There is no doubt that both Apple TV and Roku TV bring their own value to the market, but does one outrank the other? Based on the criteria you’re looking at, there is indeed a winner, but which one is it? To save yourself the hassle of a lengthy return for the wrong device, our media team has created a detailed comparison.
Comparing Apple TV and Roku
Our experts created a general comparison and then dived into greater detail in the following sections. Roku is an excellent option for those on a budget, but Apple TV has innovative technologies. Is it really necessary to spend a little extra for Apple? Let’s find out.
Apple TV 4K vs Roku Ultra
- 4K HDR
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
- Airplay
- Siri assistance
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
- 4K HDR
- Private listening mode
- USB port and SD card reader
Visual and Audio Quality
Our first Roku VS Apple TV comparison is between the Apple TV 4K and the Roku Ultra.
For image quality, the Apple TV 4K provides exceptional color with HDR and HDR10. Of course, short of 8K, the 4K resolution is also crystal clear and it also has Dolby Vision support, which is great for HD TVs. Don’t write off Roku Ultra just yet, because it too comes with Dolby Vision, 4K, and HDR. In terms of visual quality, Apple TV VS Roku is pretty on par with each other with the help of 4K and Dolby Vision.
What about audio? You can’t have streaming services without boosted audio as well for the best performance. The Apple devices offer Dolby Atmos and up to Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound. The Roku Ultra can also support Dolby Atmos with a compatible system, but not Dolby Digital Plus as far as our experts can see.
Streaming Apps Available
Since they are streaming boxes, the apps they offer and streaming channels are some of the most important features.
Let’s take a look at Apple TV first. Apple TV channels for streaming access include Hulu, Amazon Prime Video , Netflix, Showtime, Youtube TV, HBO Max, Disney+, Epix, and the Apple TV app to name a few.
You can also subscribe to premium services and some other third-party apps.
As for Roku Ultra, it also gives you access to what Apple TV 4K can give, maybe minus Fandango Now, but they claim to have over half a million movies and shows to watch through installed channels!
It also offers ad-based free content and more obscure services such as Sling TV. Roku makes it easier to watch content with a micro SD card reader and a USB jack for stored media files.
Gaming Apps
In this section of the Apple TV VS Roku competition, the Apple TV 4K has Apple Arcade, which has its fair share of gaming apps. Not all Apple devices have gaming apps, so this is a significant boost to the design. As for Roku Ultra, they also have traditional arcade games as well.
Interface and Ease of Use
For iOS devices, the interface of the Apple TV 4K streaming device is very familiar. Because it’s so simple, even Android users can figure it out. Our team likes the smooth interface and ease of use of the Apple TV 4K.
Roku Ultra is easy to use as well with Smart TVs, but Roku’s interface is a little bit more dated. It’s very simple and easy to understand, but there is quite a big advertisement on the home screen that you can’t opt out of.
Voice Assistance
Siri is on Apple TV 4K, which can make your streaming media box experience infinitely better. She is there to assist you by searching for content, opening programs, and more to elevate your smart TV. The Roku TV voice assistant can handle basic tasks like choosing a streaming service, but it isn’t the most equipped to carry out complex voice commands.
Even though Roku Ultra is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa devices, our experts prefer the integrated voice assistant within Apple TV 4K and appreciated Siri’s smarts.
Memory
Apple TV 4K comes with 32GB or 64GB. It’s not a lot, and it can limit the content you have in your streaming box. However, Roku has a micro SD slot and USB port like our experts mentioned, which greatly increases the capabilities of the device. Even if the onboard memory isn’t enough, you can easily store files on an external device.
Remote Control
The Apple TV 4K VS Roku TV remote section also features a clear winner. The Apple TV voice remote doesn’t change much from model to model, but the Apple TV remote is made from premium materials for a very high-end look. You can also control the device via your iPhone, which will even display playback controls on your phone’s lock screen.
Another more advanced feature is Apple TV’s remote finder, which will decrease the chances of losing the slim component.
Roku’s remote doesn’t look as advanced or sleek, but it has large buttons that are very sensitive and easy to control. You also have more access to functions via the Roku remote such as preset streaming buttons and private listening in the Roku app via a headphone jack or connect Bluetooth headphones. Not to mention, the bright colors are more visually obvious and captivating.
