Both Apple TV and Roku are extremely impressive streaming devices in the market today. They have similar features and stunning streaming quality, including 4K and Dolby Vision. Also, you can find different models of both Roku and Apple TV devices at different price ranges. If you are looking forward to getting a new streaming device, you need to know the features of both devices. Therefore, you can find a detailed comparison of the features of the devices Apple TV vs Roku.
Apple TV vs Roku
Let’s compare the different features of both Apple TV and Roku devices.
Apple TV vs Roku: App Support
Roku comes with a built-in Roku Channel Store that features all the popular apps, including Netflix, Disney Plus, YouTube, and Sling TV. In the same way, your Roku supports AirPlay. You can also screen mirror content from Android and Windows devices to Roku as well. Roku has more than 1700 apps or channels in its Channel Store. You might only miss content from iTunes on Roku.
At the same time, Apple TV has a built-in App Store with a rich collection of apps. Also, you can get more content on it by screen mirroring from iOS devices and Mac. Apple TV has around 30 entertainment channels without missing the popular streaming apps.
Apple TV vs Roku Ultra: Interface
Roku has a very simple interface that represents the apps as large tiles in a grid view. You can adjust the tiles in the grid to your choice and interest. You can see a few ads in the Roku interface as well. However, there are no recommendation tabs and posters for shows and movies on Roku. You can easily navigate through the menu and tabs on Roku. Also, the interface is super quick to respond.
Apple TV has a stylish and colorful interface with menus and tiles. Also, you can find recommendation tiles from different services. These recommendations will let you access more shows and movies on your device. You can easily navigate through the menu with the Siri remote that comes with a directional click pad.
Apple TV vs Roku: Remotes
Apple TV remotes have faced a lot of updates with each generation. It has a touch and motion-based interface, which gives you a better experience in comparison to Roku remotes. The latest Siri remote is very impressive and has Siri support. The voice feature is one of the most outshining features of the Apple TV remote.
Roku remotes also have come across a few updates over the time since their release. The Roku Voice Remote Pro has voice support. Still, the users find the Siri support on Apple devices to be more effective. Still, Roku has support for Google Assistant and Alexa. The Roku remote is easier to use and can be customized based on your streaming necessities. One of the most attractive features of the Roku remote is the headphone jack that gives you the private listening feature.
Apart from that, you can control both Apple TV and Roku using smartphones. The Apple TV remote app has support for iPhones and iPads. At the same time, you can access the Roku remote app on both Android and iOS devices to control your device.
Apple TV vs Roku Ultra
Apple TV 4K and Roku Ultra are the most popular devices in the market. Following are the comparison of their features.
| Roku Ultra | Apple TV 4K | |
| Processor | Four Core Processor | A12 Bionic |
| Manufacturer | Roku | Apple |
| Operating System | Roku OS | tvOS |
| Voice Support | Alexa and Google Assistant | Siri Support |
| Supported Ports | USB, HDMI, and Ethernet Ports | HDMI and Ethernet Ports |
| Size | 1 x 4.9 x 5 (inches) | 1.4 x 3.9 x 3.9 (inches) |
| Price | $99.99 | $179 |
| Available Models | Streaming Stick 4K Steaming stick 4K+ Streambar Streambar Pro Express Express 4K Ultra | Apple TV 4K and Apple TV 4K (Second generation) |
Apple TV vs Roku: Features
Each platform boasts a distinct array of features, igniting a debate over which offers the ultimate streaming experience. Delve into their attributes to determine the ideal fit for your entertainment needs.
Key Features of Roku
Roku has many features and aspects that make it stand out and it is an ideal choice for streamers. Let’s go over them in detail:
Streamers
Roku includes many devices, including Roku Express, Express 4K Plus, Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Ultra, and Streambar. Roku Devices start from an affordable range of $30 and offer many features. There are multiple options to choose from, all offering a seamless streaming experience.
Design
Roku has a straightforward and user-friendly interface. It caters to users that want an easy-to-navigate and simple experience. Its simplicity may appeal to users, especially beginners just starting. The digital world is already scattered with too many technicalities, so keeping the design simple makes Roku stand out. Roku’s design is simplistic yet stylish. Roku is also easy to learn, bringing an added benefit to beginners.
