Apple TV 4K Review: We Tested Performance, Features, and Smart Home Power

The Apple TV 4K device resembles a square-ish hockey puck. I keep it at the base of my LG TV, blending with the black setup. The device is matte at the top and bottom and glossy on the sides which, unfortunately, attracts a lot of dust. After about three hours of testing, the device was warm, but not hot – my phone feels hotter after an hour of gaming.

A quick overview of the Apple TV 4K features and specs that matter the most:

I have the third-generation Apple TV 4K with 128GB, unchanged since 2022. Unlike the second-generation, the third has the A15 Bionic chip which has a 50% faster CPU and 30% faster GPU, allowing you to navigate the UI with minimal lag and quicker response time. It also creates fluid gameplay and improved graphics for gaming apps. The third-generation also adds HDR10+ which enhances color and brightness, making everything pop with realism. All streaming services will run at peak quality – there is a reason why this model has not been upgraded since 2022.

The most significant difference is the price. When the second-generation launched, it was priced at $179 for 32GB and $199 for 64GB. The 64GB for the third-generation is only $129 with the 128GB + Ethernet at $149. The additional $30 for the 128GB and ethernet will allow you to download more apps and guarantee a more stable connection; however, Apple TV 4K still maintains stellar quality on Wi-Fi alone.

The latest Siri remote replaces the Lightning connector with USB-C. One of my pet peeves with Apple is its proprietary connector requiring a separate cable. However, with USB-C, I can charge my Siri remote with the same cable as my phone, Playstation, Switch, and Xbox controllers. Instead of being coerced into the Apple ecosystem, the Apple TV 4K has entered my personal ecosystem.

Here are some of the Siri remote’s unique features:

• Siri button and mic
• Touch-enabled clickpad allowing you to navigate by swiping
• Voice recognition for making personalized recommendations

If you have a smart home, Apple TV 4K can serve as the central hub for your smart home accessories due to its Thread networking support.

Some things that Apple TV 4K can do as a home hub:

• Control lights, curtains, and locks
• Adjust thermostat
• Display multiple security camera feeds live on your screen
• Automate smart accessories to your specifications

Of course, Apple TV 4K will also become a big part of your Apple ecosystem:

• Quick access to Apple TV streaming, Apple Arcade, iCloud, etc
• Stream audio, videos, and even FaceTime from other Apple devices onto Apple TV 4K
• Connect the TV’s audio directly to your Airpods
• Use your iPhone as the remote and for color calibration on Apple TV 4K and to find your Siri remote if you lose it

Apple TV 4K provides unique specs that create stunning visuals.

Whenever I test out a new TV for quality, I always watch “Mad Max: Fury Road” for its stylized color grading. It opens with a shot of Max looking at the vast horizon. From left to right, you see ever-changing gradients of blue skies and white clouds. The contrast between the enlightened sands and the darkened shadows makes every color pop out. Of course, you need to have a TV that supports 4K HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.

You may be thinking: “If my smart TV already supports 4K HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, why do I need an Apple TV 4K device?” The A15 Bionic chip processes compressed streaming feeds differently from a smart TV’s built-in app, resulting in the highest intended quality of content without any buffering.

The Apple TV 4K homepage is minimalistic, true to the Apple brand. The top of the homepage consists of Apple apps followed by rows of apps of your choosing. It is very easy to navigate and even has a search option.

I was very surprised by the load speeds during testing. I compared opening Netflix on the LG TV webOS to Apple TV 4K. On webOS, it took 2.64 seconds. On Apple TV 4K, it only took 0.79 seconds. I retested this multiple times with slightly different results, but Apple TV 4K always won with less than a second.

If you are looking for more free apps to test on your Apple TV 4K, click here to get an idea.

Apple TV 4K supports Dolby Atmos, creating a truly cinematic experience in your own home.

For those who do not know, Dolby Atmos produces 3D sound that follows you 360-degrees. It can even create height channels for overhead sound. To achieve this in my home theater, I use a Polk Audio Signa S4 soundbar.

To test the sound on Apple TV 4K, I watched “Ready Player One.” The opening sequence features a chaotic, action-packed race. Closing my eyes, I can hear cars revving up and scraps of metal flying in all directions. Every crash triggers the bass, rocking my seat and the floor. When a truck appears on the left and drives across the screen, I can hear the honk travel from left to right. At one point, I can hear a T-rex roar overhead.

If you want to utilize Dolby Atmos, you need to ensure that your sound system supports it. If you have basic TV speakers, it’s meaningless.

I can spend a lot of time mulling over the differences between Apple TV 4K, Google TV Streamer (4K), and Amazon Fire TV Stick, but here are the key differences.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick is the economical option and has multiple models to choose from. The premium option is the Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $59.99 with a storage space of 16GB; this is ideal for those who want quality streaming on a budget. To add to the affordability, all models are often discounted. Furthermore, if you are invested in Amazon products like Echo speakers and Alexa, then the Fire TV Stick would consolidate your Amazon ecosystem.

See it on Amazon

The Google Streamer (4K) is set at $99.99 with a storage of 32GB. This is cheaper than Apple TV 4K but I would not consider this budget-friendly. If you want quality streaming and decent storage space while still saving money, Google TV Streaming (4K) is a fine compromise. If you are an Android-user and have a Google ecosystem, then it would be the consistent choice.

See it on Amazon

Despite the obvious price difference, the quality of Apple TV 4K speaks for itself. What sets it apart from the competition is the A15 Bionic chip’s superior picture processing, the Apple ecosystem’s stable and smooth integration with Apple products and smart homes, and – my personal favorite – its ad-free interface.

If you want full side-by-side comparisons of different streaming devices, click here.

After using Apple TV 4K for four months, I can honestly say it is worth it. As long as you have a TV and sound system that supports it, you will be able to enjoy it at its fullest.

Despite my dislike of Apple products, I have no regrets with Apple TV 4K – my home theater is now a mini IMAX.