Google TV Streamer Review 2026: the Chromecast successor with a network port

IPTV on the Streamer: all the apps and a network cable

Because the Streamer runs Google TV, you have the full Google Play Store. TiviMate, made for Android TV, is in there, as are Smart IPTV, GSE SMART IPTV PRO and Kodi. You add other apps as APKs with the Downloader app; that is also the route the makers of Smart IPTV describe for Google TV devices.

For IPTV, the built-in gigabit network port is the most important improvement over the Chromecast, which only had Wi-Fi. That matters, because the Streamer's Wi-Fi is Wi-Fi 5. For live channels in 4K you're best off using a cable.

With 4 GB of RAM and about 23 GB of free storage there is room for a big TV guide and several apps. Whether catch-up and a TV guide work does depend on your app and your subscription. A MAG portal with a MAC address doesn't work directly; for that you need an M3U link or Xtream Codes details.

Speed and everyday use

Google only calls the chip ‘improved’. According to Android Authority it is a MediaTek MT8696 with four cores up to 2.0 GHz, and Google says the CPU is 22% faster than the one in the Chromecast with Google TV. 9to5Google calls it not a particularly powerful processor. For streaming and IPTV it is fast enough, but the SHIELD TV Pro and Apple TV 4K are faster.

The Voice Remote also controls your TV, soundbar or receiver via IR, has buttons for YouTube and Netflix and a button you set yourself. If you lose it, press the button on the back of the Streamer or ask Google Assistant, and the remote beeps.

Google promises security updates until at least 24 September 2029. The latest version Google lists has security patches up to April 2026. An update to Android TV 16 is expected, but hasn't been confirmed for the Streamer.

Picture, sound and smart home

The Streamer plays 4K at 60 frames per second and supports all HDR formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG. That gets you the best HDR picture on TVs from LG and Philips as well as on Samsung. For sound Google lists Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus; DTS isn't in the specifications.

The Streamer is also a hub for your smart home. It is a Matter controller and Thread border router, and with a Google Home panel on your TV you view cameras and control lights and the thermostat. According to Google, the casing is made of at least 65% recycled plastic.

Google TV Streamer or Chromecast with Google TV

The Chromecast with Google TV is no longer made: production stopped in August 2024 and the Google Store hasn't sold it since 20 February 2025. The Streamer has twice as much RAM (4 GB against 2 GB), four times as much storage (32 GB against 8 GB), a built-in gigabit network port, Thread and Matter and a button to find the remote. 9to5Google calls it a big upgrade.

The biggest difference in use: the Chromecast is a stick that disappears behind your TV, the Streamer a flat box that sits next to your TV. If you already have a Chromecast that works well, you don't need to switch straight away. If you're buying new, the Streamer is the logical choice.