Is the Apple TV worth the price?

[Robnsn2015]

I think a refurb 4th gen is worth it for my 5-year-old 1040p TV. Here's why:

1. I already have a bunch of iTunes movies. Ironically, I got many of them as "bonuses" with my Blu-Rays.

2. I have an Apple Music subscription, and Apple Music works really well with the 4th gen.

3. Even though I have an XBox One X, I find myself playing games more often on Apple TV. For example, Geometry Wars on Apple TV is casual and helps me calm down before bed.

4. Apple TV's influence seems to be out of proportion with its market share. What do I mean? For example, HBO Now was available for Apple TV first, well before market leader Roku. FilmStruck was also available for Apple TV before Roku. Hulu Live TV STILL is not available on Roku.

5. The TV app for Apple TV isn't so bad, although I wish Netflix would be incorporated. Waiting excitedly for Amazon Prime Video to be added to the TV app.

 

[cynics]

4. Apple TV's influence seems to be out of proportion with its market share. What do I mean? For example, HBO Now was available for Apple TV first, well before market leader Roku. FilmStruck was also available for Apple TV before Roku. Hulu Live TV STILL is not available on Roku.

This is thanks to the popularity of iOS and its app development similarities to tvOS. Apple is betting on "the future being apps" and if they can keep everything fairly similar across the board it should be a fairly safe bet.