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Google’s TV Streamer (4K) was listed for $79.99 in the US on August 16, 2026, down $20 from its $99.99 regular price. The streaming box also works as a Google Home and Matter hub, with a built-in Thread border router—useful if you want to connect compatible smart-home devices without buying a separate hub for that job. It is not a universal controller, however, and it does not replace a Nest Hub’s smart display.
The deal: $20 off, with a price that can change
Prices checked August 16, 2026: Google Store and Best Buy listed the Google TV Streamer (4K) at $79.99, down from $99.99. Walmart also listed it at $79.99, though its page showed a previous price of $99.00. That is a $20 saving against Google’s regular price, or about 20% off.
Check the price, stock, color, seller and fulfillment terms at checkout: those details can differ by retailer, and no sale end date is confirmed here. See Google’s listing, Best Buy’s listing or Walmart’s listing. The Streamer requires an HDMI cable, sold separately; if you need to buy one, factor that into the effective cost. Google recommends an Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 cable for optimal use.
What “smart home hub” means in this case
Google describes the Streamer as a Google Home and Matter hub, and says it has a built-in Thread border router. Those terms refer to related but distinct jobs:
#1 Best Overall
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- 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 to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
- Google Home hub: It lets Google Home connect to and manage compatible devices.
- Matter controller: It can help commission and control compatible Matter devices through Google Home.
- Thread border router: It connects Thread devices with the home network, so compatible Thread and Wi-Fi devices can participate in the broader smart-home setup.
- Streaming player: It runs Google TV apps and brings smart-home controls to the television.
That can mean one less device to buy if you need Google Home/Matter and Thread connectivity as well as a streamer. It does not make every smart device compatible, nor does it turn the Streamer into a platform-neutral automation server. Matter devices still need to be supported by Google Home, and some manufacturer-specific features may require the maker’s app. Google explains its hub requirements and Matter setup in its Matter help guide; its Google TV Streamer comparison lists the Streamer’s hub and Thread features.
What you can control from the TV
Google promotes a Google Home control panel on the television for compatible smart-home devices, including lights, plugs, thermostats and cameras. You can use the remote or supported voice features for common tasks—for example, dimming compatible lights without leaving a show. Google says the remote’s customizable button can be set to open the home panel or perform another function.
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- 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 to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
The exact controls depend on the accessory, its Google Home compatibility, your account and setup, and current software. A Matter label alone does not guarantee that every advanced feature will appear in Google Home or on the TV. Some may remain available only in the manufacturer’s app. Details of the TV control features are on Google’s product page.
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The Streamer supports video up to 4K, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. It has 32GB of storage, 4GB of RAM, built-in Gigabit Ethernet, a remote finder and a customizable remote button. Google says its CPU is 22% faster than the Chromecast with Google TV (4K); that is Google’s comparison, not an independent performance measurement.
Rank #3
- Advanced 4K streaming - Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance optimized for 4K TVs.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
| Feature | Google TV Streamer (4K) | Chromecast with Google TV (4K) |
|---|---|---|
| Google-listed regular price | $99.99 | $49.99 |
| Storage / RAM | 32GB / 4GB | 8GB / 2GB |
| Design | Box | HDMI dongle |
| Maximum resolution | Up to 4K | Up to 4K |
| Dolby Vision | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Ethernet | Yes | No |
| Thread border router and Google Home/Matter hub | Yes | No, in Google’s comparison |
| Remote finder / customizable button | Yes / yes | No / no |
The older Chromecast remains a lower-cost option if you mainly want basic 4K streaming and do not need built-in Ethernet, extra storage or the Streamer’s listed smart-home features. Google’s feature comparison provides the specifications; the Chromecast product page is another reference for that device.
Setup and Matter-device requirements
You need an HDMI-equipped TV or display, a power outlet, Wi-Fi, a Google Account and a phone or other compatible device for Google Home setup. For 4K playback, you also need a 4K-capable screen and suitable content. The HDMI cable is not included.
