Apple TV or Roku?

[Glennster]

My AppleTV from like 2012 is pretty much getting less and less useable as most apps are no longer available with Prime being the only one still kicking.

I am not sure I want to shell out for another ATV especially when it seems that Roku might be a cheaper but equally comparable alternative.

For those that have the newer Roku’s how is the Airplay from iPhone or iPad? Is it just as good as through Apple TV? Also, I noticed that most Roku’s lack an Ethernet port - if WiFi is excellent is this even a need?

 

[RachelleK]

I have the Roku Express 4K+. It was only $29 so you might want to just try it out. It does Airplay 2 fine. This particular one does ethernet through its power port. Only major differences are the interface and it seems a bit slower than AppleTV in switching to different services. I think it doesn't support Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos.

 

[Juicy Box]

The Apple TV 4K is by far the best streamer on the market. The speed and UI is much better than the competition.

But....

Once in the app, there isn't any major difference in experience to the casual user.

In reality, the ATV and tvOS has a lot more potential than the competition, as it is way overpowered for just a steaming box, but Apple doesn't really seem to care that much about it. Just looks at the recent ATV4K, Apple only putting the A12 inside, which actually performs worse when it comes to the GPU than the A10X that the new one replaced.

As a streaming box, it is basically way overpowered, but way over priced as well.

If you like casual gaming, this might make it worth it to pay the extra amount for the ATV4K. Apple Arcade has a few decent games on there.

If you decide to get one, I would get an Apple TV 4K2 over the HD if paying full retail price. The HD was underpowered (for gaming), and it only costs a little more than the 4K.

You might be able to find the first gen ATV4K for cheap somewhere, and this might be the best option of the three for the price.

 

[SkiHound2]

The Apple TV 4K is by far the best streamer on the market. The speed and UI is much better than the competition.

But....

Once in the app, there isn't any major difference in experience to the casual user.

In reality, the ATV and tvOS has a lot more potential than the competition, as it is way overpowered for just a steaming box, but Apple doesn't really seem to care that much about it. Just looks at the recent ATV4K, Apple only putting the A12 inside, which actually performs worse when it comes to the GPU than the A10X that the new one replaced.

As a streaming box, it is basically way overpowered, but way over priced as well.

If you like casual gaming, this might make it worth it to pay the extra amount for the ATV4K. Apple Arcade has a few decent games on there.

If you decide to get one, I would get an Apple TV 4K2 over the HD if paying full retail price. The HD was underpowered (for gaming), and it only costs a little more than the 4K.

You might be able to find the first gen ATV4K for cheap somewhere, and this might be the best option of the three for the price.

This would largely be my assessment as well. We have both Roku and I bought one of the recent versions of ATV to give it a try. In part I just wanted to try and in part I wanted the better integration with photos, music, etc. Though airplay largely neutralizes that. I prefer the interface of the ATV but for streaming the Roku devices work very well. Something like a Roku streaming stick is a much better value than an ATV but the ATV offers cleaner integration with the overall Apple ecosystem.

 

[Jay-Jacob]

I have Apple TV 4th HD when it was launched and I brought Dad Roku last year (before Airplay was out for Roku).

Apple TV defo much smoother and better UI than Roku and works best with iPhone plus HomeKit works well with it. If have HomeKit doorbell it will appear popup on screen see who at door.

Roku is MUCH cheaper so if not bothered about iPhone work with TV then Roku to save money. It works fine, UI is not too bad and it defo slower than Apple TV but average person won't noticed that. Roku box DEFO need fast wifi. We thought our wifi signal was fine in living room since able watch streaming etc on iPad, iPhone and laptop but streaming barely work on Roku box. Signal keep dropping so I have to buy wifi extender and problem solved. It seems Roku box need faster wifi than Apple TV needs.

 

[AL2TEACH]

My AppleTV from like 2012 is pretty much getting less and less useable as most apps are no longer available with Prime being the only one still kicking.

I am not sure I want to shell out for another ATV especially when it seems that Roku might be a cheaper but equally comparable alternative.

For those that have the newer Roku’s how is the Airplay from iPhone or iPad? Is it just as good as through Apple TV? Also, I noticed that most Roku’s lack an Ethernet port - if WiFi is excellent is this even a need?

I have both because they are two different beasts. For your comparison and needs a Roku should be okay. The Apple 4K TV can be used for much more that might not interest you.