Upgrade from 2nd gen to the Apple TV 4K, worth it?

[Chomp81]

Hi,

I have an Apple TV 2nd gen. I use my PS4 to stream Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC, etc...

I've seen that when using AirPlay, (being the source an iPhone XS Max or MacBook Pro 2018), there is a little bit of a lag.

Is it worth upgrading to a newer generation of Apple TV? I would consider the latest one, the 4K one; although I don't have a 4K TV, but better to have the latest if I'm buying something.

Thoughts?
Thanks!

 

[Juicy Box]

Normally I would say it depends on what you do with it, as most people that ask this question has a ATV3 and is thinking of getting an ATV4 or 4K, but I noticed that there is a significant performance decrease from an ATV3 to an ATV2.

The ATV4K would have a dramatic performance increase over the ATV2.

I actually prefer the ATV2/3 version of Apps over tvOS's version, but if you don't plan on using the Apps, then that point is moot. Or, are you thinking of using the ATV4K for the Apps?

What it comes down to is an improved AirPlay experience worth the price of an ATV4K? It will most likely improve, but me personally, I wouldn't spend that kind of money for just a better experience for AirPlay.

If you decide to get a new ATV, even though you do not have a 4K TV, I would get the 4K version of the ATV. The Apple TV HD (ATV4) is underpowered imo, and the ATV4K is just a little more money, but is much more powerful.

 

[Chomp81]

Normally I would say it depends on what you do with it, as most people that ask this question has a ATV3 and is thinking of getting an ATV4 or 4K, but I noticed that there is a significant performance decrease from an ATV3 to an ATV2.

The ATV4K would have a dramatic performance increase over the ATV2.

I actually prefer the ATV2/3 version of Apps over tvOS's version, but if you don't plan on using the Apps, then that point is moot. Or, are you thinking of using the ATV4K for the Apps?

What it comes down to is an improved AirPlay experience worth the price of an ATV4K? It will most likely improve, but me personally, I wouldn't spend that kind of money for just a better experience for AirPlay.

If you decide to get a new ATV, even though you do not have a 4K TV, I would get the 4K version of the ATV. The Apple TV HD (ATV4) is underpowered imo, and the ATV4K is just a little more money, but is much more powerful.

Thanks!!

Yes, I'd be switching from my PS4 to the new ATV for the apps; also considering the BT Sport app in the UK is available in the ATV and not in the PS4.

I think I'll be doing the upgrade based on your comments; I'll look for a refurbished one in case they're available.

 

[perezr10]

Video scrubbing (fast forward & reverse) is SO MUCH better on the new Apple TVs. That alone makes it a worthy upgrade. But I also really like Siri in the remote to do quick searches for movies, specific length time jumps, etc.

 

[Soondae]

Hi,

I have an Apple TV 2nd gen. I use my PS4 to stream Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC, etc...

I've seen that when using AirPlay, (being the source an iPhone XS Max or MacBook Pro 2018), there is a little bit of a lag.

Is it worth upgrading to a newer generation of Apple TV? I would consider the latest one, the 4K one; although I don't have a 4K TV, but better to have the latest if I'm buying something.

Thoughts?
Thanks!

Also many of the older ATV2/3 APPs are no longer supported, NFL Gamepass and NBCSports no longer work on the older units and are only supported on TVOS which is the operating system for the ATV 4 and 4K, so I suggest it would be a good idea to make the switch. I also like the new remote and Siri dictation for account logins, the older units don't offer that.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Yes! I don’t have the 4K Apple TV but I have a 3rd gen and a 4th gen and the difference is huge. The interface is so much better, it’s faster and smoother.

 

[HDFan]

There are a couple of applications which were not available on earlier Apple TV's that I consider essential. Speedtest (internet) and something like network speed tester (local network) help immensely when diagnosing network problems such Netflix buffering.