Most of us started to use Smart TVs as it allows you to access streaming apps and services. But sometimes, we may not have our favorite streaming apps on smart TVs. In that case, we can use streaming devices to access our favorite streaming apps and services. The streaming devices allow you to stream movies, TV shows, songs, and more media content. Apple TV and Roku are the most used and best streaming devices available in the world. However, both the streaming media players have their own merits and demerits. Now let’s compare Apple TV vs Roku and see which one is the best streaming device.
What is Apple TV
Apple TV is a popular streaming media player developed by Apple. It works with the internet and supports HDR10 and Dolby versions. The models of Apple tv are Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, and Apple TV (1st Gen) (2nd Gen) (3rd Gen).
The streaming apps in Apple TV are Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, Showtime, Spotify, Apple TV app, peacock, FandangoNOW, YouTube TV, Epix, HBO Max, Sling TV, Vudu, and AT&T TV.
Price: 32GB Apple TV costs $179 and 64GB Apple TV costs $199.
Features of Apple TV
- Apple TV works with third-party controllers for sophisticated gaming.
- It has a built-in function called Siri, a voice assistant to navigate.
- Apple TV remote has a touchpad for swiping in addition to buttons, volume buttons, and Bluetooth. And you can adjust remote sensitivity.
- It can pair with Apple AirPod and AirPod Pro.
- You can check the remote battery levels.
What is Roku
Roku is a recognized streaming device that allows you to watch free and paid video content on your TV. It has a USB port and a Micro SD card reader. The apps available in Roku are Prime Video, Vudu, Hulu, Netflix, Showtime, HBO GO, HBO Now, Disney+, YouTube TV, fubo TV, Philo, Apple TV, Peacock, Spotify, Google play video and Pandora.
The models of Roku are Roku Ultra, Roku Premiere, Roku Express, and Roku streaming stick +.
Price: It costs $90.
Features of Roku
- There are tons of content available for free on Roku.
- You can get notifications about new episodes with your feed.
- Using Roku secret menu, you can improve Roku performance.
- You can cast content from other devices.
- Voice control is available.
Merits and Demerits of Apple TV vs Roku
Merits
| Apple TV | Roku |
| It streams the contents in UHD (Ultra High Definition) | It provides an open software development tool to create apps and channels for Roku devices |
| Siri’s voice is available in remote | Advanced remote functions like finder function, headphone jack, and more |
| Apple TV includes 4K HDR gaming | It provides access to an extensive library of shows |
| It allows you to mirror your iOS device | You can get access to free media content, and night listening mode is available |
| Strong WIFI performance | It supports a lot of streaming apps at an affordable price |
Demerits
| Apple TV | Roku |
| It is expensive | There is no Dolby vision |
| Supports only Apple products | It is not compatible with some TVs |
| Lack of compatibility | A software update is required |
Related: How to Get Apple TV on Roku Devices Easily
Specifications of Apple TV 4K vs Roku Ultra
| Specifications | Apple TV 4K | Roku Ultra |
| Operating System | tvOS12 | Roku OS |
| Dimensions | 38.10 x 123.95 x 6.35 mm | 125 x 21 x 125 mm |
| 4K support | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Control | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby vision | Yes | No |
| Storage | 32/64GB | 512MB |
| Voice Search | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 45G | 223.97G |
| RAM | 3GB | 1GB |
| Bluetooth | BT 5.0 | No |
| WI-FI Standards | WI-FI 5 (802.11ac) | WI-FI 5 (802.11ac) |
| CPU | Apple A10X Fusion | Quad-core |
Apple TV vs Roku – A Detailed Comparision
Streaming Quality
Both devices stream the contents in 4K and HDR quality and have ethernet ports also. So you can have a wired connection and watch the media contents.
When comparing streaming quality, Roku is best. Because it supports the same feature on Apple TV, but the cost is low.
Compatibility
Apple TV 4K is compatible with HD and UHD, and it supports mostly apple products.
Roku Ultra is compatible with HD TVs, 4K TVs, and 4K HDR TVs. So here, Roku wins to be the best compatible device.
Related: Roku Ultra Review: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying
Remote
Apple TV 4K comes with a Siri remote. With this remote, you can use your voice to navigate on Apple TV. But Roku doesn’t have a Siri remote.
Roku supports Alexa and Google Assistant, but Apple TV is not compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. So both are equal when comparing to remote.
Setup
Both devices follow the same process for setup. You can just plug in both devices to your TV’s HDMI port. And you can download apps from the App Store for Apple TV 4K and the Roku channel store for Roku Ultra.
Interface
Apple’s interface is very easy to navigate, and it saves your login details for all the subscribed channels and Apps.
But the Roku interface is outdated and slower, and it shows a different layout for different apps. So comparing the interface on Apple TV and Roku, Apple TV wins.
Mirroring and Gaming
Apple TV has an Airplay feature. With this feature, we can cast videos from other iOS devices. But Android and Windows users can’t cast or mirror contents on Apple TV.
If you own a Roku TV, you can use the built screen mirroring on Roku. With this function, we can cast media content from Windows and Android.
So for mirroring and gaming Roku will be the best option for the users.
Conclusion
Based on what we have researched, both are equally comparable in all aspects. The main difference is the price for both devices. When comparing prices, Roku is recommended because we get almost all the features available in Apple TV. And you can get Roku’s high-end streaming service, and the price is affordable to everyone. Tell us your opinion and which is your favorite streaming device.