Streaming Devices

Chromecast with Google TV (4K) vs Roku Express 4K+

Chromecast with Google TV and Roku Express 4K+ are both compact 4K streamers, but Chromecast is the stronger current pick. Chromecast favors Google TV recommendations, Dolby Vision, and Google Assistant; Roku Express 4K+ is a discontinued but simple Roku streamer worth buying only at a strong discount.

Last updated: August 14, 2026

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Google

Chromecast with Google TV (4K)

A Google TV 4K dongle with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Google Assistant voice control, Bluetooth, and Chromecast casting built in.

Roku

Roku Express 4K+

A previous-generation Roku 4K HDR player with Roku Voice Remote, included HDMI cable, HDR10+, and simple Roku streaming.

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Specifications

FeatureChromecast with Google TV (4K)Roku Express 4K+

Model / generationChromecast with Google TV (4K)Roku Express 4K+ model 3941 / 3941X hardware family

Category4K streaming dongle4K streaming player

Official US price$49.99 shown in Google Store comparison for Chromecast with Google TV (4K); not shown as a current buy-button priceNo current direct Roku price because Roku says Express 4K+ is no longer available for purchase; current comparable Roku Streaming Stick Plus (4K) is $39.99

Maximum video outputUp to 4K Ultra HD HDR at 60 fps4K60fps HDR playback in Roku developer hardware specs

HDR formatsDolby Vision, VP9, HLG, HDR10, HDR10+HDR10, HDR10+, HLG

Dolby VisionYesNo official Dolby Vision support listed for Express 4K+

Audio supportDolby audio pass-through mode; Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos via HDMI pass-through listed in Google comparison/help pagesDigital stereo over HDMI, DTS Digital Surround pass-through, Dolby-encoded audio pass-through; Atmos not officially specified for Express 4K+

Processor / hardwareNot officially specifiedARM Cortex A55, OpenGL ES 2.0

RAM / memory2 GB1 GB

Storage8 GB shown in Google Store comparisonNot listed in official Roku Express 4K+ documentation or developer hardware specs

Wi-Fi802.11ac Wi-Fi, 2.4GHz / 5GHzDual-band Wi-Fi, 2.4GHz / 5GHz

BluetoothBluetooth 4.2Not officially specified

PortsHDMI 2.0 with ALLM; USB-C for power and data; optional Ethernet power adapterHDMI via included cable; micro USB power; compatible Ethernet adapter supported through micro USB in setup docs

RemoteChromecast Voice Remote with Google Assistant, microphone, TV/receiver/soundbar IR control, YouTube and Netflix buttonsRoku voice remote with TV power, volume, and mute controls

Smart home / castingGoogle TV, Google Assistant, Chromecast casting, Google ecosystemRoku platform; AirPlay/HomeKit, Google Home, and Alexa support are not confirmed specifically for Express 4K+ in its own official pages

DesignHDMI dongle that hangs behind TVPrevious-generation set-top box design that sits near the TV

Dimensions162 x 61 x 12.5 mm / 6.4 x 2.4 x 0.5 inNot published on official Roku Express 4K+ support or setup pages

Weight56.7 g / 2.0 ozNot published on official Roku Express 4K+ support or setup pages

Box contentsChromecast with Google TV, voice remote, power cable, power adapter, two AAA batteries, Quick Start Guide and safety/warranty documentsRoku Express 4K+ player, Roku voice remote with TV controls, Premium High-Speed HDMI cable, power adapter and USB power cable, adhesive strip

WarrantyNot clearly specified on Google's official Chromecast support or store pagesNot stated in accessible official Roku support documentation for Express 4K+

Pros & Cons

Chromecast with Google TV (4K) — Pros

✓Dolby Vision support gives it a clear HDR-format advantage over Roku Express 4K+.

✓Google lists 2 GB memory and 8 GB storage, while Roku only publishes 1 GB RAM in developer hardware specs.

✓USB-C power/data and optional Ethernet adapter support are more modern than Roku Express 4K+ micro USB power.

✓Google Assistant, Chromecast casting, and Google TV recommendations make it stronger for Google households.

✓Official dimensions and weight are clearly published by Google.

✓Bluetooth 4.2 is officially listed for the Chromecast with Google TV (4K).

Chromecast with Google TV (4K) — Cons

✕Google Store now features the newer Google TV Streamer (4K) more prominently than Chromecast with Google TV.

✕The newer Google TV Streamer (4K) has replaced it as Google’s current flagship streaming hardware.

✕The Google TV interface can feel more recommendation-heavy than Roku’s simpler app-first layout.

✕Google Store does not show a current live buy-button price for Chromecast with Google TV.

✕Warranty term is not clearly specified on Google's official support or store pages.

✕Ethernet requires a separate power adapter rather than being included in the box.

Roku Express 4K+ — Pros

✓Roku’s interface is simple, familiar, and less tied to one content ecosystem.

✓Roku support confirms the Express 4K+ includes a voice remote with TV controls and a Premium High-Speed HDMI cable.

✓Developer hardware specs list 4K60 HDR playback, HDR10/10+, HLG, ARM Cortex A55, and 1 GB RAM.

✓The set-top-box design can be easier to position than a dangling HDMI puck on crowded TVs.

✓Roku accounts and app layout are easy for non-technical households to learn.

