This Ethernet feature is so useful, I can’t believe more streamers don’t have it ‣ Diverse Daily

I’ve always been a big fan of the convenience and affordability that streaming sticks offer. You just plug one into your TV’s HDMI port, whether it’s a Fire TV Stick 4K Max or a Roku Streaming Stick 4K, and you’re streaming your favorite shows and movies in no time.

For a while, I used a Fire TV Stick 4K Max as my main streaming device, and I really enjoyed it. But what eventually pushed me toward other streaming devices was its lack of ports. When I first bought a streamer years ago, ports weren’t high on my priority list, so a Fire TV Stick made perfect sense. Since then, though, I’ve started doing more with my TV, whether that’s streaming from a Plex server, cloud gaming, or watching local media, which has made having an Ethernet port essential.

The problem is that Ethernet hasn’t always lived up to its reputation. Whether on my Roku Ultra or even my smart TV, I’ve found that the Ethernet connection is often no faster than Wi-Fi. There’s a common belief that Ethernet is always the better option, and while it’s unquestionably more reliable, it’s not necessarily faster than Wi-Fi. That’s because many streaming devices and smart TVs still use 10/100 Ethernet, also known as “Fast Ethernet,” which tops out at just 100 Mbps. Ironically, that’s often slower than a good Wi-Fi connection.

That’s where the Google TV Streamer comes in. I recently picked one up, and it’s the first streaming device I’ve used with the Ethernet feature every set-top streamer and smart TV should have, but most still don’t: Gigabit Ethernet.

The power of Gigabit Ethernet

This shouldn’t be a rare feature

Ethernet cable plugged into Google TV Streamer.

Gigabit Ethernet isn’t a new invention by any means. It’s been around for more than 25 years. The problem is that most streaming devices and smart TVs still don’t use it, which is a huge letdown, considering it’s 10 times faster than a 10/100 Ethernet port and supports speeds up to 1 Gbps.

That’s why, when I started shopping for a new streamer recently, the Google TV Streamer immediately caught my attention and was the one I bought. Not only does it run Android, much like the Fire TV Stick 4K Max I’d been using, but it’s also one of the few streaming devices with a built-in Gigabit Ethernet port. That means you’re no longer stuck with the 100 Mbps limit found on so many other streamers and smart TVs.

Speed test using Gigabit Ethernet on Google TV Streamer.

When I first set up the Google TV Streamer and connected it to Ethernet, I was blown away. I ran a speed test and consistently saw download speeds of around 800 Mbps. That’s far faster than the roughly 200 Mbps I typically get over Wi-Fi and a massive jump from the 100 Mbps limit of the Ethernet ports on my Roku Ultra and LG TV. I’m not hitting a full 1 Gbps speed, but I never expected to, given the limitations of my internet plan. Even so, 800 Mbps is more than enough for what I’m doing. Streaming high-bitrate 4K files from Plex, watching streaming services like Disney+ and Prime Video, and cloud gaming through GeForce Now have all been buttery smooth, with zero buffering or sudden dips in quality.

I often hear people say Gigabit Ethernet isn’t necessary on streamers and smart TVs because most streaming services recommend only around 25 Mbps for 4K streaming, making 100 Mbps more than enough. And for many people, that’s absolutely true. But if you’re doing more demanding tasks like streaming from a Plex or Jellyfin server or cloud gaming, the extra bandwidth can make a noticeable difference. Beyond that, the whole experience just feels snappier, whether it’s downloading apps in seconds or loading large movie libraries almost instantly.

What other streamers have Gigabit Ethernet?

It’s unfortunately a short list

There are only two other major streaming devices that include a Gigabit Ethernet port: the Apple TV 4K and the Nvidia Shield TV Pro.

When it comes to the Apple TV 4K, only the 128GB model includes an Ethernet port. It used to be one of my go-to recommendations for a fast, reliable streaming device with Gigabit Ethernet. Unfortunately, Apple recently raised its price as part of a broader wave of increases tied to the ongoing memory shortage, hiking it to $249, up from its original $149 price.

The Nvidia Shield TV Pro is another Android TV option with Gigabit Ethernet. However, like the Apple TV 4K, it’s on the expensive side at $200. It’s also nearly six years old, and there’s no indication that Nvidia plans to release a successor anytime soon.

Apart from those two, that leaves the Google TV Streamer. For me, the decision to pick it over the other two came down mostly to price. It normally costs $100, but I managed to score one on sale for just $75. At that price, it was hard to pass up, especially compared with spending $249 on an Apple TV 4K with Ethernet now.

While other major streaming devices on the market, including the Roku Ultra, Fire TV Cube, and Onn 4K Pro, include Ethernet ports, they’re all limited to 100 Mbps, just like most smart TVs. So while you still get the reliability benefits of a wired connection, you miss out on the speed advantages that Gigabit Ethernet offers. Why so many smart TVs and streamers still use 10/100 Ethernet is beyond me, but if I had to wager a guess, it’s likely just a cost-cutting measure.

Overall, it’s disappointing that more streaming devices and smart TVs don’t include Gigabit Ethernet, especially given the significant speed boost it can provide. I hope that changes in the future, but until it does, the Google TV Streamer is one of the best options if you want the fastest wired connection speeds on your TV. After using it for a bit, I’m glad I made the switch.