TiVo Stream 4K Review

Is TiVo Stream 4K good?

At $29.99*, the TiVo Stream 4K is one of the cheaper streaming devices on the market, and it features a cross-platform aggregation function that can save you some jumping between apps.

Unfortunately, that function is limited to a handful of apps, only one of which offers live TV streaming. Otherwise, TiVo Stream 4K isn’t much different or better than what you can get with a Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Chromecast device.

TiVo Stream 4K pros and cons

• Low price
• Android TV functionality

• Limited customization options
• Confusing interface

Jump to:

• TiVo Stream 4K vs. the competition
• Apps

What is TiVo Stream 4K?

The Android TV-based TiVo Stream 4K is similar to other plug-and-play streaming devices—most notably Chromecast with Google TV—with a couple of unique touches: a smaller version of the beloved TiVo peanut-shaped remote and the TiVo Stream cross-platform aggregator app.

“Cross-platform aggregator app” is an ornate way of saying that Stream will pull your favorite shows from different apps (like Netflix, Prime Video, and Max) and display them on one screen. Cool idea, but Stream pulls content from only a dozen-ish apps, and the only live TV streaming option among them is Sling TV. It’s not bad, but certainly not great.

If you sidestep Stream, TiVo Stream 4K functions as an agnostic Android TV platform—basically, you can choose between two different home screens. If your favorite apps play well with Stream, you’ll probably love it there. If not, you might as well buy a Chromecast with Google TV for a little more (and different color options).

TiVo Stream 4K specs

• Price: $29.99*
• Size: 2.1” x 3” (including HDMI cable)
• Video: 1080P, 4K, Dolby Vision
• Audio: DTS, Dolby Digital+, Dolby Atmos
• Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz/5 GHz)
• Storage: 8GB

In addition to standard features, the TiVo Stream 4K also has a USB-C port that can be used to plug in an external drive or direct Ethernet internet connection. That’s a nice feature you don’t get with most mini devices.

But, since the TiVo Stream 4K is bulkier than other streaming sticks, neatness buffs (you know who you are) may want to stick the device to the TV back with double-sided tape. Or just let your dongle hang free—you do you.

TiVo Stream 4K vs. the competition

Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Read full Amazon disclaimer.*

As we’ve mentioned, and will continue to mention, TiVo Stream 4K has much in common with Chromecast with Google TV—right down to the specs and price.

TiVo Stream 4K setup

TiVo Stream 4K is a plug-and-go setup—two plugs, actually. Besides hooking the HDMI cable to one of your TV’s ports, you’ll also need to power the device via the included mini USB cable and AC adapter. You can’t power the TiVo Stream 4K through a spare TV USB port, unfortunately.

Firing up TiVo Stream 4K takes about 15 minutes, factoring in firmware and system updates, creating a TiVo account, choosing your apps, and selecting a few favorite shows to give the system an idea of what to recommend to you. Get comfortable; there are loading bars ahead.

You can navigate the onscreen setup either with the remote or your phone; it takes about the same amount of time either way. If you’re not into mashing buttons, the remote also has Google Assistant voice functionality.

Once everything’s ready to go, you can choose between the Android TV interface (circle button on the remote), or TiVo Stream (TiVo logo button). We’ll get to each one’s functionality (and lack thereof) in a moment.

Equipment included:

• TiVo Stream 4K
• TiVo voice remote
• USB power cable
• AC adapter
• 2 AAA batteries
• Instruction booklet

Equipment you’ll need:

• TV with HDMI port
• Wi-Fi network

TiVo Stream 4K apps

Live TV streaming and on-demand apps

Since the TiVo Stream 4K is Android TV-based, you’ll be able to install any apps from Google Play. You can run any of Google Play’s thousands of apps on the Android TV side, but the TiVo Stream side is decidedly limited—especially when it comes to live TV streaming.

TiVo Stream 4K TV and movie apps (partial list):

• Netflix
• Hulu/Hulu + Live TV
• Prime Video
• Max
• Disney+
• Peacock
• Paramount+
• Sling TV
• Philo

TiVo Stream 4K entertainment apps (partial list):

• STARZ
• Pluto TV
• fuboTV
• Tubi
• Crackle
• NFL SUNDAY TICKET
• FOX Sports
• CBS Sports
• NBC Sports
• FOX Nation

• Chrome browser
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Twitch
• Spotify
• Pandora
• Tidal
• YouTube Music
• TuneIn
• Peloton at Home

Aggregated Stream–compatible apps:

• Haystack News
• TED TV
• Curiosity Stream
• Rally Fury Extreme Racing
• Crossy Road
• Deer Hunter
• Minion Rush
• Crashlands
• Minecraft
• Sonic the Hedgehog Classic

• Sling TV
• Netflix
• Prime Video
• Hulu
• Max
• STARZ

• Disney+
• Peacock
• Paramount+
• Pluto TV
• Tubi

While the Google Play–ground (pun alert) of apps is vast, the number of those apps that will work within the aggregated realm of Stream is limited to a handful of on-demand services and one live TV streaming app (two if you count Pluto TV, which TiVo does).

Which means, if some of your favorite shows are on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME or Peacock, Stream won’t be able pull them into your personalized screen. You’re limited to the 11 Stream-compatible apps.

It’s a nice start, but it feels like the TiVo Stream aggregation function isn’t quite ready for primetime.

TiVo Stream 4K app and channel guide user experience

Are you thoroughly confused by the Android TV vs. TiVo Stream divisions of this device yet? We feel you. The split personalities of the TiVo Stream 4K may become a selling point when or if it’s ever perfected, but right now it requires too much thinking. We don’t want to think; we just want to watch our shows.

That said, the Android TV side of TiVo Stream 4K is a pleasantly simple stacks-of-apps experience that’s not unlike Amazon Fire TV or (here it is again) Chromecast with Google TV. It’s easy to navigate, and, to quote Radiohead, it has “Everything in Its Right Place.”

Over on the TiVo Stream side, the favorites selections are arranged well and display all viewing options for shows and movies. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, for instance, is available to stream through Netflix, Prime Video, or Vudu. If you’ve ever needed to use an online streaming guide like Reelgood, you’ll appreciate the app options.

TiVo Stream’s live TV guide is another matter. The lone live TV streaming option, Sling TV, also integrates “live” content-looping channels from Pluto TV. This could be considered convenient, but it really just looks like a mess (practically and aesthetically).

Compatible devices

If your TV has an HDMI input, you’re good to go with the TiVo Stream 4K. Just make sure you have an AC outlet nearby to power it and at least 25 Mbps of internet speed to get it online.

Final take: TiVo Stream 4K isn’t quite there yet

We’re not blown away by the current Stream personalization options of TiVo Stream 4K. With only 10 on-demand apps and one true live TV streamer, that half of TiVo Stream 4K’s ecosystem is lacking. But, if those apps cover all of your viewing needs, it’s streaming convenience for the win.

However, as a straight-up Android TV streaming device, TiVo Stream 4K is a slick little clicker—but then again, so is Chromecast with Google TV for the same price. Unless you’re an old-school TiVo fan who’s nostalgic for that signature peanut-shaped remote (it is pretty cute), we’d say you’d be better off with Chromecast with Google TV for simplicity and performance.

Get TiVo Stream 4K

TiVo Stream 4K FAQ

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