Is Apple TV 4K good?
If you love Apple products, the Apple TV 4K (2nd Generation) won’t disappoint. It’s elegant, easy to use, and packed with the potential to support all your favorite apps.
Here’s how Apple TV works: many streaming devices still make you comb through all your cord-cutting apps to find the show you want. But Apple TV 4K’s TV app pulls directly from all your streaming apps, and with the Siri remote you can pull up any show without having to type anything.
And while all the significant streaming devices have a 4K version now, Apple TV 4K sets itself apart with its impressive storage (32 GB or 64 GB) that’s perfect for downloading lots of apps and movies.
Because it runs best in tandem with other Apple devices, it isn’t the right device for Android users. Those outside of the Apple ecosystem will likely have a better time with another streaming device.
Pros
- Looks great on screen and off
- Offers voice-control capabilities
- Supports games from Apple’s App Store
Cons
- Costs more than competitors
- Requires other Apple devices to work best
- Lacks essential hardware
Apple TV 4K deals
When you purchase an Apple device (including Apple TV 4K), you can get the Apple TV+ streaming service included free for three months.
If you want to shave a few numbers off the device’s price tag, consider getting a refurbished Apple TV 4K. Both the 32 GB and 64 GB models are $30 less than if you buy them at the Apple TV’s retail price.
New and current Spectrum customers can “rent-to-own” an Apple TV 4K for $7.50 (plus tax) added to their bill for 24 months.
Optimum has a similar deal for new and current customers, offering a gradual purchase of an Apple TV 4K for $10.00 a month over 18 months of subscription payments.
Apple TV 4K vs. the competition
| Product | Price | Storage | Device | Video | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K (2nd Generation) | $99.00–$114.00 | 32 GB–64 GB | Set-top box | 1080p HD, HDR, 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision | View on Amazon |
| Roku Ultra | $94.00 | N/A (expandable by microSD) | Set-top box | 1080p HD, HDR, 4K Ultra HD | View on Amazon |
| Amazon Fire TV Cube | $119.99 | 16 GB | Set-top box | 1080p HD, HDR, 4K Ultra HD | View on Amazon |
| NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro | $199.99 | 16 GB (expandable by USB) | Set-top box | 1080p HD, HDR, 4K Ultra HD | View on Amazon |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of post date and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. CableTV.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
While Apple TV 4K’s big price tag looks intimidating, but it has the most storage capacity out of all these stream set-top boxes. But if you’re not a die-hard Apple fan, one of these competing devices might be a better option for you.
The Amazon Fire TV Cube has Alexa-integration for hands-free control. The NVIDIA SHIELD TV PRO is a great option for gamers. And the Roku Ultra will give you the best bang for your buck overall.
Apple TV 4K specs
- Price: $99–$114
- Size: 1.4” x 3.9” x 3.9”, 15 oz.
- Video: 1080p, Dolby Vision, 4K, HDR10
- Audio: Dolby 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, Dolby Atmos
- Storage: 32–64 GB
- Processor: A12 Bionic chip
Apple TV 4K setup
Apple TV 4K is a dream come true for people who live and breathe Apple products. Even the packaging screams “Apple,” from the box all the way down to a piece of sleek tape that keeps the ports covered until you’re ready to unveil them.
Fortunately, Apple is user-friendly if nothing else, so it’s easy to set up. Plug in the set-top box with the power cord and connect to the TV with an HDMI cord (not included). From there, your TV will prompt you through the setup.
Included equipment:
- Set-top box
- Siri-powered remote
- Lightning cable to charge remote
- Power cord
Apple TV 4K set-top box
Like we already mentioned, you won’t find an HDMI cord in the Apple TV 4K’s pristine heavy-cardboard box. Considering how pricey the device is, you’d think it would come with all the parts you need for it to work.
This writer was prepared to march down to Silicon Valley and give Apple a piece of their mind.
Since you need an HDMI cord to connect your streaming device and TV, you’ll have to pick one up elsewhere. Luckily, these versatile cords cost less than a fancy coffee.
Equipment you’ll need:
- The standard HDMI cord that comes included with every other digital device in the known universe.
Apple TV 4K apps
While the Apple TV 4K starts with only a few preloaded apps, the App Store has a virtually endless supply. Curate everything from streaming services to music and podcasts to games—your Apple TV 4K can be the ultimate entertainment box.
Apple TV app
With help from the TV app on Apple TV 4K, you can find every show and movie available through your streaming services in one place. And when you bookmark a show, it automatically pulls up at the top of the home screen.
Think of all the minutes you’ll save without having to hunt down the shows your coworker Bill suggests. Just ask Siri to show you Max’s Hacks (or whatever Bill’s on about this week), and you’re good to go.
Live TV streaming services
Apple TV 4K supports apps for most live TV streaming services. If you don’t have a live TV streaming service yet, here’s what’s available for Apple TV:
On-demand streaming apps
Any on-demand streaming app you have on your iPhone will also work on your Apple TV 4K.
