Hi there! If you‘re trying to determine whether to go with Apple TV or Google TV for your smart TV streaming needs, you‘ve come to the right place. As a tech product reviewer with experience testing out both platforms in depth, I‘ve put together this comprehensive comparison to help make your decision easier. I‘ll be evaluating these prominent media hubs across a range of factors like features, content libraries, design, pricing, and more so you can determine the better fit for your household.
Let‘s dive in!
A Brief Background
First, a quick intro to what each product offers.
Apple TV is a dedicated set top box made by Apple that transforms your regular television into a smart TV. It runs the Apple tvOS platform and interfaces closely with other Apple devices and services.
Google TV on the other hand is software that gets built directly into select new Android smart TVs or external media devices you plug in. For example, you can find Google TV powers Sony‘s latest smart TV lineup or the Chromecast with Google TV streaming stick.
Now that you know the basics, let‘s analyze how Apple TV and Google TV stack up across various categories. I‘ll declare a winner in each segment before final verdict.
Content and Apps Available
Both platforms offer apps and access to popular streaming video services like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video and their respective ecosystems – Apple TV+ and Google TV. But content availability is wider on Google TV.
Apple TV has over 8,000 apps on its App Store tailored towards its interface. And Apple‘s services like Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and Apple TV+ come preinstalled with tight integration.
Google TV on the other hand aggregates movies, shows, and videos from across over 10,000 apps and subscriptions. For example, content from Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, YouTube and cable alternatives like SlingTV all appear in Google TV‘s personalized recommendations and universal watchlist.
So Apple TV offers a more closed, Apple-centric walled garden of apps while Google TV casts a wider net across streaming services, leveraging Android TV‘s large app ecosystem.
Winner: Google TV
Gaming Comparison
Both platforms cater to gaming, but offer different experiences. Let‘s contrast their offerings.
Apple TV has Apple Arcade with over 200 exclusive games optimized for TV and controllers. These apps tend to feel more polished with no ads or in-app purchases. Apple also has a Foundation platform to help developers port AAA console and PC games like Resident Evil 4.
Comparatively, Google TV gives you access to Android games from the Google Play store. These number over 1,000 but vary more in quality. The benefit is you can access games you may have already purchased on Android phones/tablets. And Google Play Games support allows syncing save progress.
While Apple Arcade‘s games feel more curated, Google TV opens up a much wider gamut of mobile Android titles. Ultimately if you want quality over quantity, Apple TV has the edge for gaming.
Winner: Apple TV
Smart Home Integration
Both Apple TV and Google TV work with smart home gear like lights, cameras, doorbells and more. Which smart assistant partnerships run deeper?
Apple TV users can control HomeKit-compatible accessories like Philips Hue lights or August locks using Siri commands. You also get HomeKit Secure Video support for connected cameras, intercom features, and tight integration with other Apple products.
As you‘d expect, Google TV offers excellent integration with Made by Google devices like Nest cameras, thermostats, Chromecast and smart displays. You can control your Google-compatible lights, locks and hundreds of other Works with Google Assistant gadgets right from the interface.
Given the wider smart home device support, Google TV pulls ahead when it comes to connecting your home. The “Home Control” dashboard lets you quickly access and control gear too.
Winner: Google TV
Design and User Experience
Here‘s where Apple TV differentiates itself with tvOS‘ refined interface versus Google TV‘s more utilitarian design.
Apple TV‘s interface looks stunning with big, beautiful menus optimized for readability from afar and cinematic previews as you scroll through content. Everything feels very spacious, responsive, and tailored to the living room experience.
Google TV by comparison has smaller text and more recommendations crammed in. But I do like how content bubbles up from across various streaming services, whether that‘s Hulu, Netflix or live TV alternatives like YouTube TV. No hunting through individual apps necessary!
The iPad-like Apple TV remote wins major points for its touchpad/gyroscope navigation and ergonomics. You can easily swipe through titles without aiming it directly. It charges via Lightning cable too.
Google TV remotes vary by device, but often utilize a compact QWERTY keyboard on the back. This comes in handy for searching versus pecking out titles letter-by-letter. Voice commands can be issued to both assistants as well.
Finally, Apple TV supports user switching fairly elegantly while Google takes it a step further by customizing home pages, watchlists and recommendations for each Google Account profile.
While Apple TV has a clear edge in visual polish, those used to Android phones may appreciate Google TV‘s utilitarian design and personalization per account. Ultimately watching content is what matters though – so Apple TV nudges ahead for superior living room ergonomics.
Winner: Apple TV
Price and Hardware Options
One area where Google TV clearly takes the lead is affordability, flexibility of hardware options, and connectivity protocols supported.
The latest Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) comes in just one style – a compact black box that plugs into your TV‘s HDMI input. It costs $129 for the WiFi-only model or $149 for the Ethernet version. Your only choice is internal storage space of 32GB vs 128GB.
Comparatively, Google TV software powers everything from full standalone Android smart TVs with 4K HDR displays built-in to affordable Chromecast streaming sticks starting at just $29.99. And these come in a variety of sizes and specs. For example, the latest Chromecast with Google TV dongle costs just $49.99 with 4K 60FPS, Dolby Vision, 8GB storage and a Google Assistant voice remote.
Additionally, Google TV supports current connectivity standards like WiFi 6E, Thread and Bluetooth 5.0 vs Apple TV‘s older WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0. And Android TV‘s Cast technology lets you beam content from mobile apps easily vs AirPlay.
Given the wider range of integrated smart TVs and streaming gadgets at more affordable price points – plus wider connectivity support – Google TV is the undisputed value and flexibility winner.
Winner: Google TV
Verdict: Which is Better for You?
So when all categories are weighed up, is Apple TV or Google TV the better choice?
If you live within Apple‘s walled garden with iPhones, iPads and MacBooks and subscribe to services like Apple Music or Apple TV+, Apple TV seamlessly and elegantly brings that experience to the living room. Games and apps feel optimized for TV with a refined interface. And streaming integration sits at the forefront.
On the flip side, Google TV serves Android mobile users exceptionally well with Chromecast built-in and aggregated content from all your streaming subscriptions. It brings that comfort of Google Assistant to a bigger screen. You gain smart home and voice assistant flexibility too. And it comes built into muitiple devices at very attractive price points or even bundled into some smart TVs.
Both are excellent smart TV platforms in their own regard. Apple TV shines brightest for those already embedded in their ecosystem while Google TV brings the best of Android and Chromecast to living room entertainment alongside smart home control.
If you made it this far, hopefully the detailed feature breakdown has helped make your decision between Apple TV and Google TV easier! Let me know if you have any other questions.
