A new contender in the streaming device wars has emerged: the Google TV-powered Chromecast. With high-quality streaming, a voice-enabled remote control, and a relatively affordable price, it seems to be targeting one of the most popular streamers.

If that sounds similar to the Fire TV Stick 4K, you're right. And both are currently on the list of best streaming devices. But there are a few key software features that separate them (including support for one of the latest streaming services). So we decided to test Chromecast with Google TV vs Fire TV Stick 4K in a one-on-one battle.

As our review of the Chromecast with Google TV shows, it is a strong choice in the low-cost streaming device market. However, as our review of the Fire TV Stick 4K showed, Amazon has its own top UHD streaming device.

Now let's look at the differences:

The new Chromecast with Google TV costs $49.99, the same as the Fire TV Stick 4K.

As outlined below, both support 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos audio. Both also come with an audio-enabled remote control.

Winner: a tie

Again, a pair of really similar streaming devices: the Chromecast with Google TV vs Fire TV Stick 4K, both streaming up to 4K UHD at 60fps, with Dolby Vision, HDR 10, and HDR10+ formats, allowing users to enjoy stronger, more vivid colors.

As for sound quality, both the new Chromecast and Fire TV Stick 4K support the same audio codecs: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos. The latter provides deeper, more immersive sound.

Winner Tie

Chromecast with Google TV is a major upgrade from previous Chromecast devices Chromecast with Google TV supports 6, 500 Android TV apps already available in the Google Play Store. 500 Android TV apps supported.

This includes the usual big names like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, and Peloton. All of these are also available on the Fire TV Stick 4K.

However, Amazon's device is missing one thing: Chromecast with Google TV is supported; until Amazon and WarnerMedia strike a deal, Chromecast is the way to go if you want to watch "Friends" on HBO Max.

Winner Chromecast with Google TV

Here's the real difference between Chromecast with Google TV and Fire TV Stick 4K. The new Chromecast is an oval dongle with a short HDMI cable; the Fire TV Stick 4K is a slim rectangular bar with an HDMI connector. Both require a separate power cable.

The new Chromecast measures 6.4 x 2.4 x 0.5 inches, larger than the Fire TV Stick 4K (3.9" x 1.2" x 0.6"). But Google's dongle comes in more colors: snow (white), sunrise (pink), and sky (blue); the Fire TV Stick 4K comes only in black.

More color options mean that home entertainment systems can be a bit more stylish. But you can't go wrong with the classic black and understated Stick.

Winner: tie

In terms of features, the new Chromecast also allows you to cast from your phone's iOS or Android app to your TV screen. It can also mirror a Chrome browser window to the TV.

Chromecast can also easily sync with other devices with Google Assistant, so you can control the lights in your smart home or check the video from your Nest Camera. It can also be paired with other Nest speakers to stream music in multiple rooms.

The Fire TV Stick 4K, on the other hand, works with Amazon's ecosystem, so it can use Alexa to control streaming devices, lights, thermostats, Ring cameras, and Echo Dot speakers.

Winner: tie

Another category where the Chromecast with Google TV and Fire TV Stick 4K are essentially the same. Both come with voice-activated remote controls. For the new Chromecast, Google Assistant is activated; for the Fire TV Stick 4K, Alexa is activated.

The buttons on each remote control are very similar, with both having directional pads, power, voice, home, back, and mute buttons. However, the Chromecast with Google TV remote control is superior to the Chromecast with Google TV remote control thanks to the TV input buttons. In homes with multiple streaming devices or gaming consoles, this can reduce clutter by eliminating the need for a TV remote control.

The Chromecast remote has dedicated buttons for YouTube and Netflix, a handy shortcut if you use these apps regularly.

Winner: Chromecast with Google TV

Choosing between the Chromecast with Google TV and the Fire TV Stick 4K is not easy. Both are the same price, stream the same video and audio quality, and both come with voice-enabled remotes.

The only difference is a small one (though it may matter to some). The new Chromecast has the HBO Max app and a better remote control. Chromecast also continues to support casting from cell phones.

Since they are very similar, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and compatibility with other devices in the home. If you live in a world controlled by Alexa, the Fire TV Stick 4K will work seamlessly within it. But if you prefer Google Assistant and its products, the Chromecast with Google TV is a great and affordable streaming option.

All things being equal, the Chromecast with Google TV wins this round.