6 Reasons Why Walmart’s New 4K Google TV Stick Is the Ultimate Chromecast Successor

Streaming devices have become the centerpiece of home entertainment, and the battle for the best dongle keeps heating up. Walmart has quietly rolled out its own Google TV streamer lineup, and while the Pro model grabs headlines, it’s the 4K streaming stick that landed first—and it’s exactly the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) replacement I’ve been waiting for. Here are six things you need to know about this affordable, powerful little stick.

1. Affordable Pricing Without Sacrificing Performance

At under $40, Walmart’s 4K Google TV stick undercuts most competitors while retaining flagship features. The Chromecast with Google TV (4K) originally launched at $49.99, and Walmart’s offering delivers similar hardware at a lower price point. It supports 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos—ensuring you don’t miss out on cinematic quality. The built-in Google TV interface is snappy, with a quad-core processor handling navigation and app launches smoothly. For budget-conscious cord-cutters, this stick proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a premium streaming experience.

2. Seamless Google TV Integration

Google TV remains one of the most intuitive streaming platforms, and Walmart’s stick runs it out of the box. You get personalized recommendations, a unified watchlist, and deep integration with Google Assistant. Just like the Chromecast, you can cast from your phone, but now you also have a dedicated remote with a mic for voice searches. The interface learns your preferences over time, surfacing content from Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more. It’s effectively the same software experience as the Chromecast with Google TV, but without the Google branding—and at a lower cost.

3. Compact Design That Disappears Behind Your TV

The stick’s form factor is practically identical to the Chromecast—a slim, elongated dongle that plugs directly into an HDMI port. It comes with an HDMI extender cable for tight spaces, making installation a breeze. The device doesn’t block adjacent ports and stays hidden behind the TV. The included remote is ergonomic and features dedicated buttons for popular streaming services like Netflix and YouTube. Walmart even kept the same color scheme (matte black) to blend with most entertainment setups. If you’re replacing an older Chromecast, this stick fits the same footprint.

4. Expanded Storage and Smoother Multitasking

One common complaint about the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) was its limited 8GB of storage, which quickly filled with apps and cache. Walmart’s stick addresses this with a reported 12GB of onboard storage, giving you more room for apps, games, and updates. Combined with 2GB of RAM, the device handles multitasking better—switching between Netflix and YouTube feels snappier. For power users, this extra capacity means fewer “storage full” warnings and less frequent need to clear caches. It’s a subtle but meaningful upgrade.

5. Voice Remote with Customizable Buttons

The included remote isn’t just a clone of Google’s; it adds two programmable shortcut buttons. By default, they open YouTube and Netflix, but you can remap them via the settings to launch any app or function. This level of customization is rare on budget streamers. The remote also uses Bluetooth for a reliable connection, supports IR for TV power and volume control, and includes a dedicated Google Assistant button. Long-press the Assistant key to ask for weather, control smart home devices, or search across all your streaming services—just like on the Chromecast.

6. Future-Proof Connectivity and HDR Support

Beyond 4K, the stick supports HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision—covering the widest range of HDR formats. It also includes Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with dual-band support, ensuring stable streaming even in crowded networks. While it lacks Wi-Fi 6, the real-world performance is solid for 4K streaming without buffering. The HDMI port is 2.0b, which supports 4K at 60fps—perfect for smooth motion in action movies or sports. For those still using 1080p TVs, it downscales perfectly, making this a future-proof choice as you upgrade your display.

Should You Buy Walmart’s 4K Google TV Stick?

If you’re looking for a Chromecast with Google TV replacement, this stick nails it. It’s cheaper, retains the same software, and adds extra storage and customizable buttons. The only trade-off? No Google-branded packaging, but that’s a minor cosmetic detail. For everyone else, it’s a fantastic entry point into the Google TV ecosystem without the premium price tag.

Conclusion: Walmart’s new 4K Google TV stick fills the exact gap left by the Chromecast with Google TV’s premium pricing. With solid HDR support, extra storage, and a customizable remote, it’s the budget-friendly streamer that doesn’t cut corners. Whether you’re cutting the cord or upgrading from an older device, this stick deserves a spot in your entertainment setup.