Software
Roku hosts a range of superb features, including a Channel Store where you can find different apps, Voice search, which you can use through the Roku app, or compatible remotes. The Roku app also performs other services, such as finding and installing channels and controlling devices connected to the same WiFi network.
Roku has a live TV zone that takes you to live programming. With Roku OS 12, you have an improved “Continue Watching” row that makes it easier to continue watching content on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Max. You can also install Kodi on Roku to watch movies, TV shows, live channels, and other channels available on Roku.
The Roku operating system is user-friendly and accessible. Roku devices also receive frequent software updates to improve performance and enhance security.
Streaming Experience
Roku has a quad-core processor that ensures smooth interaction and quick app launches and supports 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. Roku recently introduced its new model, Roku Ultra, which supports HDMI 2.1, which has a faster processor and enhanced performance. The Roku Remote has a customizable button to add your desired streaming services.
Pricing
Roku devices are generally affordable, even with lots of features. Roku Express costs $30. For 4K and HDR, you must pay between $50-$100 for the Roku Streaming Stick and Roku Ultra. Their devices have affordable costs that cater to users with varying budgets.
Content
You can easily access third-party platforms like Netflix, Max, Amazon Prime, and Disney Plus on Roku. You can also use Roku to access Apple TV and stream Apple music. In a nutshell, Roku provides access to a wide range of streaming services. You can gain access to all of the content that you enjoy and love.
Key Features of Apple TV
Let’s now go over the unique features and specifications of Apple TV and what makes it different from Roku:
Streamers
Apple TV has limited devices as compared to Roku. One of its models is the Apple TV 4K WiFi, available on Amazon with 64GB storage. It has an A15 Bionic Processor, Siri Remote, and voice control. It also supports 4K HDR and Dolby Vision. This model costs $129. The Apple TV 4K WiFi Plus Ethernet is another model in which you get an Ethernet Port and other cool features for an extra $20 and 128 GB of storage.
Design
Apple has a sleek and futuristic design and a fantastic user experience. It also has a clean and intuitive interface and offers personalized recommendations according to your preferences. Its remote control and voice control for accessing Siri are easy to use and navigate. Apple has a visually appealing and user-friendly interface.
Software
Apple TV box is based on tvOS. You can control tvOS through any Siri device. You can also easily integrate Apple TV with other Apple services. Although apps are downloaded from the App Store, you also have clients for iCloud Photos, Apple TV Plus, and Apple Music. tvOS also has a Universal Search. When searching for a movie or TV show, you will see options for all compatible apps installed on your Apple TV. However, it is less extensive than Roku.
If you have other Apple devices like an iPhone or iPad, your preferences, subscriptions, and settings can sync seamlessly across multiple devices. tvOS also receives regular updates, including new features, optimizations, and enhancements.
Streaming Experience
Apple TV has a top-notch streaming experience, bringing 4K, Dolby Atmos, and HDR without issues. You can also connect to the device using Bluetooth, which helps you easily connect to accessories like headphones and speakers. There’s also AirPlay that enables you to cast content from your phone to view on-screen.
It also has a responsive A15 bionic processor, which makes things smooth and responsive. Apple TV also has a wide variety of high-quality original content, enhancing the streaming experience for viewers.
Pricing
Currently, Apple has three devices with different storage sizes. If you want Apple TV 4K with 64GB, it will cost you $129. If you’re going to opt for 128GB, then it will cost you $149. As you can see, Apple TV devices are definitely on the pricier side.
Content
Apple TV has access to high-quality original content from different platforms. Apple TV is an ideal option for dedicated gamers as you can use the Steam Link app to play PC games on TV and complete support for Xbox, Playstation, and Bluetooth gamepads.
It has all the popular streaming services from Disney Plus, Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. You can easily find what you want to watch, including dedicated selections based on all the TV shows you enjoy. It also has a Watch Now section that allows you to explore handpicked by editors across all applications.
Which Is Better Apple TV Or Roku
After comparing both devices, you can understand that both of them have similar features and functions. Apple TV has the best features in comparison to Roku devices. At the same time, Roku might be a bit more affordable. The choice for the better device is all up to you to make.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both Apple TV and Roku are impressive streaming devices with great features and streaming quality. However, Apple TV is a little bit expensive in comparison to Roku.
Apple TV does have some advanced features over Roku. But the cost of Apple TV is twice that of Roku. So, if you can bear the cost, Apple TV is quite worth buying.