When shopping for a streaming device, the primary question often boils down to Apple TV vs. Google TV. Apple TV 4K has built a reputation as one of Apple’s most polished products.
Meanwhile, Google TV quietly delivers a lot of value, but doesn’t always get the spotlight.
After testing both, here’s the real breakdown: where each shines, where they fall short, and which one might be the better fit for your setup.
Price and Specs
Starting with the basics:
- Apple TV 4K starts at $149 for 64GB of storage. The 128GB model with Ethernet is $169.
- Google TV 4K sells for $99 with 32GB of storage. That’s half the storage of Apple’s entry model.
Apple sometimes dips in price through third-party retailers like Amazon, while Google discounts less often but occasionally bundles deals with its hardware.
Specs-wise, Apple edges ahead with Wi-Fi 6 and larger storage options. Google counters with built-in Ethernet, USB-C power, and slightly newer Bluetooth 5.1 (compared to Apple’s 5.0).
Design and Build
Both devices are compact and lightweight, but their designs differ.
Apple TV has a clean, boxy design similar to a mini Mac. It weighs about 210 grams and is built from a mix of aluminum and plastic. On the back, you’ll find HDMI 2.1, a figure-eight power port, and Ethernet (only on the higher-end model).
Google TV is smaller and lighter, weighing 143 grams, and is shaped more like a pill with a soft-touch plastic shell. It also uses HDMI 2.1, but runs on USB-C power, which is a nice convenience if you’re already stocked with cables. Ethernet is built-in, and you get a reset button, plus a remote finder feature.
Remote Controls
Of course, both TVs come with remotes, but there’s a big difference between them:
The Apple TV remote is a slim aluminum remote that blends buttons with touch controls. The touchpad enables faster scrolling through content and typing, and it charges via USB-C. You can even disable the touch feature if you don’t like it.
The Google TV remote, on the other hand, is a chunkier plastic remote powered by two AAA batteries. It has dedicated buttons for YouTube and Netflix, plus a customizable star button you can assign to apps or functions like switching inputs.
Both remotes are functional, but they lean in different directions. Apple’s is sleek and polished, while Google’s is practical and comfortable to hold.
Features and Profiles
Profiles are one of the biggest features people care about, and here the two diverge.
Apple TV OS 16 allows multiple profiles but doesn’t let you lock them with PINs. It also occasionally mixes up recommendations across profiles.
Google TV does let you PIN-lock profiles, but in practice, it doesn’t always enforce it. Sometimes the TV stays logged into a “locked” profile after a restart. Recommendations also come with a catch: Google mixes in ads at the top of the screen. It’s possible to sidestep these with a custom launcher, but it’s not ideal.
Apple avoids ads entirely. Instead, its top content feed shows what’s trending across apps. It’s not always perfect either, since it sometimes surfaces content from apps you’re not using, but it’s less intrusive.
Streaming Quality
Both devices support 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and spatial audio when paired with compatible headphones.
Apple shines when paired with AirPods Max, delivering an immersive surround experience without extra hardware. Google delivers solid performance, too, but Apple’s audio integration feels more polished.
Live TV and Content
Google TV features a Live TV tab; however, in testing, it does not appear consistently, depending on your region and the apps you have installed. Apple TV doesn’t include a Live tab, but both devices let you access apps like YouTube TV, Sling, or Hulu Live for live content.
Both can also pull in your photos for screensavers and wallpapers. Apple adds a full Photos app for browsing albums, while Google relies on Google Photos integration but lacks a standalone app.
Ecosystem Integration
This is where Apple TV 4K and Google TV differ the most.
With Apple TV, you’re plugged directly into the Apple ecosystem:
- Apple Fitness+ with live heart rate data from Apple Watch
- Apple Arcade for gaming with Bluetooth controllers
- FaceTime on your TV using your iPhone as the camera
- Using an iPhone or an Apple Watch as a remote
- Single sign-on for apps like Netflix
- Color calibration and audio sync using your iPhone
Google TV integrates with Google’s ecosystem, but in a lighter way. You can control smart lights, get Nest doorbell alerts, and add shows to your Google watchlist directly from a search. But its ecosystem features feel limited compared to Apple’s.
Smart Home Features
Apple TV integrates with HomeKit, allowing alerts for motion or doorbell events on your TV. If you have supported cameras, like Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video, it’s particularly useful (for example, checking if your kids have sneaked out of bed).
Google TV integrates with Google Home, allowing you to toggle lights and view basic notifications, but its smart home functionality isn’t as comprehensive or reliable.
Performance
Both streamers are faster and smoother than most built-in TV software, but Apple TV 4K generally feels more responsive.
Google TV occasionally stutters when navigating menus, though playback is stable. Compared to Samsung and LG’s built-in interfaces, both Apple and Google offer a significant improvement.
Day-to-Day Experience
Apple TV offers more polish. The remote’s touch controls make browsing fluid, the lack of ads keeps things clean, and integration with other Apple devices adds value if you’re already in that ecosystem.
Google TV, though, is no slouch. For $99, you’re getting a fast, capable device with Ethernet built in, a customizable remote, and the flexibility of Android.
Final Verdict
So, which should you buy in the battle of Apple TV 4K vs Google TV?
Choose Apple TV 4K if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, want the best performance, or plan to use features like Fitness+, FaceTime, or spatial audio. Choose Google TV if you want a cheaper option, prefer Android integration, or value having Ethernet built in without paying extra.
Both are excellent streaming devices, but Apple has a slight edge in terms of polish and features. Google holds its own with value and practicality.
FAQs
Does Apple TV show ads?
No. Apple TV doesn’t show ads in its interface, while Google TV mixes in sponsored recommendations.
Which is faster: Apple TV 4K or Google TV?
Apple TV 4K is generally quicker and smoother in menus. Google TV performs well but can occasionally stutter.
Can I use Google TV without a Google account?
Technically yes, but you’ll lose most features, including recommendations and app sync.
Does Apple TV work with Android phones?
You can use it with an Android TV or an HDMI-equipped TV, but many ecosystem features (like iPhone remote control or FaceTime) are Apple-only.
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