You’re on the hunt for a new streaming device.
And, with all its promises and glowing reviews…
It’s hard not to be interested in an Apple TV.
The problem?
It’s too pricey.
So, the questions are:
How much is an Apple TV? And does it justify its cost?
Keep reading to discover:
- 3 kinds of Apple TVs and how much they cost.
- 5 bizarre reasons why Apple TVs come with a hefty price tag.
- Apple TV HD vs. 4K: Do Apple TV 4K’s features justify the extra $30.
- How does Apple TV compare against its 3 main competitors in terms of specs and price.
- And so much more…
How much does an Apple TV cost?
An Apple TV costs $149 for the HD version, but you can also get them for $24.93/month for 6 months. This number goes up to $178 with Apple Care. On the other hand, the Apple TV 4K comes with a $179 (32 Gb) or $199 (64 Gb) price tag. Lastly, the Apple TV+ streaming app costs $4.99 a month.
The different types of Apple TVs
Apple TV HD
If you’re interested in buying an Apple TV but don’t want to buy the high-end version…
Then Apple TV HD is for you.
This streaming device has the following features available on its system:
- Ethernet connectivity.
- HDMI-CEC capability.
- 32 Gb storage capacity.
- Siri Remote for Voice Controls.
- Accessibility Settings like VoiceOver, Dictation, Closed Caption, and Bold Text.
Furthermore, the following streaming apps are also available on it:
The only catch of this device is its price.
You see, the Apple TV HD may be the cheaper option among Apple’s streaming devices…
But it certainly isn’t cheap.
Currently, the Apple TV HD retails at $149. However, Apple has a 6-month installment plan that allows you to get this device for $24.93 monthly.
And that’s not all.
I also recommend getting Apple Care for $29.00 or $4.83/month for 6 months. This allows you to have 3 more years of support and warranty for your Apple TV.
Apple TV 4K
If Apple TV HD is for those who want to dip their foot in the water…
The Apple TV 4K is for those eager to take the plunge. This streaming device is the upgraded version of the HD one.
This fact also means that the Apple TV 4K is better than the HD across all metrics. Want to see how?
Refer to this table for a comparison between the two Apple TV models:
Apple TV HD | Apple TV 4K |
Supports up to 1080p. (1920 x 1080) | Supports up to 4K. (3840 x 2160) |
Only has SDR. | Supports SDR, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. |
32 Gb storage and 2 Gb RAM. | Up to 64 Gb storage and 3 Gb RAM. |
2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi capable. | 2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz, and 6.0 GHz Wi-Fi capable. |
Bluetooth 4.0. | Bluetooth 5.0. |
HDMI 1.4. | HDMI 2.1. |
Audio on 7.1 channels. | Audio on 7.1 channels with Dolby Atmos. |
Now, as for its price, this is how much an Apple TV 4K currently retails:
- 32 Gb model: $179.00 or $29.83 per month for 6 months.
- 64 Gb model: $199.00 or $33.16 per month for 6 months.
If you’re still skeptical about getting an Apple TV 4K…
I highly recommend watching this in-depth breakdown of the device:
Apple TV+ (Streaming service)
From time to time, someone would ask me:
“Hey, do you know how much an Apple TV costs?”
I often have to ask:
“Do you mean the streaming device or the streaming app?”
That’s right. In case you don’t know, there’s also an Apple TV streaming app.
If that’s confusing, I can assure you that you’re not alone.
However, that doesn’t mean the Apple TV streaming service isn’t worth getting.
In fact, I’ve really been liking the content that they put out lately.
And what’s more, you don’t have to commit to their service right now.
Apple TV+ has a free trial for 7 days that you can avail of. Alternatively, if you own an Apple device, you also have 3 months of free Apple TV+.
But, after that, a monthly subscription to Apple TV+ costs $4.99.
Why are Apple TVs so expensive?
#1: Apple reputation
Do you ever wonder why the coffee from large companies is more expensive than those from local shops? Or why Samsung sells TVs at a more premium price?
It’s because you’re not just paying for the product…
You’re also paying for the reputation behind the company that produces it.
For better or worse, companies have cultivated trust between themselves and their consumers.
That’s why they can afford to hike up their prices without fear of losing customers.
Case in point:
iPhones are among the most expensive smartphones on the market.
Don’t get me wrong, they’re great phones. But you’re also paying extra because Apple produces them.
And that’s also a big reason why Apple TVs are expensive.
#2: It’s made to last
If you’re looking for a streaming device that’ll last you more than a few years…
You’d be hard-pressed to find anything better than an Apple TV.
Why is that so?
