Although Google killed off the Chromecast line to bring it to us, the Google TV Streamer is a worthy successor. With hardware upgrades across the board, this is the most powerful Android TV device we've ever seen from Google. When you add in some truly useful new features — including Google Home support, Thread/Matter support, and a new Find My Remote button — you have the new Google TV device to beat. It's still not as powerful as an NVIDIA Shield, but for the average user, this is the only Android TV box to buy.

The Google TV Streamer is a completely redesigned streaming device, but the changes are more than aesthetic, as it boasts a new interface to control smart home devices, and uses AI to help you make more informed decisions on what to watch. But, it’s twice as expensive as the previous generation, and more in line with premium devices from Roku, Apple, and Amazon.

With more storage, a (slightly) faster processor, and some proper smart home chops, Google’s new take on the Chromecast is its best attempt at a streaming device yet.

The Google TV Streamer is a leap forward on the Chromecast with improved performance and added features including being able to aggregate all your smart home devices in one place. It’s an affordable and useful addition to meet your entertainment and smart home needs.

I have absolutely no reason to not recommend Google TV Streamer. If that maybe doesn’t sound like a full-throated recommendation, it’s not quite how you should take it. So far, in my early use, it’s definitely been smoother and a good bit faster than Chromecast with Google TV. It’s at least marginally better than the Onn 4K Pro, which costs half as much.

To decide whether or not the Google TV Streamer is right for you, let’s consider your other options. If you don’t already own the 4K Chromecast with Google TV, and are thinking about buying before it’s out of stock, don’t. You want something that’s more future-proof, and the Streamer’s performance provides that, even if its wireless spec is out of the second Obama presidency.

Most people reading this will likely know if this device is for them. It's entirely possible that the streamer you have now is still great and if so, good luck to you! Alternatively, if you're looking for something with a little more muscle and which is a true upgrade from the $50-ish sticks, then the Google TV Streamer is both a fantastic streamer and a smart home user's dream. It's not a perfect device, but give it some time, and Google will likely iron out some of the current kinks. Right now, it's cheaper than most "enthusiast" devices by at least $30 and offers excellent speed as well. It's also especially suited to users who have a smart home decked out with Nest devices.

Easy setup. Button to find remote. Dolby Vision support. Works as a Thread router for smart home devices. Decent voice search. Virtually every app is available. Built-in cast for easy streaming.

Easily the best streaming box Google has ever made, the Google TV Streamer combines a neat piece of hardware with the tech giant’s rapidly improving Google TV platform. The slick interface pulls all of your entertainment into one place and is powered by Google’s insightful recommendation engine.

This device sits in a weird spot at the end of the day. Sure, it’s a little smoother than the Google TV interface on my TV, but it’s not so much better that I would be willing to pay $129 for it. Maybe if the ads disappeared, I would be more interested in the upgrade, but it feels like a steep ask for what’s on offer right now. In Canada, the device only comes in the white porcelain colour as well, which is fine, and definitely not a huge deal, but it’s really strange that the darker option is a U.S. exclusive, and I find the white does stick out a little more than I’d like in my media centre.

Google TV Streamer is now a box – just like Nvidia Shield and Apple TV 4K – but only in appearance, not performance, as the CPU and GPU are just as weak as those in Chromecast with Google TV. This sets limitations both today and in the future but we still appreciate the increase in RAM, which allows for more active apps in background, along with significantly increased storage space, which enables users to install many more apps. The AV1 video format is also now supported in hardware.

The Google TV Streamer adds an Ethernet port and support for Matter and Threads, but it doesn't do much the Chromecast can't do for half the price.