Fire TV vs Google TV | Who’s the BEST Streamer?

Craig takes on the question of whether Fire TV or Google TV reigns supreme in a head-to-head matchup, all while (mostly) taking the devices OUT of the equation. Does Fire TV’s superior search make it the best? Or is it Google TV’s recommendation algorithm? Whether you’re a Fire TV or Chromecast fan, you’ll have something to cheer for in this lineup.

0:00 - Fire TV vs Google TV
0:42 - Neutrality
2:16 - Ease of use
2:38 - Recommendations
3:20 - Search
4:04 - Apps
4:24 - Parental controls
5:16 - Sideloading
6:32 - Remote
7:24 - Ads
8:11 - Design

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[TheScottiedawg]

I totally agree on the “look” and function of the google tv. I just returned my firestick for this reason. Google is just a more pleasant and user friendly layout. Not so crowded.

[cyberbud]

Sorry but you are wrong about Play/Pause buttons. Have you ever used IPTV, you cannot play/pause or forward on Google TV with that round button. But on Fire TV, you can.

[exxekhan]

You didn't compare performance. How long does it take to load content. My FireTV has slowed down a lot. It takes forever to load apps. That's why I'm considering switching to GoogleTV.

[CraigSteelyard]

Amazon Prime app, works differently on both OS. on my Nvidia Shield it gives me an option to skip the intro, during some TV series. But on my 4K Firestick it doesn't.

[leogodreau]

I've had both and wanting to streamline to one only on various TVs, I went with Google TV. Even bought 2 Sony Bravia TVs with Android TV. Also use 2 Nvidia Shields and 1 Google Chromecast with Google TV for the outdoor TV/projector.

[stevenrodgers]

This was the exact k8nd of review i was looking. Thank you!

[visitdavid]

i have most devices but if your a prime member than 4k firestick is and should be your device and O S. i think that any company selling a streaming device should make the best product at any cost then make cheaper products for anyone to afford. and build a better product over time. for the consumer not just there bottom line. we want and need better products for users that just works.

[ryuhayabusa]

The buttons for Play, Rewind, and Fast Forward definitely aren't redundant. Some people prefer them, and they actually provide shortcuts to those functions in certain apps that use on-screen controls. Nice review.

[TheAlienPicture]

I wanted to see if you talk about the “live” feature. I use it on my Firestick but I don’t know if is also available on Google TV?

[mojoe]

i have both devices.. chromecast with google tv takes the cake for me especially after adding more storage to it. 👍🏼

[joelf]

Can you customize your app order in Google TV? I read you can’t.

[TuPhonezFree]

Yup. Im also with you on this one too. It looks like Google TV and Android TV should be killing the streaming wars. But it all comes down to the prices again for Fire TVs vs Android TVs too and people always wanna sideload stuff. lol Fo Free. Well Android TV and Google TV has the Fo Free too!

[arod]

Something I love about Google TV and hate about Fire TV, is that Google does not gray out sideloaded apps!!!

[tamidis]

That bought content edge does not go to FireTv, they also do the same, if you have bought content on Google, FireTv will not find it for you, they'll also direct you to buy it from them as well. That's a tie as well.

[Butteryfly]

If I have fire stick can I put peacock on it or do I have to pay for something I paid for peacock already though

[mysticloverfairy]

I have a fire tv an actual tv not a firestick so I'm wondering can you still use Google tv

[Hexonomo]

You have not mention an important feature for me in favour of google tv, you can not see HBO with the firestick, neither installing the apk.

[kon_radar]

Chromecast 4 is already over 2 years old, on Android 10. I think I'll wait for a newer device. Currently I'm using Chromecast 3, where I just press the Cast button on any video on my phone.

[JRobert]

If Google TV is better than Android TV, then I'm curious as to why my Sony 85X800H TV came with Google TV, and after a firmware update it now has Android TV. Any insight on this? Thanks!

[TheBmanrd]

I have both a fire stick and Chromecast with Google TV and both have 8 gigs of storage and I have the exact same 7 apps installed on both and the fire stick has 2.05 gigs out of 8 left and the Chromecast with Google TV still has 4.4 gigs left out of 8. Those 7 apps are HBO max, Netflix, paramount plus, Disney plus, peacock, discovery plus and Hulu.