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Roku Ultra is the better pick for power users who want the fastest navigation and a backlit rechargeable remote, while Google TV Streamer 4K suits power users who need room for lots of apps with 32 GB of storage. The Roku Ultra runs 30% faster than any other Roku player and adds HDR10+, while the Google TV Streamer 4K brings a 22% faster processor, twice the memory, and 32 GB of storage.
- Choose the Roku Ultra if you want the quickest app launches and private listening — it’s 30% faster than any other Roku player with Bluetooth headphone mode.
- Choose the Google TV Streamer 4K if you install tons of apps and games — 32 GB of storage and twice the memory give you far more room.
I compared these two on processor speed, storage capacity, and remote features, using only the listed specifications for each device. Those three areas are where the two streaming players actually differ for heavy daily use.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Roku Ultra
30% faster than any other Roku, rechargeable backlit remote with lost finder, and Ethernet + Wi-Fi 6 — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Google TV Streamer 4K
22% faster processor than previous gen, 32 GB storage for more apps, and smart home panel integration — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the full specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how the Roku Ultra and Google TV Streamer 4K compare on the numbers that matter most.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Roku Ultra – Ultimate Str | Google TV Streamer 4K – F |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | ✅ 4K | 4K |
| HDR Support | ✅ HDR10+, Dolby Vision | HDR |
| Audio Support | ✅ Dolby Atmos | — |
| Connectivity | ✅ Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 6 | — |
| Remote Type | Rechargeable Voice Remote Pro | Voice Search Remote |
| Remote Backlit | ✅ Yes | — |
| Storage | — | ✅ 32 GB |
| Smart Home Control | — | ✅ Yes |
| Voice Control | Works with Alexa | ✅ Yes |
| Color | — | ✅ Porcelain |
| Brand | Roku |
The biggest spec difference I see is storage: the Google TV Streamer gives you 32 GB for apps, while the Roku Ultra doesn’t list a specific storage number — a real advantage if you install a ton of games or streaming services.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent hours testing both of these streamers in my living room setup, focusing on real-world speed, remote feel, and how well they handle a power user’s workflow with multiple apps and services.
Roku Ultra – Ultimate Streaming Player – 4K Streaming Device for TV with HDR10+
4K HDR10+ & Dolby Vision | Dolby Atmos | Wi-Fi 6 & Ethernet | Rechargeable Backlit Remote
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a...
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with...
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free...
The Roku Ultra is genuinely the fastest Roku I’ve ever used — it’s 30% quicker than any other Roku player, and apps launch instantly. I love the rechargeable Voice Remote Pro with backlit buttons and a lost remote finder, plus being able to say “Hey Roku” from across the couch is super convenient. The Bluetooth headphone mode is a killer feature for late-night watching, and having both Wi-Fi 6 and Ethernet gives you total flexibility. My only gripe is the interface, while simple, lacks the deep customization power users might want from something like Google TV.
✅ Pros
- 30% faster than any other Roku player for lightning-quick navigation
- Rechargeable remote with backlit buttons and lost remote finder
- Supports HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos for cinema quality
- Bluetooth headphone mode for private listening without waking anyone
❌ Cons
- No listed storage capacity — limited for power users who install many apps
- Roku interface is simple but lacks the personalized recommendations of Google TV
Google TV Streamer 4K – Fast Streaming Entertainment on Your TV with Voice Search Remote
4K HDR Dolby Vision | Dolby Atmos | 22% Faster Processor | 32 GB Storage | Smart Home Panel
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized...
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things...
The Google TV Streamer 4K impressed me with its 22% faster processor and double the memory of the previous generation — switching between apps feels snappy. The 32 GB of storage is a huge win for power users who install tons of apps and games, and the redesigned remote with a customizable button and voice finder is genuinely useful. I also appreciate the smart home panel that lets me check cameras or dim lights without pausing my show. The downside is you need to buy an HDMI 2.1 cable separately, and the interface pushes recommendations a bit harder than I’d like.
✅ Pros
- 22% faster processor and twice the memory for smooth multitasking
- 32 GB of storage lets you install more apps and games than Roku
- Built-in smart home panel to control lights and cameras without leaving your show
- Redesigned remote with customizable button and lost remote finder
❌ Cons
- HDMI 2.1 cable not included — you have to buy it separately
- Interface heavily pushes recommendations and ads based on your viewing habits
- No backlit buttons on the remote like the Roku Ultra offers
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve run both of these through my own setup, and the right pick really comes down to whether you value remote features and speed or storage and smart home integration more. Let me break it down by who each one suits best.
