When buying a smart TV, Android users are torn between two nearly identical products: Android TV and Google TV. Both will support the Google browser, Google Play, YouTube, Google Assistant, and have built-in Chromecasting and all your favorite entertainment and streaming apps. In fact, there are so many similarities that it can be confusing for first-time buyers: Android TV or Google TV? This comparison guide takes a look at Android TV vs. Google TV, with the most clear and up-to-date information.
1. Operating system
Both Google TV and Android TV run on the same operating system: Android TV OS, which was first launched in June 2014. There's no difference between the two, other than Google TV supports the latest versions of Android (currently 13/12), while Android TV can run older versions.
The fact that both smart TVs have the same underlying operating system can be confusing, especially since there was previously a commercially unsuccessful TV OS by Google that was also called “Google TV”However, that has stopped.
Any Android TV device released to the market, whether by a manufacturer, a set-top box, or a USB dongle (like Amazon Fire TV), always has Android software underneath to deliver security patches.
To check your smart TV's operating system, check its system settings. The words Android TV prominently
Since Android TV OS is an open operating system, any TV manufacturer can create their own Android-based operating system software.
On the other hand, Google TV has more limitations, as Google controls the appearance of the TV's home screen and apps. The Google TV screen has its own Google TV interface and logo, but it still runs the Android TV operating system at its core.
2. User Interface and Appearance
Android TV is not a trademark owned by Google TV. There are many variations of the Android TV user interface. They vary depending on the TV manufacturer or dongle/set-top box provider. They all resemble an Android smartphone or tablet in terms of app placement.
For anyone who's used an Android phone before, switching to the Android TV experience is very easy. It feels natural and requires no learning curve.
Whether your Android TV is made by Philips, Sony, Sharp, LG, TCL, Samsung, Haier, Amazon Fire Stick, or others, you'll find some common features:
- Swipeable pinned apps on the home screen
- Search or discover button and settings gear icon at the top
- Connected to your Google Play or App Store account on an Android smartphone, iPhone, or iPad.
The Google TV user interface is completely different, as the entire experience is highly customized, focusing on easy browsing and live channel streaming rather than recreating a typical look and feel of a “Android”.
You can recognize Google TV by its prominent icon on the home screen. The launcher discourages jumping between apps, and you can have your own personalized profiles. This TV is designed for a more advanced smart home experience, with support for a virtual remote, video calling, and Nest devices.
Unlike Android TV, there are very few manufacturers that have built-in support for Google TV, with Sony Bravia, HiSense, and TCL being the most popular.
The Google TV experience isn't just for the big screen. You can also download it as an app on Google Play و App Store.
Google TV is also available as a TV-only app called Google Play Movies & TV Works on any Android TV model.
To turn an existing TV into Google TV, you need to: Buy Google Chromecast with TV (HD) Media Streaming Device. Also available in 4K version, provided your TV supports the configuration.
Good to know: Chromecast Wi-Fi not workingTry these fixes.
3. Applications and features
Depending on your TV's storage space, both Android TV and Google TV can expand to accommodate thousands of apps.
A variety of Android TV apps are available as pre-installed programs. Alternatively, you can download them via Google Play (on your TV) just like you would on an Android phone or tablet. Apps that aren't available on Google Play for your country or region won't be available on your Android TV either.
Google TV currently claims access to over 10 apps, including streaming services Plex, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Kodi, Spotify, social media, and entertainment apps.
Google TV is a one-stop shop for any movie or TV show title. If you can't find one in a particular app/channel, there's no need to quit the app, as the title may be available on another streaming service.
Unlike Android TV, Google TV allows access to shows Apple TV And the Apple system, but not the App Store itself.
4. User profiles
There's a slight difference between how Android TV and Google TV register their user profiles. The former works similarly to an Android smartphone, while the latter requires creating a new user account.
Android TV brings your Google Play user profile to the big screen. This is useful if you want to cast videos from your phone to your Android TV. You can register multiple Google accounts (based on Gmail) on Android TV, and they will be compatible with your phone's existing Google Play accounts.
With Google TV, things are a little different. To get it working properly, you need to first create a Google TV user account on your Android/iPhone device. This has nothing to do with Google Play, although you can use the exact same account on both.
5. Remote control
Both Android TV and Google TV manufacturers will provide their own physical remotes. Google TV users can either use a remote included with their Google Chromecast media streaming device or download and install the TV Remote app. It comes bundled with the Google TV app that's downloaded to your device.
