Upgrading your TV and not sure which interface to go for? Google TV and Android TV are just two options you can choose from.
But what’s the difference between the two? Should you opt for one over the other depending on your viewing habits?
We explain the key differences between Google TV and Android TV below, including the available apps, features and design of the two.
We’ve also rounded up the best TVs and best projectors to help you enhance your home entertainment system.
What is Google TV?
Although it was once an operating system for smart TVs, Google TV is now a user interface that promises to make it easier to find things to watch.
The interface runs on Android TV OS, but that doesn’t mean Google TV is the same as Android TV. Instead, Google TV sits on top of Android TV. If you’ve used some of the best Android phones then the premise is similar: while both Samsung Galaxy and Pixel are Androids, they sport different interfaces from their respective manufacturer.
What is Android TV?
With the above in mind, remember that Android TV is an operating system for smart TVs and streaming devices and is designed to enable users to stream content from apps and even play games directly onto a compatible TV.
While there are other interfaces that run on Android OS (including Amazon’s Fire TV), generally speaking TVs powered by the OS are referred to as Android TVs instead.
Has Google TV replaced Android TV?
One of the biggest confusions with Google TV and Android TV is whether the former replaced the latter. The answer to that question is no, Google TV has not replaced Android TV.
Android TV still exists and powers many of the best TVs. It just has a different interface and features compared to Google TV. On the other hand, Google TV is a new interface that comes built into certain smart TVs and streaming sticks.
However, it’s worth remembering that Android is a product of Google, which means you’ll be able to find many Google services within the interface including Chromecast, access to Google Play Store and Google Assistant.
Is Google TV easier to use than Android TV?
Both Google TV and Android TV are fairly intuitive to use, however there are some differences which might help sway you.
Firstly, Google TV promises that you won’t need to jump between apps, as your watchlist and personalised recommendations are presented on one page for a more streamlined design. In comparison, Android TV is more focused on apps which means you may have to click around to find your next watch.
Having said that, you can quickly play next via the home screen, which is somewhat of a shortcut.
Otherwise, both Google TV and Android TV are equipped with Google Assistant which allows you to search through apps with your voice.
App availability
As both Google TV and Android TV, unsurprisingly, have the Google Play Store built-in, they both offer access to over 10,000 apps. These range from streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, live TV apps including BT Sports and Pluto and the likes of Spotify, Tidal and BBC Sounds too.
Not only that, but you can also download and stream games via Android and Google TV too.
Verdict
Both Google TV and Android TV are two great options for anyone who wants an easy way to enjoy a smart TV experience. With both fitted with the Google Play Store, and therefore provide access to over 10,000 apps and games, Google Assistant for easy voice search and can even work as a smart home hub, it’s fair to say that either should suit most households.
Having said that, Google TV offers a slightly more streamlined design which promises to offer personalised recommendations and your watchlist via the main home screen. Android TV, on the other hand, requires more sifting through apps which isn’t quite as neat as Google TV.