It’s all thanks to the A12X Bionic chipset. This is the same chipset used by the 3rd generation iPad Pro.
Now, you might be wondering:
“Do you really need something as powerful as the A12X Bionic just to watch shows?”
Well, no. But that’s not the primary purpose of the A12X Bionic…
Apple put this chipset in Apple TVs to future-proof them.
You see, there’s no telling what the future will bring us. This is especially true on smart devices.
Chances are, there’s new technology just around the corner that can make the ones we have obsolete.
That’s why having the best hardware for our devices is good. And that’s how Apple TVs are built to last.
#3: A wide array of features
Now, let’s talk about its software.
Apple TV runs on the tvOS smart platform, which is among the best in its class.
Not only does it have an excellent interface, but tvOS also has the following features:
- Color and contrast balancing.
- Accessible playback controls.
- Siri-controlled, even using other Apple devices.
- Intuitive interface with recommended shows and movies.
- Picture in Picture Mode: Watch live videos from a camera.
- Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking using the AirPods.
- SharePlay: Synced watching with any Apple device with FaceTime.
And that’s on top of the features you get with most high-end streaming devices, like:
- Smartphone controls.
- 4K High Frame Rate HDR.
- Voice Controls using Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri.
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos: For the optimal viewing experience.
You may also be interested in: Do You Need Apple TV With A Smart TV?
#4: Great design
As I said, the Apple TV has a great interface.
However, what about its hardware?
Some might say that it’s too dull…
But I actually find the minimalist design of an Apple TV oddly appealing.
Although it’s just a thin black cube with rounded corners…
I’m a big fan of its body.
Not to mention that it’s also portable, which makes it a handy tool whenever you’re going out of town. In fact, here are the dimensions and weight figures for an Apple TV:
- Width: 98 mm or 3.86 inches.
- Height: 35 mm or 1.38 inches.
- Length: 98 mm or 3.86 inches.
- Weight: 425 grams or 0.96 lbs.
#5: Compatible with other Apple devices and features
Do you own other Apple Homekit devices, like the:
- Apple HomePod.
- Nanoleaf Shapes.
- Schlage Encode Plus.
- Ecobee SmartThermostat.
- Philips Hue White A19 Starter Kit.
If so, you’re in luck…
Apple TV allows you to control all of them using its Siri Remote. Now, you have access to all your Homekit devices from your couch.
Furthermore, Apple TV is also compatible with the following Apple features and apps:
- Apple Music: For music streaming.
- Apple Fitness: For exercise tracking with Apple Watch.
- Apple Arcade: A video game subscription service by Apple.
Are Apple TVs worth it?
Apple TVs are worth it. To prove that statement, we need to take a look at Apple TV’s main streaming competitors, namely:
And after that, let’s compare those 3 against Apple TV 4K.
Now, without further ado, here’s what you can get from other streaming devices:
Chromecast with Google TV
Notable specs
- Runs on Android TV OS.
- Lightweight at 1.9 ounces or 55 grams.
- Dual Band Wi-Fi. (2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz.)
- 4K HDR Display: For better colors and deeper contrasts.
Notable features
- Voice Controls.
- AirPlay-capable.
- Personalized interface.
- Live shows with Youtube TV.
- Compatible with Google Nest devices.
Price
- $49.99.
- $64.99 if bundled with HBO Max.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K+
Notable specs
- 4K Display.
- HDR10 Pro and Dolby Vision.
- Lightweight at 0.9 ounces or 26 grams.
- Long-range Dual Band Wi-Fi. (2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz.)
Notable features
- AirPlay-capable.
- Low input latency with Roku OS.
- Hands-free Voice Controls with Google Assistant or Alexa.
Price
- $69.99.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Notable specs
- 4K UHD Display.
- HDR 10 Pro and Dolby Vision.
- Dolby Atmos: For more immersive audio.
- Capable of receiving all Wi-Fi frequency bands. (2.4, 5.0, and 6.0 GHz.)
Notable features
- Personalized interface.
- Live shows with Youtube TV.
- Voice Controls with Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri.
- Game On: For low latency gameplay and fast rendering graphics.
Price
- $54.99.
- $60.48 with a 2-year warranty.
- $193.99 with eero Router mesh network.
- $124.98 with Luna Controller for all your gaming needs.
- $87.97 with accessories like a USB Power Cable and Ethernet Adapter.
The verdict
Other streaming devices may seem attractive…
But what separates the Apple TV from them is the A12X Bionic.
So, if you value affordability, I highly recommend the 3 devices mentioned above.
However, if you want assured longevity, go for the Apple TV 4K.