Rank #4
- No More App-Switching. Forget learning to navigate a new screen with every app. TiVo Stream 4K enables one centralized place for searching, browsing, and creating watch lists across all your apps..DC Input Range 5V/1.0A. Power Consumption : Maximum 5 W
- Recommendations Across All of Your Apps: Get rid of the walls between what you watch. TiVo recommends your next favorite shows and movies based on what you love, not where they live.
- Say it and watch it. The power of voice control makes it easy to find shows. Integrated Google Assistant allows you to launch apps, dim the lights and more.
- One place for all your favorite streaming apps. TiVo Stream 4K includes Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock plus many more, so you can get to your shows fast.
- TiVo Stream 4K is one of Time Magazine’s “2020 Best Inventions, Special Mention” and PCMag hails it as “an excellent media streamer for TV lovers.” Operating Temperature 0˚C - 40˚C
- Connect the Streamer to the TV with an HDMI cable and plug it into power.
- Select the TV’s matching HDMI input and follow the on-screen Google TV setup.
- Use the Google Home app when prompted and sign in with your Google Account.
- Add compatible devices in Google Home. For a Matter device, follow its setup instructions and scan its QR code or enter its pairing code in the app.
- For a Matter-over-Thread device, make sure a functioning Thread border router is available. The Streamer can provide that role.
App labels and setup screens can change, so follow the current prompts in Google Home and the accessory’s instructions. If pairing fails, first confirm that the accessory supports Matter and Google Home, update the app and accessory firmware, move the accessory closer to the Streamer or router, and restart the accessory, Streamer and router before trying again. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for a previously paired device; a factory reset should be a last resort. Buying the Streamer alone cannot resolve every compatibility or network issue.
Can it replace a Nest Hub?
It can replace some hub connectivity functions, but not the Nest Hub experience. If you need a Google Home/Matter hub and Thread border router, the Streamer may cover that need while also upgrading your TV streaming. But it is designed to connect to a television, not to serve as an always-visible screen in a kitchen or bedroom. It does not provide the same smart-display dashboard, clock, routines interface or room-based visual controls. Choose a Nest Hub if you want an at-a-glance display or voice and visual control away from the TV. Google’s hub-device list and Nest Hub information sheet describe those separate roles.
If you already have a compatible Nest Hub, Nest Hub Max or Nest Wifi Pro, you may already have Google Home hub capability. In that case, the Streamer’s extra value is more likely to be its streaming hardware, Ethernet, storage and TV control panel than a new reason to buy a hub.
Quick Recap
Who should buy it at $79.99?
- Consider it if you use Google Home, want to add Matter-over-Thread devices, and also want a new 4K streamer. The combined functions make the discount more meaningful than it is for streaming alone.
- Consider it if built-in Ethernet, more storage, a remote finder or TV-based smart-home controls matter to you.
- Look elsewhere if you only want inexpensive basic streaming, already own a capable streamer and hub, or do not use Google Home.
- Choose a smart display instead if you want a visible dashboard or controls in a room without relying on the TV.
- Check another platform if your home is centered on Apple Home or Alexa. Matter can work across ecosystems, but support and available features vary; the Streamer is specifically a Google Home product.
Alternatives by household
- Chromecast with Google TV (4K): A lower-cost legacy Google TV option for streaming-first buyers. It lacks the Streamer’s built-in Ethernet and Google-listed Thread/Matter hub functions.
- Nest Hub or Nest Hub Max: Better suited to a room-based smart display, voice control and a persistent household dashboard.
- Apple TV 4K: A more natural fit for households built around Apple Home, iPhone, Siri, AirPlay and Apple services—not for a buyer whose main goal is Google Home integration. Check Apple’s current model and details.
- Roku Ultra: An option for a streaming-focused Roku household, but not the natural choice if Google Home, Matter or Thread is the reason for the purchase. See Roku’s product page.
- Amazon Fire TV: More appropriate for an Alexa-centered home. Smart-home capabilities vary by model, so verify support for the specific device rather than assuming it matches the Streamer. See Amazon’s Fire TV range.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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