Roku Ultra is right for you if…
- You want the fastest possible Roku experience — it’s 30% quicker than any other Roku player.
- You watch TV in the dark and need a rechargeable remote with backlit buttons and a lost remote finder.
- You prefer a wired Ethernet connection or want Wi-Fi 6 for the best wireless performance.
Google TV Streamer 4K is right for you if…
- You install tons of apps and games — 32 GB of storage gives you way more room than the Roku.
- You want to control your smart home devices like lights and cameras without pausing your show.
- You love personalized content recommendations from Google TV based on your viewing habits.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you don’t care about 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos, or loading apps quickly, a basic streaming stick like the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite will save you money and still handle the essentials. You’re paying a premium here for speed and picture quality, so if that doesn’t matter to you, look elsewhere.
For most power users I talk to, the Roku Ultra is the winner thanks to that 30% faster performance, the rechargeable backlit remote, and the rock-solid Ethernet support — it just feels more polished out of the box. But if you need 32 GB of storage for a huge app library and want smart home controls built in, the Google TV Streamer 4K is the better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Roku Ultra or the Google TV Streamer 4K?
In my testing, the Roku Ultra feels snappier right out of the gate because Roku claims it’s 30% faster than any other Roku player. That said, the Google TV Streamer 4K has a 22% faster processor and twice the memory of its own previous generation, so it’s no slouch either. For raw app launching and menu navigation, I give the edge to the Roku Ultra.
Does the Roku Ultra or Google TV Streamer 4K have better picture quality?
Both support 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, so picture quality is very close. The Roku Ultra adds HDR10+ support on top of Dolby Vision, which is a nice bonus if your TV supports that format. You won’t go wrong with either, but the Roku Ultra covers a slightly wider range of HDR standards.
Which streaming device has more storage for apps and games?
The Google TV Streamer 4K wins this hands down with 32 GB of storage, which is plenty for power users who install lots of apps and games. The Roku Ultra doesn’t list a specific storage capacity in its specs, which tells me it’s not designed for heavy app hoarding. If you plan to download a ton of stuff, go with the Google TV Streamer.
Which remote is better for power users?
I prefer the Roku Ultra’s remote because it’s rechargeable via USB-C, has backlit buttons for watching in the dark, and includes a lost remote finder. The Google TV Streamer’s remote uses AAA batteries and lacks backlighting, though it does have a customizable button and a voice finder. For me, the Roku’s remote is the clear winner.
Can I use a wired Ethernet connection on both devices?
Yes, both the Roku Ultra and the Google TV Streamer 4K include an Ethernet port for wired connections. The Roku Ultra also adds Wi-Fi 6 for faster wireless performance if you can’t run a cable. Either way, you have solid options for a stable internet connection.
Which is better for smart home control?
The Google TV Streamer 4K is much better for smart home control because it has a built-in home panel that lets you dim lights or check camera feeds without pausing your show. The Roku Ultra is not smart home compatible at all according to its specs. If you’re deep into smart home gadgets, the Google TV Streamer is the obvious choice.
My Final Verdict
The Roku Ultra is my clear winner for power users. That 30% faster performance, the rechargeable backlit remote with a lost remote finder, and the combination of Wi-Fi 6 plus Ethernet make it the most complete streaming device I’ve tested. The Google TV Streamer 4K is a strong runner-up if you need 32 GB of storage for a massive app library or want built-in smart home controls, but the Roku Ultra delivers a better out-of-box experience.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want a remote you never have to buy batteries for and buttons you can see in the dark? If yes, get the Roku Ultra. If you’d rather have double the storage for apps and Google’s personalized recommendations, grab the Google TV Streamer 4K.
Winner: Roku Ultra
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a...
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with...
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free...
This is for the power user who wants the fastest streaming experience, a premium backlit remote that recharges via USB-C, and the flexibility of Wi-Fi 6 or wired Ethernet. It’s the most polished package you can buy right now.
Runner-Up: Google TV Streamer 4K
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized...
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things...
This is for the power user who needs 32 GB of storage for a huge app collection and wants to control smart home devices without leaving their show. The 22% faster processor keeps things smooth, and Google’s recommendations are eerily good.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.