Apple TV 4K review: The best TV streamer keeps getting better – AppleTV 4 Jailbreak (appletv4jailbreak.com)
Update: Summer 2019
This review was first published in September 2017, when the Apple TV 4K was first released, and has been updated substantially since then. After nearly two years on the market and numerous upgrades, the Apple TV 4K remains our top video streamer pick for Apple fans and those who don’t mind paying extra for its advantages — namely Dolby Vision HDR and a premium user experience.
Since launch Apple TV 4K has added an app for Amazon Prime video and added Dolby Atmos as part of the TVOS 12 update, making it the best streamer for Atmos fans as well. The Apple TV app was upgraded in May 2019 with a a new Channels option and iTunes integration. And a software update to TVOS 13, coming in the fall 2019, will add support for multiple user accounts as well as Xbox and PlayStation game controllers, which will be particularly useful once the Apple Arcade game service launches later this year as well.
In other words, Apple TV 4K just keeps getting better. The original non-4K Apple TV HD remains on sale for $150, but my advice is pay the extra $30 for the Apple TV 4K. If you own a 4K or HDR TV you’ll get an immediate benefit, and even if you don’t, chances are good that your next TV will be 4K and HDR compatible.
The Apple TV 4K’s biggest competition comes from Roku and Amazon, specifically the Roku Streaming Stick Plus and Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K. At less than half the price, both are superior values to the Apple TV 4K for most people, and the Roku is still our favorite streamer overall for the money.
Price no object, however, the Apple TV 4K is the best. And it’s not really that expensive, especially when you consider the cost of the high-end TV and audio equipment that makes it look and sound its best. With its breadth of 4K, HDR and audio format support, sleek design and constant upgrades, the Apple TV 4K earns our Editors’ Choice award.
Money no object, Apple TV 4K is the best 4K streamer of the bunch.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Apple’s 4K streaming box is the hands-down best product of its kind. But you should only buy one if you want a premium experience and are willing to pay for it.
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. It’s as quick and capable as any streamer around. And if you just bought an expensive 4K HDR TV, the price of stepping up to an Apple TV might seem like a very worthwhile drop in the bucket.
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus, meanwhile, costs less than half as much and is almost as good. Both do basically the same things very well, and Roku has its own substantial advantages beyond price. Roku still…
