AppleTV buying advice

[kingston73]

I'm curious to know if there's any advantage or reason for me to buy an AppleTV if I already have both Roku and Android/Google TV? I have a TCL Android TV with a Roku streambar connected so I have my choice of either system. I tend to use Roku more, I prefer the remote and user experience but the native Android system has it's benefits also.

I'm all Apple, ipad/phone/Beats Fit Pro earbuds and didn't know if there'd be some benefit to having the AppleTV box or not. The Roku streambar is connected to my hdmi ARC port so if I connected the ATV box it would be in a standard hdmi port.

Opinions welcomed, thank you

 

[MBAir2010]

The apple tv is amazing, great logic board and the 32GB is a plus.
one can use this to mirror an image from an iPad or MacBook and even share the screen.
BUT
if you have other devises and sources the tv is not needed.
this summer mine 2019 $149 TV acted up and was annoying that i boxed it,
then gifted the TV to my cousin.
If you can spare the price and watch TV like HBO or MLB that might be worth the price

 

[w5jck]

Based on what you mentioned, I would say no reason to get the ATV other than just wanting one.

Here are some things it can do beyond what the Roku or Android TV can:

• Allows mirroring of other Apple devices
• Allows the ability to view Apple Photos
• Allows connecting HomePods for surround sound and Atmos, but not with the minis. Probably better off with a Atmos capable sound system though, especially since the HomePods have been discontinued and the minis are not good enough for TV IMO.
• Can use iPhone or iPad as a remote

You can watch Apple TV+ on a Roku or other device.

By the way, if your Roku is a soundbar type system, then it will provide sound for your TV for the other HDMI input devices too. Just default it to the TVs default sound. Then you can connect an ATV or Fire TV or other device via non-HDMI-CEC port and that device will pass sound through the TV to the soundbar. You don't have to connect a device like an ATV directly to a sound system to get Atmos or other HD sound. You just need a compatible sound system connected to the TV. The best way IMO to set up a sound system is to connect it to the TV via HDMI-CEC, then connect the other devices to the TV via regular HDMI. Devices like the ATV have the capability to control most TVs via the devices remote via settings that are easy to turn on, so they can control the TV power and volume even from a standard HDMI connection.

 

[MistrSynistr]

The ease of use, the speed, the home screen that's flashy and something 'fun' to look at and show off for guests (yes this is a thing) and connected to the Apple ecosystem are other things.

My father had an Android TV and said "this is fine" and I have Apple TV's he's used in the past. After a month or so he was like this thing is too wonky and slow, just doesn't look or feel right. Got an Apple TV, uses it all the time now.

 

[nburwell]

I agree with the points that @w5jck made.

It doesn't sound like the OP is unhappy with their current setup, so unless they really wanted an ATV, I would stick with the setup they currently have.

I will admit that the ATV is nice and plays seamlessly with our other Apple products in the house. Though we were down at my wife's aunt's beach house last week, and she has a Roku setup on one of her TV's. We're both used to ATV's as that's what have connected to all the TV's in our house. But the Roku was very easy to navigate and we got acclimated to it very quickly.

 

[Pezimak]

You don’t get any inappropriate adverts on a third of your screen in Apple TV, the reason I sold my Nvidia Shield and am moving to Apple TV, also Apple TV is slicker faster and has a better quality interface IMO.

 

[RachelleK]

I have an Apple TV, Roku, and Firestick connected to my AVR and can switch between them. I lately have been only using the Apple TV because it’s faster in switching between different shows and has a much nicer Home Screen layout.

 

[amidr]

The apple tv is fantastic and will allow you are mirroring the other apple devices. Apple TV is faster than others, and it increases the experience. So if you want to get one, it is fantastic, but the Atv is unnecessary if you have other devices and sources.

 

[CoMoMacUser]

I have an Apple TV that I received for free from DirecTV NOW as a promo. I like it except for the remote, which is too touchy and has limited functionality.

The rest of my TVs use Roku Ultra. Very stable. Great remote. I can download the Roku remote as an app if I want a full keyboard, such as when searching for movie titles. Easy to mirror from my iPhone, such as a fitness app that doesn't have a Roku or Apple TV app. And a heck of a lot cheaper. For example, the Ultra usually is discounted to $50 for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Bottom line: Unless I can get another Apple TV for free, I'll stick with Roku.

 

[Juicy Box]

This thread topic must come up about once a week or more. If you like Roku, I would stick with that. I personally think the ATV is better, and I get reminded of that every time I use my Roku or Firestick, but if you haven't used it yet, and are happy with the Roku, might as well save money and stick with it.

I posted this or something similar on many other threads, basic pros and cons of different offerings:

Pros to use a Smart TV, Roku, Fire Stick etc. over an ATV:
Lower cost, some smart TVs cost less than just an ATV
Built-in and convenient
Buttons on TV's remote to activate apps
Cleaner set up, less wires and devices to hook up
Easier and quicker set up for video settings

Cons for Smart TV, Roku, Fire Stick etc.:
Lack of long-term support, Apps could stop working or be missing new features over time
Slower than ATV, even much older ATVs
UI isn't always great
Lack of privacy, many Smart TV OS sell user data without given an chance to opt-out


Pros to having an ATV:
Long term support
In Apple's ecosystem, some apps are available across different Apple devices
Homekit, iCloud, Remote app
Better UI, although this is subjective
Faster HW
Gaming* Due to dropping gaming developer support for tvOS, this is starting to go away as a "pro"
Privacy, Apple is pretty good here


Cons
Cost is probably the biggest
Apple doesn't seem to care about tvOS nor the ATV, although this is just my opinion
The remote, the Siri Remote is not widely liked, but the newer remote cannot be used on many gaming apps
Not as clean set up
Higher video settings require a more expensive HDMI cable
Setting up for best picture quality can be a hassle, imo

Now that AirPlay, ATV+, Apple's TV app, and HomeKit are being offered on some non-Apple devices, the benefits of the Apple TV are dropping.

The Apple TV is basically an overpowered, and overpriced streaming box. So much untapped potential, but pretty much back to being Apple's hobby.

Apple doesn't seem to care much about the Apple TV, and I wouldn't be surprised if Apple discontinues it over the next few years.