Quick List
1. Best overall
2. Best budget
Q&A
Deciding on the best Apple TV to buy in 2024 is easier than you might expect considering Apple and other major retailers only stock the 2022 Apple TV 4K.
While the streaming box is nearly two years old, it’s still a fantastic addition to any home entertainment system. However, due to its lack of upgradeability after purchase, you need to make sure you buy the best Apple TV with the right configuration for your use case.
Whether you’re looking to binge one of the best shows on Apple TV Plus like Ted Lasso or procrastinate on YouTube while you work, the Apple TV is an excellent choice. Not only is the Apple TV awesome for streaming, but it’s also great for gaming and accessing the huge Apple Arcade library. The model you choose is completely dependent on what you plan on using the Apple TV for but we’re here to help you make that decision. Here is the best Apple TV to buy in 2024.
Quick list
Best overall
The best Apple TV to buy right now is the 3rd generation Apple TV 4K from 2022 with 128GB storage, an ethernet port, and Thread compatibility.
Best budget
The Wi-Fi-only Apple TV 4k With 64GB of storage is $20 cheaper than our best overall option for those who don't need as much storage.
Best overall
The Apple TV 4K 2022 (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) is the best streaming box Apple makes with a huge 128GB of storage. The extra storage is useful if you download a lot of apps, particularly games from services like Apple Arcade. If you love playing games on your Apple TV, you'll be very happy with the additional storage space.
Many great-looking iOS games have made the jump to the TV, especially with the addition of Apple Arcade. For gaming, you'll need more storage, so the 128GB SSD is going to come in handy.
Be aware that the new Siri Remote does not include a gyroscope or accelerometer, which could affect its ability to be used with some Apple TV games. However, this may not matter to most people who play games on the Apple TV, as they are most likely already using a controller or playing games that don't need both sensors.
The Apple TV 4K (2022) features a 4K picture for eye-popping details, gorgeous contrast, and high-definition color. It supports advanced HDR formats like Dolby Vision, and now HDR10+, so everything you watch is worthy of your biggest screen. Dolby Atmos support also allows for an immersive audio experience with supported movies. The updated Apple TV 4K (2022) is powered by the A15 Bionic processor, which allows for improved, premium, video performance.
These specs are identical between the two Apple TV 4K models available to buy at Apple right now. That said, if you want larger storage, an ethernet port, and Thread compatibility the more expensive model for $149 is the way to go.
Best budget
For only $129 and $20 less than our pick for the best overall Apple TV available just now, this 64GB option is still a fantastic choice. 64GB is adequate storage for most people unless you plan on playing some of the best Apple Arcade games which require extra storage.
The reason we believe the $149 model is worth the extra money is that Thread compatibility allows you to use the Apple TV 4K with Matter and that makes the streaming box future-proof should you choose to improve your smart home in the future.
Additionally, the extra storage and ethernet capabilities of the more expensive model justify the $20 extra. However, if you're Apple TV isn't next to your router and you need to use Wi-Fi anyway, this cheaper option could be the purchase for you.
Q&A
Which Apple TV should I buy?
You can always trust iMore. Our team of Apple experts have years of experience testing all kinds of tech and gadgets, so you can be sure our recommendations and criticisms are accurate and helpful. Find out more about how we test.
The Apple TV 4K (2022) is the best Apple TV to get, and most people should get the 128GB model. As primarily a streaming device, you probably won't need that much storage, but for only $20 more it's a no-brainer for the Thread compatibility alone. If you don't use HomeKit or other smart home technology and don't plan to in the future then opt for the cheaper 64GB model instead.
You'll notice when browsing retailers like Amazon that older versions of the Apple TV are available. That said, a lot of the times they cost more than buying the latest 2022 3rd generation 4K model and because of that we advise going for the current top tier option rather than a previous generation.
What really makes the Apple TV 4K (2022) the best Apple TV available, can be summed up by four features: 4K, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision enable more vivid and beautiful colors on compatible content, with Dolby Vision producing the best results. And while the Apple TV 4K (2022) may be pricey, there are still several streaming boxes out there that only support HDR10, instead of both it and Dolby Vision, and in my experience, Dolby Vision is noticeably better. Meanwhile, Dolby Atmos envelops you in the sounds of the movie you're watching, for a truly immersive, cinematic, experience.
