Google TV, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV all offer users ways to view multiple streaming platforms and turn any TV into a Smart TV. Deciding which service to use can be quite the conundrum. Fortunately, though, while these platforms have many similarities, they also have some differences that can help potential users decide which system is right for them.
All three devices offer ways to view a variety of streaming platforms, including Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, YouTube TV, and more. Users can search through those other streaming platforms for particular movies or shows and, in addition to streaming movies, television, and live events, can also download additional applications. Applications can include games as well as other lifestyle and productivity tools. Both Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV have their own streaming services that are accessible on their devices, called Apple TV+ and Prime Video, respectively, each of which can be accessed on some other devices. All of the devices are integrated with the companies' respective virtual assistants so that can speak to search for specific movies or shows, control supported smart home devices, and ask questions. They all offer individual profile functionality too, meaning different family members can have customized home screens and recommendations.
Though these three devices serve very similar purposes, they do have differences. Google TV, which is now available preinstalled on 2021 smart TVs from Sony and TCL, allows users to add items to their watchlist even when searching Google for TV shows and movies on their computers and phones, with a watchlist for the TV itself that allows shows from multiple streaming platforms to be accessed from the home screen. Both Google TV and Amazon Fire TV have kids' modes in profiles for the device that provides a child-friendly version of the home screen and other features. Apple TV does not offer children’s profiles, but it does allow password restrictions to be placed on opening apps.
Google, Apple, Or Amazon For TV?
While Apple and Amazon have models that allow for streaming content in 4K, Google currently does not. Both Apple TV and Google TV, meanwhile, make it easy for users to mirror the screen of their smartphone on or send/cast content to a TV's display. Fire TV does have ways to work around mirroring restrictions, but it is more effort to mirror a phone screen using an Amazon Fire TV. Apple TVs also offer easy access to anything stored in iCloud, including music, pictures, and more and iOS games can be played on Apple TV.
General preference or the company whose products they are already using will determine much of what makes the different feature sets appeal to different individuals. However, there is one big factor that will come into play and that is the price. Chromecast with Google TV is $49.99 and, while Amazon has many devices, even its 4K Fire Stick is only $49.99 too. The current 4th generation of Apple TV is $149.99, and 4K models start at $179.99. The price difference between Apple TV and the Google TV and Fire TV devices is why the latter two are probably better options for most. Google TV, in particular, stands out as a great deal because of its unique features, like adding to your watchlist from your phone, and by trying to create an interface that makes it easier to find things you actually want to watch.