Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)
Best for Fastest, cleanest experience
Typically £109–£139
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkRoku Streaming Stick 4K
Best for Simple 4K streaming
Typically £39–£49
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkQuick comparison
| Feature | Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) | Roku Streaming Stick 4K |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Typical price | £109–£139 | £39–£49 |
| Best for | Fastest, cleanest experience | Simple 4K streaming |
| Key feature | Snappy, ad-free interface and Apple ecosystem | Neutral home screen with every big UK app |
| Chip | A15 Bionic | — |
| Storage | 64GB or 128GB | — |
| Video | 4K Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | — |
| Resolution | — | 4K HDR |
| HDR | — | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ |
| Where to buy | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link |
Main differences
Typical price
Apple TV 4K: £109–£139; Roku Streaming Stick 4K: £39–£49.
Best for
Apple TV 4K: fastest, cleanest experience; Roku Streaming Stick 4K: simple 4K streaming.
Standout
Apple TV 4K: snappy, ad-free interface and Apple ecosystem; Roku Streaming Stick 4K: neutral home screen with every big UK app.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) if you
- want the fastest, cleanest streaming box with no ads on the home screen, especially if you use an iPhone
- care most about very fast A15 Bionic chip
Choose the Roku Streaming Stick 4K if you
- want the simplest 4K stick with BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, Netflix and the rest in one neutral menu
- care most about simple, neutral home screen
Which specifications matter?
Focus on the differences above rather than headline numbers. For more options, see our list of the best streaming devices in the uk.
Not sure about either? Consider these
Amazon · Streaming Devices
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen)
Buy it if You want a fast 4K stick for under £60 and use Alexa at home.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Budget 4K and Alexa homes
- Typical price
- £39–£49
Pros
- Low price
- Wi-Fi 6E
Cons
- Ad-heavy interface
Google · Streaming Devices
Google TV Streamer
Buy it if You use Google Home and want a streamer that doubles as a Matter and Thread hub.
- Verdict
- Consider
- Best for
- Android and Google Home users
- Typical price
- £69–£89
Pros
- Great content recommendations
- Thread border router and Matter hub
Cons
- Interface can feel sluggish at times
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, the Apple TV 4K or the Roku Streaming Stick 4K?
Choose the Apple TV 4K if you want the fastest, cleanest streaming box with no ads on the home screen, especially if you use an iPhone. Choose the Roku Streaming Stick 4K if you want the simplest 4K stick with BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, Netflix and the rest in one neutral menu.
Which is better value?
The Apple TV 4K typically costs £109–£139 and the Roku Streaming Stick 4K typically costs £39–£49. The better value depends on which differences above matter to you.