✓If discounted through retailers, it can still be a cheap way to add 4K Roku streaming.

Roku Express 4K+ — Cons

✕Roku officially says Express 4K+ is no longer available for purchase.

✕No Dolby Vision support is listed for Roku Express 4K+ in Roku developer hardware specs.

✕Roku does not publish current direct price, dimensions, weight, storage, Bluetooth, or warranty term for Express 4K+.

✕Uses older micro USB power rather than USB-C.

✕Less attractive than Chromecast for Google Assistant, casting, and Google TV recommendations.

✕Current Roku Streaming Stick Plus (4K) is the official updated comparable choice, so Express 4K+ may not be the best product to promote in 2026.

Best used for

✦Turn a 4K TV into a Google TV screen with personalized recommendations across streaming apps.

✦Watch Dolby Vision or HDR10+ content from services that support those formats.

✦Cast YouTube, photos, music, and supported apps from Android, Chrome, and Google ecosystem devices.

✦Use Google Assistant voice search from the remote instead of typing titles with a directional pad.

✦Hide a small HDMI dongle behind a wall-mounted TV while keeping USB-C power and optional Ethernet adapter support.

✦Use Bluetooth audio accessories or controllers where supported by Google TV apps and settings.

Best used for

✦Upgrade an older 4K TV with a simple Roku streaming interface and voice remote controls.

✦Use a set-top-box style streamer when an HDMI dongle would be awkward behind the TV.

✦Set up a guest room or secondary TV with an included Premium High-Speed HDMI cable.

✦Stream 4K HDR10+ content without needing Google TV recommendations or Google Assistant.

✦Use Roku’s broad app catalog and straightforward home screen for family members who prefer simple navigation.

✦Buy through remaining retailers only if the price is clearly better than newer current Roku models.

⚖️

Our Verdict

Choose Chromecast with Google TV if you want the stronger feature set: Dolby Vision, Google TV recommendations, Google Assistant, Chromecast casting, Bluetooth, USB-C, and clearer official hardware details. It is the better fit for Google households and viewers who care about premium HDR formats. Choose Roku Express 4K+ only if the goal is a simple Roku interface, an included HDMI cable, and a low retailer price on remaining stock. Because Roku now says Express 4K+ is no longer available for purchase, most 2026 buyers should also compare the current Roku Streaming Stick Plus (4K) before buying the older Express 4K+.

Where to buy Chromecast with Google TV (4K)

Buy Chromecast with Google TV on Amazon →

Where to buy Roku Express 4K+

Buy Roku Express 4K+ on Amazon →

Paid link.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Chromecast with Google TV (4K) if...

→You want Dolby Vision support for compatible 4K TVs and streaming apps.

→You prefer Google TV recommendations and Google Assistant voice search.

→You use Android, Chrome, YouTube, Google Photos, Nest, or Chromecast casting often.

→You want Bluetooth support listed in the official specs.

→You prefer USB-C power/data and optional Ethernet adapter support.

→You want a streamer with clearly published official dimensions, weight, memory, and storage.

Choose Roku Express 4K+ if...

→You specifically want Roku’s simple app-first interface.

→You find remaining Roku Express 4K+ stock at a strong discount from a retailer.

→You want the included Premium High-Speed HDMI cable and set-top-box placement.

→You do not need Dolby Vision and are fine with HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG.

→You are setting up a secondary TV for someone who already knows Roku.

→You prefer Roku’s neutral streaming platform over Google TV’s recommendation-heavy interface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Chromecast with Google TV better than Roku Express 4K+?

A: For features, yes. Chromecast with Google TV has Dolby Vision, Bluetooth, Google Assistant, casting, USB-C, 2 GB memory, and 8 GB storage listed officially. Roku Express 4K+ is simpler but older and no longer sold directly by Roku.

Q: Does Roku Express 4K+ support Dolby Vision?

A: Roku’s developer hardware specs list HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG for Express 4K+. Dolby Vision is not listed for Express 4K+.

Q: Is Roku Express 4K+ still available?

A: Roku’s official current page says Roku Express 4K+ is no longer available for purchase and names Roku Streaming Stick Plus (4K) as the updated comparable choice.

Q: Which one is better for Google users?

A: Chromecast with Google TV is better for Google users because it has Google TV, Google Assistant voice control, Chromecast casting, and tighter Google ecosystem behavior.

Q: Which one is better for a simple TV setup?

A: Roku Express 4K+ is simpler if you already like Roku and can still buy it cheaply. Chromecast is still compact, but Google TV is more recommendation-led and ecosystem-driven.

Q: Which one should most people buy in 2026?

A: Most buyers comparing these exact two should choose Chromecast with Google TV if available at a good price. If they want Roku, they should consider Roku’s current Streaming Stick Plus (4K) because Express 4K+ is no longer directly available from Roku.

Q: How much RAM and storage does each device have?

A: Google lists 2 GB of memory and 8 GB of storage for Chromecast with Google TV (4K). Roku’s developer hardware specs list 1 GB of RAM for Express 4K+ and do not publish a storage figure.

Q: Does either device support Bluetooth?

A: Chromecast with Google TV (4K) officially lists Bluetooth 4.2. Roku does not officially specify Bluetooth support for Express 4K+.

Sources & References

Prices, features and specifications in this comparison were verified from official sources.

Last verified: August 2026

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