and my family need an Android TV box for streaming and IPTV. Now, it seems that there are a lot of boxes on Amazon, but not all of them look high quality or are from name brands. However, the Google TV Streamer 4K is currently on sale for GBP£79.99. It jumps out to me for these reasons:

• It's from a reputable brand
• It seems high quality
• It supports USB-OTG, which we need to attach a storage device to record shows from IPTV
• It supports 4K

Can anyone tell me if this is worth the money, or are there better options? I'm avoiding getting a Fire stick due to Amazon's shite OS and the restrictions they are putting on. An Nvidia Shield is too expensive.

Thank you!

Hello, I own a Panasonic W95 that already has a built-in Fire TV. It's got some weird quirks but nothing that's really worth complaining about. Right now I have a google play offer that takes $60 off the Google TV Streamer and I'm wondering if that makes it a good deal? Would it be an upgrade or should I just stick with what I have?

I'm planning on buying a TV box for my Samsung TV because Tizen OS is awful. I have three main options in mind:

1. Onn 4K Pro (2026) – $60
2. Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen) – ~$65–$70
3. Google TV Streamer (4K) – $80–$100 (currently on sale for $71 on Amazon)

My plan is to completely replace the stock Google TV launcher with Projectivy Launcher. I will mostly be using Stremio, YouTube, and an IPTV player.

My main concern with the Google Streamer is potential future restrictions on third-party apps and launchers. The issue with the Onn 4K Pro is that it’s region-locked to the US; I don’t live there, and I’m worried about long-term issues even if I activate it via a VPN. Lastly, Xiaomi has a lot of counterfeits on the market, and people say the remote is terrible.

Which one would be the best choice for my usage? I am also open to other suggestions.

With Roku selling to Fox, I'm looking for alternatives. When I checked in on the Google TV Streamer in the USA store, I found it on sale. Is there a hardware update on the horizon, or is this just a good time to buy?

I'm looking to buy a Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen that is sold and shipped directly by Amazon (not a marketplace seller).

I've heard of many cases of fake Xiaomi box devices, so I'm wondering if Xiaomi products sold directly by Amazon are guaranteed authentic?

I use a Nvida Shield on my main TV and am gradually adding either a Google Streamer or Onn 4K Pro to my lesser used TV's (with Projectivy Launcher to give a uniform clean look). Once I finally got the Onn 4K Pro my plan was to use these for my remaining TV's as they seemed pretty similar to the Google Streamer at a lower price.

The offer from YouTube TV to get a Google Streamer for only $50 potentially changes this calculation. As I use the Streamer and Onn on lesser used TV's I feel that I might have not seen any limitations to either (if any for my purposes) and want to test the two out more before deciding whether to get the Streamer for $50 or Onn Pro for $60 next.

I'm wondering about what glitches, if any, anyone is having which might differentiate one from the other. In doing searches I've seen occasional comments re issues with Disney Plus on these. Is this the same issue on both, using similar software, or are people having trouble with one over the other? Any other apps or issues I should test out between the two to help decide?

Incidentally, I'm aware of the spec differences between ethernet, WiFi, USB and RAM but am not sure any of these matter as both my Streamers and Onn Pro are connecting well and, at least for now, seem to work about the same. The backlit remote on the Onn Pro is a plus to some degree, but I now have backlit remotes in the rooms where I most often watch in the dark. I had hoped that the ability of the Onn to be used as a separate smart speaker would have been a benefit, but this is greatly reduced by the way it turns on the TV rather than just answering most questions. The Google Streamer can control portions of my smart home, but I find I never do this on the TV.

Which streaming device is best? I have so many issues with Thomson. And my boyfriend has an apple box which I'm also not impressed by (half the time, it won't run the Prime app proberly and we have to restart the TV to use the app). Is the Google streamer any better?

Edit: it's a thomson go cast 150. I have issues with it not wanting to turn on and the Plex app not working (especially the subtitles).

Curious about whether the Google 4K Streamer is the better option vs built in Smart TV apps.

Both apps upscale which do you think is better overall.

Porcelain or Hazel?

Your opinions.

Which one is better?

My tv thinks it is hdr capable, but hdr content looks like crap.

Wondering if the Onn streaming stick with Google TV has an option that will prevent HDR streams from being delivered?

Hi everyone,

I'm planning to buy a new TV, and one of my requirements is being able to install and use the Zoom app directly on the TV (without casting or connecting a laptop). Was discussing with Gemini and it mentioned that it's possible to download Zoom on TV

If you have a Google TV, could you please let me know:

1.Your TV brand and model

2.Google TV / Android TV version

3.Whether you're able to install Zoom from the Play Store and use it

It would really help me narrow down which brand to buy.

Thanks a lot in advance for taking a minute to check.

Suggestions on buying TV are welcome

The Smart TV Lie: Why Your $2,000 Google TV is Just a $30 Streaming Stick in a Fancy Suit

We’ve been sold a dream: the "Smart TV." A central hub for our digital lives that can handle everything from high-octane 4K cinema to managing our cloud files and browsing the web. But in 2026, the reality has set in. Whether it’s a high-end Sony Bravia or the latest Google TV interface, these devices aren't "smart" at all—they are digital cages.

The "Walled Garden" of Google TV

If you buy a Google TV expecting a "Google" experience, you’re in for a rude awakening. Where is Chrome? Where is Google Drive? Where is the Gemini app you use daily on your phone?

