Nearly every TV you buy today has a built-in smart TV interface. So does it make sense to buy an Apple TV? Should you try another streaming device like a Roku or Fire TV stick? I’ll share my experience, and outline why Apple TV is my streamer of choice.
Why Apple TV is My Favorite Streaming Device
I have several TVs in my home. With two of them, I have an Apple TV. With the other two, I use the Android TV interface included with my Sony Bravia TV sets. I hate the smart TV interface. It’s just a nightmare.
With the included TV software, I’m bombarded with ads. Navigation is slow and clunky. Apps frequently freeze or I have to wait patiently while the TV set struggles to respond to my remote commands.
Apple TV resolves all of that. The interface is always smooth. It’s easy to rearrange your apps. A small remote handles all the important functions. Ads don’t appear unless you navigate to the Apple-supplied images that come up when you hover near the top of the menu. Even then, those are just ads for Apple TV+ shows.
The primary Apple TV screen - rearrange the apps however you like
Apple TV is also fast. Unlike my slow and clunky Android TV software, I can zip around my app lineup with ease. Apps launch quickly and reliably. If I need to exit an app, it’s so much easier with Apple TV than the multi-step process on the smart TV interface.
The Apple TV remote can control my TV and my home theater receiver. It turns everything on and off with one button.
Recently, Apple TV also added the ability to use iCloud photos for my screen saver. It’s a nice touch to see family photos instead of random cityscapes whenever I leave an app paused for too long.
Another great feature is the ability to AirPlay content from your iPhone.
If you can’t find your remote, you can use your iPhone as a replacement remote control your Apple TV.
You can even color balance your TV by using your iPhone. That’s mind-blowing to me.
If you have an Mac computer, you can also send your Apple TV to QuickTime, allowing you to record some (but not all) images that appear on your TV screen.
Easy. Reliable. Fast. No annoying ads. It’s a wonderful streamer and one I’m happy to use every day.
Why Apple TV Might Not Be Right For You
The biggest drag on Apple TV is the price. A replacement remote alone often costs more than an entire streaming box from competitors like Roku or Fire TV.
If you’re going with a high-end streamer, a strong competitor is the NVIDIA Shield. Fans say they love the AI upscaling and greater selection of apps to choose from. Detractors point out that the most recent model came out in 2019, so you’re still paying a premium for an older device, and a better version could hit the market anytime.
One other issue is that Apple does have a tendency to let its devices die over time. I had an early model of Apple TV that became useless when it stopped supporting the newest version of streaming apps. That’s a long-term concern, however. It would take several years before a new Apple TV becomes obsolete.
Apple TV does support nearly every legitimate streaming service, though some newer services are slow to add Apple TV functionality.
One final factor to consider is whether you want Roku Channel. This incredibly popular free streaming service is not available on Apple TV.
Conclusion
If you can afford the premium, Apple TV offers a smooth, easy-to-use interface. It’s easy to use, the remote is great, and the value is enhanced if you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. I love my Apple TV, and I expect I will buy more to solve my frustration with the other two TVs in my house, but the price is higher than I would prefer.
Apple TV
Apple TV is a streaming device that can be used to watch Live TV Streaming Services and On Demand Streaming Services.
Limited Warranty
Your Apple TV probably isn’t covered against mishaps and malfunctions. We’ve partnered with 5Devices to give The Streamable readers a protection plan for any internet-connected device, including your Apple TV, iPhone, etc starting at $2.67 per device per month. And the good news is that it covers devices you already use (ie. no need for proof of new purchase).