Apple TV
Last updated: July 29, 2023
If you're looking for the best streaming device for Apple devotees, Apple TV is it. It provides compatibility with iPads, iPhones, Macs, Apple Watch and iTunes content. Apple TV also offers a beautiful 4K HDR and immersive Dolby Atmos sound if you have a compatible TV and sound system.
We looked at the top Streaming Devices and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Streaming Device you should buy.
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Product Details
Key Takeaway: Compatible with Apple products, this streaming stick is simple and intuitive to use.
In our analysis of 25 expert reviews, the Apple TV 4K placed 2nd when we looked at the top 5 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.Expert Reviews
What reviewers liked
Navigation with the Siri Remote is fast and fluid thanks to the trackpad along the top, but the real hero is the more flexible layouts that require less drilling down into menu after menu to find something to watch.
- Macworld
The new Apple TVs work best with iPads, iPhones and Macs thanks to Apple AirPlay and will allow you to easily stream content from your phone or tablet to the big screen.
It combines the best streaming quality available today -- including Dolby Vision HDR video, which no other streamer offers, and Dolby Atmos audio -- with the smoothest, most polished feel.
The Apple TV 4K recently greatly improved its sound quality, too, by adding support for Dolby Atmos.
Unsurprisingly, movies and TV look gorgeous in 4K HDR as well.
On compatible sets, HDR lets you see more intense brightness, deeper blacks and a wider range of colors in between.
- Engadget
Apple’s tvOS has the best user experience, and this model supports Dolby Vision, iTunes, and AirPlay.
What reviewers didn't like
The problem with the Apple TV’s App Store is discovery.
- Macworld
Of course, as we mentioned earlier, the Apple TV is a bit limited in the resolution department.
The new Apple TV does not support VP9 and therefore we can't deliver 4K resolution on this device.
If you’re not an iPhone user, you may be better off opting for a different streaming box or stick, unless you’re prepared to devote yourself to iTunes.
On the other hand, the new Apple TV doesn't do much more than streaming boxes that cost almost $100 less — and in some cases, it doesn't even do as much.
It's just a shame that we still have to wait for Apple to score more licensing deals, get more third-party support and fix curious omissions, like its lack of Atmos support.
- Engadget
Most popular music-streaming services, like Spotify and Pandora, are missing from the Apple TV. You can send many of these channels to the box via AirPlay if you own an Apple device, but otherwise you’re missing some content you may find essential.
View our Streaming Device buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.