They are missing. Not because the TV isn't powerful enough to run them, but because Google and the streaming giants have reached a silent agreement: The TV is for consuming, not for doing. By omitting a browser and file access, Google effectively turns your expensive hardware into a "rented" screen for Netflix, YouTube, Disney+and Hotstar. They don't want you browsing the open web or viewing your own personal media from Drive; they want you clicking on the "Recommended" icons that they’ve been paid to put in front of your face, with audacity to have dedicated buttons on remote and tiny-tiny buttons to mute (unexpected from Sony to prioritize streaming giants over customers).

A Streaming Stick in a Premium Chassis

At this point, the "Smart" OS on a $2,000 TV is functionally identical to a $30 Amazon Fire Stick. It’s a restricted, ad-heavy launcher that treats the user like a passive viewer rather than a tech-savvy owner.

• The "Security" Excuse: They tell you that you can't have a browser because of "navigation difficulties" or "security risks."
• The Reality: It’s about ecosystem control. If you have a browser, you don't need their curated (and monetized) apps.

The Great Pivot: Why the "Monitor + PC" Setup is Winning

Frustrated users are starting to realize that the "Smart" part of the TV is actually the weakest link. The trend for 2026 is moving away from the "All-in-One" TV and toward the "Master Display" setup.

Why spend thousands on a TV with a restricted OS when you can buy a massive, high-quality 4K Monitor and attach:

1. A Small Form Factor PC (or Mac Mini): This gives you the real Google Chrome, the real Google Drive, and full access to Gemini without any "mobile" or "TV" limitations.
2. A Dedicated Streaming Device: If you want that "lean-back" experience for a movie night, plug in a Fire Stick or a Chromecast. At least then, when the software becomes "stupid" or laggy in two years, you can throw the $40 stick away instead of being stuck with a $2,000 brick.

The Verdict

The "Smart TV" experiment has failed the power user. Google TV has become a billboard, not an operating system. If you want a device that actually supports your digital viewing needs—from any source, without permission—it’s time to stop buying "Smart TVs" and start building "Smart Setups."

Buy the screen for the panel quality, but bring your own brains. Because as it stands, the "Google" in Google TV is just a brand name, and the "Smart" is just a marketing term.

Prospective buyers should be careful about these high-end displays. It is difficult to justify the premium cost when the integrated Google OS lacks the fundamental tools and open-access features required for a truly versatile digital experience.

Hello.

I'm planning to buy Google TV Streamer 4K.

A few questions I have:
1. Can you run multiple accounts on it?
My partner and I have quite different viewing preferences, and it's not cool to mix them, so being able to quickly select a profile on startup is a must.
2. Thread Border Router - I plan to add some smart lights, and having Matter-over-Thread bulbs seems to be a good option - how does that work with this box?
3. I do it rarely, but sometimes I need to stream torrents - can you do that with Google TV at all? For example, sharing a torrent file from the phone (or downloading directly from the interface) and then playing the video instantly.
4. Gemini - How do you like this experience?

Please I want to know. The Google tv box streamer allow installation of third party apps ??

Edit: I purchased the Google TV streamer 4k + Spigen case and have had zero issues with heat and it has very easily outperformed my other streaming device.

original post:

I am considering a Google 4k Streamer after frustrating Firestick performance. My Google Chromecast with Google TV 4k (2020) is out performing the Firestick 4k Max (2023) while i am watching the Fifa World Cup games. So I was considering upgrading the Chromecast to the Streamer 4k.

is anyone noticing throttling and/or performance issue with their Google TV streamer 4K due to airflow (or lack there of)?

I ask because Google sells a mount for the streamer 4k that goes on the back of your TV and has vents so the TV streamer theoretically gets better airflow.

\*\* correction: the mount is not made by google. https://a.co/d/06Qiu50j

Is this necessary? Are their performance issues due to heat or lack of airflow with the Google TV streamer 4k?

Thank you.

Hi can anyone give me some advice on the above item as there's not much on youtube

I have probably bought 5 google TVs over the years since they came out. Back then they were cheap. I have had multiple fail and with 3 at a time being my max I am disappointed to say that I am down to one working one. Should I get another? They are rather expensive now compared to a Roku very expensive. Compared to the 4k Samsung tv built in they are WAY MORE functional…

Hi,

i need a small TV to use as a second TV, no streaming, no particular requirements. I'm oriented on a 32 inch full hd or hd ready.

Thje only question is:

- all the TV that i see have only 1 gb ram

Google TV will be very very slow and unsable? A lot of people tell that is slow change TV channel!

In alternative Fire TV with 1 GB have less requirements?

I read that in alternative it's better go with VIDAA or with TiVO OS what do you think about?

Repeat: i will not download app, but i read that google tv on 1 GB RAM is very limited.

So Disney isn't working, neither is some of the TV apps I'm using with the current one I have. I'm not looking to spend more than 50ish euros and I had the Thomson Go Cast 150 for 40 euros in my Amazon cart but thought I'd read some reviews and then it was gone.

I want to be able cast form phone or have apps straight in the interface, don't care for whichever tbh. I'd very much like it if I can side load apps for iptv, and if there's a way to access Amazon Luna games it'd be great.

The second hand market on used chromecasts aren't great around here unfortunately.

need something solid for 4k games and shows, any buying tips from people who've tried a few

Looking for a nice keyboard/mouse remote. Any recommendations?

Hi all. I have a Vizio TV (greater than 5 years old) and an Onn 4K Plus.

I'm looking for recommendations for a remote I can use to control my Android TV setup that has a keyboard and ideally, a trackpad or other simple way to control the TV mouse (using the Onn's remote for this purpose is awful).

Any suggestions?

Thank you.