The Roku Ultra is our top pick for a streaming device and rightly so, with clear and sharp 4K images, integration with several smart home platforms, and lost remote control features. use. On the other hand, Apple TV 4K It’s a strong competitor that offers tight integration with other Apple products and services, and it’s also capable of 4K streaming from a long list of services. That’s our upgrade pick for a streaming box.
There are many differences between the two platforms, one of which is the cost: $99 versus $179. But it’s not as simple as choosing the cheaper model. There are several valid reasons to save yourself some cash with the Roku Ultra, or spend a little more and get the Apple TV 4K.
Both Roku Ultra and Apple TV 4K offer their own line of streaming products with a host of streaming services, such as HBO Max, YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu (just to name a few, but all the big names are on both).
Additionally, each is capable of streaming in 4K with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support. That means the streaming experience should be more or less identical, and they offer future-proofing as they support the latest standards.
You sign up for Apple One
Apple TV+, Apple Fitness+, iCloud Photos, Apple Music, and Apple Arcade are just a few of the services included in Apple’s monthly subscription service, Apple One. And you guessed it: You can make the most of them all on Apple TV. You can connect a PlayStation 5 or Xbox controller to your Apple TV to play Apple Arcade games, stream your favorite playlists from Apple Music, or use your TV as a workout instructor with Apple Fitness. Even if you don’t subscribe to Apple One and you just pay and use one of the services listed above, Apple TV gives you access to all Apple services without any hassle. any.
You have a lot of HomeKit smart home products
One of the less advertised aspects of having an Apple TV in your home is that it’s twice as effective as a HomeKit router. That means if you have a HomeKit-enabled dongle, thermostat, or camera, you’ll be able to access and control the devices while away from home. Even if you only have a few HomeKit devices in your current home, the Apple TV makes sense as the next piece of the puzzle that will create a fully connected and accessible smart home.
You’ve invested a lot in Apple’s ecosystem
The Apple TV tight integration with all your other Apple products. You can AirPlay your Mac screen or iPhone video to your TV. Or put on your AirPods and watch a new movie without waking anyone else at home. Another feature is that if you have an Apple Watch and want to work out with Apple Fitness+, your watch will connect to your Apple TV and display your workout stats on the screen without much effort. .
Want to save money?
The Roku Ultra normally $99, but if you’re patient you can find it on sale for as low as $69. Even if you don’t find it on sale somewhere, you’ll get an official 4K streaming box for under $100, while the Apple TV 4K starts at $179.
Your smart home setup isn’t platform-specific
Unlike the Apple TV 4K, which only works with Apple’s HomeKit platform, the Roku Ultra is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s AirPlay 2 / HomeKit smart home platform. That means no matter what smart home ecosystem you’re currently investing in, you’re covered.
You can use Alexa to do things like turn the Ultra on or off, or tell Alexa what you want to see. The same can be said for the Google Assistant, while AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support means you can use Siri to control content on your TV.
You keep losing your TV remote
The Roku Ultra there is a remote finder built in and it’s pretty awesome. There’s a button on the side of the Ultra that you can press when the remote is lost and it will start playing a sound, helping you locate it. As we can all attest, streaming box remotes are some of the smallest and most easily lost gadgets on a daily (hourly?) Siri Remote for Apple TV lacks a similar feature.
You should not make your decision between Apple TV 4K and Roku Ultra in terms of streaming quality or service, as the two are pretty comparable in that department. Instead, you should choose based on the types of compatible products already in your home, how much you want to spend, and whether a tool like a lost item finder is valuable to you.
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Software | tvOS | Roku OS |
| Processor | A12 Bionic | Quad-core processor |
| Ports | HDMI, ethernet and power | HDMI, USB-A, ethernet and power |
| Visual standards | HDR and Dolby Vision | HDR and Dolby Vision |
| Sound standards | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos and DTS Digital Surround |
| Far | Includes all-new Siri Remote | Voice remote control |
| Dimensions and weight | 1.4 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches; 0.93 pounds | 1.0 x 4.9 x 5 inches; 0.36 pounds |
| Price |
From $179.99 |
$99.99 |
