Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation) vs Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K) (2026)
Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.
Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation)
A15 chip, 4K HDR, AirPlay, Siri Remote, Apple Arcade. The premium streaming box.
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Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K)
4K HDR, Google TV, Google Assistant, Chromecast casting, 8GB. Android users' streaming pick.
Check Price ↗ Full ReviewAt a Glance
| Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation) | Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K) | |
|---|---|---|
| 247Verdict Score | 9.3/10 | 9.0/10 |
| Owner Rating | 4.7★ (28,400) | 4.5★ (48,000) |
| Verdict | Excellent | Excellent |
| Resolution | 4K Dolby Vision | 4K HDR |
| Storage | 64GB | 8GB |
Quick Verdict
Both are strong choices, but the Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation) edges ahead with a 9.3/10 vs 9.0/10. A15 chip, 4K HDR, AirPlay, Siri Remote, Apple Arcade. The premium streaming box. That said, the Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K) is worth considering if 4K HDR, Google TV, Google Assistant, Chromecast casting, 8GB. Android users' streaming pick..
Pros & Cons Side by Side
Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation)
- A15 chip makes it the fastest streaming device — apps open instantly, no lag
- AirPlay streams iPhone/iPad/Mac screen wirelessly without any setup
- Siri Remote with touchpad and IR blaster controls TV/soundbar natively
- Apple One subscription integrates TV+, Arcade, Music and Fitness+ seamlessly
- 4K HDR with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and HDR10 support
- £149 — 3x the price of Fire Stick 4K Max
- Full value requires Apple ecosystem investment (iPhone, Apple One)
- No Ambient Mode or equivalent feature
Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K)
- Google TV interface aggregates content across all streaming services — one search finds content everywhere
- Google Assistant voice search is the most comprehensive across streaming services
- Chromecast casting from Android phone is the most seamless mobile-to-TV casting available
- Under £60 — competitive with Fire Stick 4K Max at similar pricing
- Google Photos automatic slideshow turns TV into a family photo display
- 8GB storage is limited — fewer simultaneous apps vs Fire Stick 4K Max's 16GB
- Google TV remotes require charging (USB-C) unlike AAA battery remotes
- Android-optimised — iOS mirroring less seamless than AirPlay on Apple TV
FAQ
Which is better, Apple TV 4K (3rd or Google Chromecast with TV?
Both are strong choices, but the Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation) edges ahead with a 9.3/10 vs 9.0/10. A15 chip, 4K HDR, AirPlay, Siri Remote, Apple Arcade. The premium streaming box. That said, the Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K) is worth considering if 4K HDR, Google TV, Google Assistant, Chromecast casting, 8GB. Android users' streaming pick..
Is the Apple TV 4K (3rd worth the extra cost?
Yes — Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation) scores higher at 9.3/10 vs 9.0/10.
Also Worth Considering
NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro
Tegra X1+, AI upscaling, GeForce NOW cloud gaming, Plex server, 4K HDR. The power user's streamer.
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Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023)
4K Ultra HD, Wi-Fi 6E, Alexa, Ambient Mode, 16GB. Amazon's most powerful Fire Stick.
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Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen)
Octa-core, 4K 60fps, hands-free Alexa, eARC, 16GB. Amazon's most powerful streaming device.
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