Here are some on-demand streaming TV services you might check out to level up your streaming game:
Other streaming apps
The Apple TV 4K comes preloaded with apps for streaming and buying TV shows, movies, and music. You can open your iCloud photos to enjoy a nice slideshow or get your favorite podcast playing.
Beyond these apps, you’ve also got the entire App Store at your fingertips. You can load up with games, home automation, finance, education, food, and drink. Heck, you could order GrubHub from your TV, so don’t ever worry about leaving your couch again.
App and channel guide user experience
Apple TV 4K’s streaming quality is frankly beautiful. The interface is easy to get around in, and Apple users will feel at home with the slick main menu.
With the Siri remote’s touch surface, it’s easy to scroll through all your apps. There’s a sci-fi-esque “boop-boop” noise as you move between apps, and we found the sound effect a little unnerving. But that’s probably a personal problem.
And if you’re ever lost, don’t forget you can just ask Siri for directions. You could be watching an awesome movie about as fast as you could say, “Hey Siri, find Captain Marvel.”
Apple TV 4K’s main screen
Siri remote
Here’s what Siri does on your Apple TV and how it works: the Apple TV 4K’s Siri remote features a circular clickpad—a throwback to the classic iPod. It’s simple, but it can make channel surfing a dream.
Of course, Siri comes included in the remote (hence the name), so you can summon its help by holding down the microphone button on the side your remote and asking a question.
We repeat: hold down the button. If you release it, you’ll be left talking to an unfeeling, unresponsive TV. This difference from your iPhone takes time for your muscle memory to adjust.
Beyond that, the remote has all the necessary buttons like menu, TV app, start/pause, and volume. You know the drill.
Apple TV 4K’s Siri remote
Apple TV 4K models
If you’re planning on stocking up on a lot of apps or downloading tons of iTunes material, go for the 64 GB model. Otherwise, the 32 GB model should have plenty of storage space for you.
| Model | Price | Storage | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 GB | $99 | 32 GB | View on Amazon |
| 64 GB | $114 | 64 GB | View on Amazon |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of post date and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. CableTV.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Right now, games like Fortnight take up about 1.14 GB to 1.76 GB of your storage. But Apple recently raised its App Store cap—developers can make apps as big as 4 GB instead of 2 GB—so the Fortnight app might take up more space soon.
So gamers, spend the extra $15 for more storage. It’ll be worth it. For everyone else, 32 GB will be enough.
Compatible devices with Apple TV 4K
Apple TV 4K is fully integrated with all other Apple products. Setup is a breeze: Hold your iPhone next to the Apple TV 4K. After just a moment, your new streaming device will be connected to your Wi-Fi and Apple ecosystem.
And because Apple TV 4K works with App Store apps, you can easily connect your smart home devices. For example, when your Nest doorbell rings, you can pull up the video feed on your TV to see who’s at the door. If it’s a delivery, maybe finish your episode first.
When it comes to TVs, you’ll want a 4K Ultra HD– and HDR–ready TV to get the best picture. The Apple TV 4K will still work with a non-4K TV that has an HDMI plug, but since you’re paying so much for a 4K streaming device, it would be a bit of a waste.
For sound systems, anything Dolby Atmos–compatible will help you get the most out of Apple TV 4K’s three-dimensional sound.
Final take: Apple TV 4K is for Apple-ites
If you’re a die-hard Apple user who wants all your apps and games on the TV, the 2nd Generation Apple TV 4K is most likely the right streaming device for you.
But other streaming devices also offer 4K Ultra HD—and at a lower price. If you’re not planning on playing games or building out your Apple ecosystem, we recommend going with the Roku Ultra instead.
Apple TV 4K FAQ
Which generation is Apple TV 4K?
Apple TV 4K is the sixth generation in the Apple TV line, but currently the second generation in the Apple TV 4K line. A third generation was released in 2022; CableTV.com has not yet reviewed that model.
Can you use Apple TV 4K on a regular TV?
Apple TV 4K will work on any TV with an HDMI port (which is basically every TV since 2002). But if your TV isn’t a 4K TV, you won’t get the ultra high-definition visual experience.
For an older TV, we recommend going with the fourth-generation Apple TV, which will look just as good on any non-4K TV.
Does Apple TV 4K work wirelessly?
You can connect your phone to your Apple TV 4K wirelessly, and it can pick up your Wi-Fi for an internet signal. But you’ll still have to plug your Apple TV 4K into the TV with an HDMI cable and a power source with the power cable.
Does Apple TV 4K need a special HDMI cable?
No, any ole HDMI cable will do the trick for your Apple TV 4K, but for the best performance, you’ll want an HDMI 2.1 cable. Just make sure you have a spare or buy one ahead of time, since Apple doesn’t include it in the box.
