Our verdict on the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)
- Buy it if
- You want the fastest, cleanest streaming box with no ads on the home screen, especially if you use an iPhone.
- Skip it if
- You want the cheapest way to get 4K streaming.
- Best for
- Fastest, cleanest experience
- Key feature
- Snappy, ad-free interface and Apple ecosystem
- Typical price
- £109–£139
Key specifications
| Chip | A15 Bionic |
|---|---|
| Storage | 64GB or 128GB |
| Video | 4K Dolby Vision, HDR10+ |
Who should buy it, and who should skip it
A good fit if you
- want the fastest, cleanest streaming box with no ads on the home screen, especially if you use an iPhone
- value very fast A15 Bionic chip
- can spend around £109–£139
Skip it if you
- want the cheapest way to get 4K streaming
- mind that pricier than sticks
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very fast A15 Bionic chip
- No ads on the home screen
- Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos
- Works as a HomeKit and Matter hub
Cons
- Pricier than sticks
- Siri Remote is easy to lose
What it is
The Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) is a streaming device from Apple, typically £109–£139. Its headline feature is snappy, ad-free interface and Apple ecosystem, and it is best for fastest, cleanest experience.
What stands out
- Very fast A15 Bionic chip
- No ads on the home screen
- Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos
- Works as a HomeKit and Matter hub
What to know
- Pricier than sticks
- Siri Remote is easy to lose
Is it worth it?
If you want the fastest, cleanest streaming box with no ads on the home screen, especially if you use an iPhone, the Apple TV 4K is a strong choice. If you want the cheapest way to get 4K streaming, look elsewhere. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K (£39–£49) is the alternative for simple 4K streaming. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (£39–£49) is the alternative for budget 4K and Alexa homes.
Alternatives worth considering
Roku · Streaming Devices
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Buy it if You want the simplest 4K stick with BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, Netflix and the rest in one neutral menu.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Simple 4K streaming
- Typical price
- £39–£49
Pros
- Simple, neutral home screen
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+
Cons
- No Ethernet port
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
Frequently asked questions
Is the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) worth it?
Yes. The Apple TV 4K stands out for snappy, ad-free interface and Apple ecosystem, and it suits you if you want the fastest, cleanest streaming box with no ads on the home screen, especially if you use an iPhone. Skip it if you want the cheapest way to get 4K streaming.
Who should skip it?
If you want the cheapest way to get 4K streaming, an alternative will suit you better.
Is the Apple TV 4K worth it?
Yes. The Apple TV 4K stands out for snappy, ad-free interface and Apple ecosystem, and it suits you if you want the fastest, cleanest streaming box with no ads on the home screen, especially if you use an iPhone. Skip it if you want the cheapest way to get 4K streaming.
What are the downsides of the Apple TV 4K?
Pricier than sticks. Siri Remote is easy to lose