Apple TV vs Roku 2018
When’s the last time you went to the movies? How about the last time you watched something on DVD or Blu-Ray? If you’re like the majority of people, you’ve probably traded in your movie-going habit, your disc-watching habit or your live TV watching habit for streaming movies and TV shows.
More than 52 million people use Netflix in the US, around 25 million people use Amazon Prime, and a few million more use Hulu. While streaming video is convenient, it does bring up the issue of screen size.
You can easily watch Netflix, Hulu or Amazon on your computer or phone, but what if you want a more traditional viewing experience, on a TV? In that case, you’ll need a streaming device. Two of the big names in streaming are Apple TV and Roku.
Both Roku and Apple TV have their pros and cons. We’ve watched a lot of streaming video and done more research to let you know which one wins in the battle of Apple TV vs. Roku.
Can’t wait to find out? Jump to the winner below.
Need the full details? Read on.
Which Streaming Device Should I Buy?
Apple TV vs. Roku
Roku and Apple TV both offer you the option of streaming a variety of services on your TV. But they aren’t the same. Here are a few reasons you might choose one device over another.
Why Buy a Roku?
Here’s a big reason to buy a Roku: choice. You’re able to stream thousands of channels using a Roku streaming stick. Although some of those channels are subscription-based, meaning you need to pay a fee each month to access the content on them, many are completely free and don’t require any log-ins or payments.
Along with streaming services like Netflix and HBO Go, you’re able to access streaming content from major cable and broadcast channels as well as sports channels and international channels on a Roku.
The newest Roku model is a streaming stick that lets you stream 4K/Ultra HD programs and includes a voice remote. While the latest model is ideal for people who want the most from their streaming experience, other models are designed for consumers who might be more budget-conscious.
Why Buy an Apple TV?
Here’s a big reason to buy an Apple TV: You’re an Apple/Mac fanatic. While Roku is brand-agnostic, Apple TV is designed explicitly for people who love iTunes and Mac products. If you have a PC, it doesn’t make any sense to get an Apple TV device.
Like Roku, the newest Apple TV offers 4K/Ultra HD so that you can enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows with the highest quality image. The device lets you access streaming services including Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Go. It also allows you to start watching a program on one device, then pause it and resume it on another device, since the Apple TV app works on all Apple products.
What They Aren’t So Good At . . .
No streaming device is perfect. Here’s where Apple TV and Roku struggle.
Apple TV
The biggest complaint people have about Apple TV is that it doesn’t have the most user-friendly interface. Some have noted that the menu is difficult to navigate, especially by people who aren’t super tech-savvy. Apple tends to add channels to the interface, which you’re then stuck with.
There is the option to hide channels, but figuring out how to do that takes a good amount of effort.
While we’re mentioning channels, there’s also this to consider: Apple TV lags behind Roku when it comes to available channels. You won’t find Amazon or Google Play on Apple TV. Although the device lets you stream music and has programs such as Pandora, there’s no Spotify.
Another strike against the Apple TV is that it’s only ideal for those who already use Apple products. If you’ve got a PC or an Android phone, buying the Apple TV isn’t going to make any sense.
One last issue with the Apple TV: the price. The cheapest model is $149 and doesn’t include 4K. If you want the option of streaming shows and movies in 4K, the lowest priced model is going to set you back around $179.
Roku
Where Roku falls is that it’s not as intelligent as Apple TV. The newest model, the Roku Streaming Stick, does offer a voice remote feature. But while Apple TV lets you use Siri to find the answer to pretty much anything, Roku lets you open channels or search for a particular piece of content. It’s a nice feature to have, but it’s not that impressive.
The other drawback of the Roku Streaming Stick is that it only connects over Wi-Fi, not an Ethernet cable. Using an Ethernet cable gives you a more steady and reliable connection, which is particularly important when you’re streaming 4K content. For standard definition or even regular HD content, a Wi-Fi connection can be sufficient.
The Winner
Given the choice of Apple TV vs. Roku, which do we pick? We’re going to have to go with the Roku.
Look, die-hard Apple fans are going to choose the Apple TV, but for everyone else, the Roku offers more flexibility, more options, and a lower price tag.
Brand Recap
If you need a streaming device, here’s a quick recap of Apple and Roku products.
Apple TV
The Apple TV is Apple’s foray into streaming devices. Apple has been around since the 1970s and has developed a reputation for creating innovative consumer electronics. The Apple TV is meant to connect the products you can buy on iTunes with your HD TV set. All Apple products run on Apple software, so there’s no way to use a PC or Android-powered device with them.
Models
Roku
Unlike Apple, Roku is exclusively in the streaming business. Its first streaming device, a set-top box, came out in 2008 and ran on Linux, an open-source operating system. Eventually, the company began producing a range of streaming devices, including inexpensive set-top boxes and pricier streaming sticks.
Models
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K
- Roku Streaming Stick 3600R
Why Buy a Streaming Device?
The number one reason to buy a streaming device is to watch your favorite online programs on your TV. While it can be fine to curl up with your laptop or to watch a show on your tablet or smartphone when you’re on-the-go, few things are more relaxing than settling onto the couch and watching a movie or show on a big-screen TV.
A streaming device also makes it easier for multiple people in a household to enjoy streaming programs. When a Roku or Apple TV is connected to your home’s main TV, all someone needs to do is sit down, turn on the TV and scroll to the programs or channels of his or her choice.
Some devices, particularly those in USB stick form, are incredibly portable. You can plug the USB into one TV, then disconnect and move it to a different TV in your home later on. You can also easily pack a USB stick in your luggage and watch your favorite streaming programs while traveling, provided the TV in your hotel room has a USB outlet.
How Streaming Devices Work
Years ago, if you wanted to watch a movie at home, you have a few options. You could rush out and rent the DVD (or in earlier times, the VHS) or you could wait for the movie to play on cable or broadcast TV.
In both cases, you’d have to wait and make a plan before watching a film. With streaming devices, there’s no need to wait for TV or obtain a disc. The movie or TV show is transmitted over an internet connection in real-time.
You don’t have to download the program permanently, so it doesn’t take up precious space on a hard drive.
Streaming devices let you plug into your TV and enjoy online content on a big screen. The devices connect to the internet via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable.
The image quality you get from a streaming device depends on the model and the quality of your internet connection. If you have a slow or spotty connection, you won’t be able to enjoy HD or 4K quality. But if you have a lightning fast, super reliable internet connection, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows in 4K or HD.
Some streaming devices, like the Roku, use an open source software program, which gives you more options when it comes to channels. Others, like the Apple TV, use proprietary software, which limits channel selection and limits what devices or programs you can connect the streaming device to.
In the end, whether you go with Apple TV or Roku depends on where your loyalties lie. If your home is full of Apple products, getting the Apple TV is going to make sense. But if you have a mix of computer or smartphone devices, you’re going to want a streaming device that’s more open and flexible.