The good news is that the Google TV remote can also work with any Android TV model. Simply pair Your Android TV via Bluetooth.
Once you've paired your TV Remote app with your TV, you'll receive a Bluetooth pairing request on your Android TV. Connect the two, and you're good to go.
6. Parental control
Both Android TV and Google TV have parental control features. The former may have a dedicated PIN to enable parental controls, allowing you to create a profile for children with restricted access.
Google TV, on the other hand, has more sophisticated controls accessible from the profile icon. It also allows you to selectively enable or block apps. It has Family Library and App Library rows. You can also enable content censorship based on ratings.
Both Google TV and Android TV support third-party parental control apps via Google Play for enhanced restrictions.
7. YouTube compatibility
YouTube is available as an app installed on any Android TV model. Regardless of which TV you're using, you should be able to watch YouTube in the app drawer on the home screen. Once you've signed in with your existing Google account on your phone or laptop, you can watch the same videos on the big screen. There's 100% syncing between videos watched on Android TV and your other home devices.
While Google TV lets you connect to your YouTube account, it offers some additional services, such as: YouTube TV , a Netflix-like streaming service that is currently only available in the United States.
In the following example, Google TV displays the title of a downloaded movie borrowed from YouTube.
can apply Google Play Movies & TV Import any saved YouTube titles to your phone or computer.
Tip: Did you know that you can Using Google Assistant Even if your phone is locked? Learn how in this guide.
8. Compatibility with Google Assistant
All smart TVs should be compatible with virtual assistants. With Android TV and Google TV, this task is handled by Google Assistant. This works equally well for both types of devices.
While your TV model may have its own Google Assistant support, the easiest way to establish this access is with a Google Home/Nest or Nest Mini. Simply plug it into an outlet, wait for the lights to flash, and be ready for the instructions.
You'll need to use the Google Home or Nest app to match your voice with Google Assistant so it understands your voice. This is done through a series of tests.
Once Google Assistant is activated, you can use it to stream YouTube videos to Android TV/Google TV from the app screen or give a voice command to play a specific show or video.
You can also connect Netflix and other streaming services to Google Assistant, allowing you to cast your favorite Netflix shows directly to the big screen.
9. Updates
Both Android TV and Google TV require software updates. Android TV operates a standard update model based on timely Android version updates. Just like your phone, you can check for updates on a screen like "App Updates." The location of the update icon varies depending on your Android TV model. Your TV manufacturer's website will have a detailed list of updates that need to be performed on specific models.
With Google TV, updates are based on Chromecast firmware releases, often occurring in the background. You don't need to manually check for updates as often. With the latest Android TV models, it's easier to update firmware even without noticing anything new.
10. Cost
This is a big one! The cost of an Android TV or Google TV device is a major factor in your decision to purchase either. Costs may vary depending on whether you're purchasing a new model with Android/Google TV built-in or converting an existing TV to a smart model.
As a general rule, Android TV devices have thousands of brands and manufacturers to choose from, with prices ranging from inexpensive to unusually high.
Because Google TV has limited manufacturers, the cost of a TV shipped with Google TV is significantly higher on average than similar devices shipped with Android TV.
However, you don't have to spend that much on a new Google TV, as the same can be achieved with the help of Google Chromecast with a TV (HD) media streaming device. The problem is that not all Google TV apps will be supported for your specific TV model or in the region/country you live in.
Android TV vs. Google TV: Our Verdict
After examining the main differences between Android TV and Google TV, the question remains: which one should you buy?
If you need a proper Android experience at the end of the day, we recommend sticking with the familiar interface of Android TV. It's also more cost-effective and convenient in most countries. There's no core Google feature on Google TV that you can't find on Android TV.
If you can spend a little more, you might find more value with Google TV. It offers access to many streaming services not found elsewhere, feels more secure, and has additional features to support smart home integration.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Will Google TV replace Android TV?
The answer: Previously, Google announced that it planned to focus more on Google TV. However, Android TV remained more popular because it supported more devices and was compatible with the Android ecosystem. It's clear that Google TV will not "replace" Android TV anytime soon.
Q2: Can you watch your regular TV channels on Android TV or Google TV?
The answer: You can easily watch your regular TV channels on both Android TV and Google TV without having to access any apps or streaming services. Just make sure your TV signal is working properly.
Q3: Can I browse the internet on Android TV or Google TV?
The answer: Both Android TV and Google TV offer a compatible browser, such as Google Chrome for standard browsing. Before surfing the internet, check Connect the TV to your Wi-Fi network properly. And troubleshoot any issues.
