Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) Review: The Premium Pick for Apple Users
Apple's latest TV box brings the A15 Bionic chip, Wi-Fi 6, and tight iPhone integration. Is it worth $129 over cheaper alternatives?
Overview
The Apple TV 4K 3rd generation launched at $129 (Wi-Fi model) and $149 with Ethernet. It’s powered by the A15 Bionic — the same chip in the iPhone 13 Pro — which makes it massively overpowered for streaming, but that headroom means it’ll stay fast for years.
Performance
Performance is flawless. 4K HDR content loads instantly, apps never crash, and the interface is the smoothest of any streaming box we’ve tested. Frame rate matching (switching your TV to the native frame rate of the content) works automatically, which is a big deal for film lovers.
What We Liked
- Build quality — premium hardware that matches Apple devices
- Siri + HomeKit — best smart home integration of any streamer
- AirPlay — cast from iPhone/Mac instantly
- No ads — clean, ad-free interface
- tvOS ecosystem — great exclusive apps and Apple Arcade
What We Didn’t Like
- Price — $129 is steep when Roku/Fire TV cost $30-60
- Apple ecosystem required — loses much of its value if you don’t use iPhone/Mac
- No Google Play — Android apps aren’t available
- Siri is inconsistent — great for Apple apps, weak for third-party search
Verdict
For iPhone users already in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple TV 4K is the best streaming box you can buy. For everyone else, a Fire TV Stick or Roku will serve you just as well for half the price.