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: July 24, 2026
Chromecast with Google TV (4K)
A Google TV 4K dongle with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Google Assistant voice control, Bluetooth, and Chromecast casting built in.
VS
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
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+.
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.
- ↗Google official Chromecast and Google TV Streamer specifications
- ↗Google official Meet Chromecast with Google TV support page
- ↗Google Store official Google TV Streamer comparison page
- ↗Roku official Express 4K+ setup support page
- ↗Roku official Express 4K / Express 4K+ support hub
- ↗Roku official developer hardware specifications
- ↗Roku official current comparable product / availability FAQ
Last verified: July 2026
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