Connectivity Options and Mirroring
If you are an Apple user, then Apple TV’s features are best for you. You have Apple Airplay 2, which delivers high-quality and fast streaming from your external device directly to your TV screen. Roku Ultra also has mirroring, but it needs to be controlled through your phone or tablet.
As for connectivity, you can find dual-band connectivity and ethernet ports on both the Roku Ultra and Apple TV 4K. Apple TV 4K connects to your TV set with the HDMI port, our team’s recommended form of connection for all devices. Roku is the same, but with the added SD card reader and USB port, it gives users a bit more flexibility.
The mirroring winner is Apple, but Roku Ultra comes out as the winner for connectivity, which places this section at a stalemate.
Our media engineers say that both the streaming devices win 2 rounds, the Apple TV 4K emerges as the winner because it wins where it counts more. It’s the fastest streaming device our experts have come across and offers plenty of advanced features Android and Apple fans will appreciate.
Apple TV HD vs Roku Stick Plus
- Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
- Apple apps
- A8 chip
- Dolby Atmos
- Private listening mode
- Small and portable
- HD, 4K, HDR
- Long-range Wi-Fi
Visual and Audio Quality
Apple TV HD and Roku Streaming Stick Plus are also streaming services available on the market. Let’s take a deeper look at how they compare to each other.
The video quality for Apple TV HD is what the name suggests – 1080p HD. The audio quality is exceptional with Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound. Of course, the titan of sound, Dolby Atmos, is also onboard the device.
This all sounds great, but what about the Roku Streaming Stick Plus? It’s a super portable device that supports 4K, HD, and HDR streaming. As you can see, the visual quality beats the Apple TV HD by a mile.
As for the audio quality, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus is a little less functional, but it still has Dolby Atmos. So, one provides better visual quality while the other excels in the audio department. Which is the winner? It depends on what you prize.
Streaming Apps Available
The Roku devices offer a number of streaming apps such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime [1], Roku Channel, Crave, Apple TV, and Tubi to name a few. You get access to the major channels such as Netflix, Disney + and Amazon Prime on Apple TV HD, but you also get HBO Max, Hulu and YouTube TV. The winner will depend on what service you prefer.
Our team realized that you cannot choose a default app for streaming shows with Roku, which can be a bother to some.
Interface and Ease of Use
Apple HD has basically the same interface as Apple TV 4K, while the Roku interface can seem a bit basic. While the appearance has nothing to do with usability, it is nice to look at a more seamless interface. Not only that, Apple products also boast faster speeds.
Voice Assistance and Remote Control
Both devices have voice assistance and remote controls, but the Siri remote is undoubtedly better looking with a luxurious glass top. As for the ease of use, the Roku remote does offer access to more functions, just like with the above Roku model.
Again, Roku’s voice assistant is relegated to simpler tasks, while Siri is perfectly capable of carrying out more complex tasks.
Memory
Apple TV HD has either 32 or 64GB, and the Roku Stick Plus is significantly smaller at only 512 MB/1GB. The winner is very clear in this section.
Connectivity Options and Mirroring
The Roku Streaming Stick Plus itself is like a thumb drive. It has a long-range wireless receiver and has a power cord. It also features private listening mode that allows you to watch TV in private via a headphone jack. It plugs directly into your TVs and doesn’t require screen mirroring.
As for Apple HD TV, not only does it have both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it also features an ethernet port, and HDMI. Of course, Apple Airplay is present on the HD TV for screen mirroring.
The winner again between our Apple VS Roku models is the Apple brand. The device offers a more seamless operation, high-quality sound, and easy features that allow users to make the most of the device. For Apple users, the Apple HD TV is a familiar yet more advanced device compared to regular iPhone mirroring.
Overall Winner: Apple TV
A winner has emerged in our Roku VS Apple TV head-to-head. Apple TV is the consistent champion, with generally better operation, premium features, a seamless interface, more advanced voice control, and bigger and better sound. It also offers more in terms of design and construction for those who like a more luxurious appearance.
