In the ongoing battle between streaming players to give the consumer the best selection of content and the best viewing experience, AppleTV and Roku are often the two contenders on the battlefield. Both players offer features such as 4K streaming and voice control options, but when you look past the surface-level details you'll see that there are a few major differences that could sway your opinion one way or another. In this article, we'll compare the two devices in terms of content, cost, and user experience.
Starting with content, Roku has always had the edge when it comes to selection. The platform has an expansive library of apps supported by both streaming services and cable companies. Roku’s ‘search across’ feature also allows you to quickly find the content and services you’re looking for. In comparison, the AppleTV library is much more limited, as Apple is still trying to court streaming services onto its platform. In terms of cost, both devices have a similar price point, but there are some nuances you should consider. For example, the better specs and features of Roku often come at a premium compared to the AppleTV. As far as the user experience goes, AppleTV has the advantage with its simplified UI and deeper integration with Apple’s ecosystem. On the other hand, Roku is the chosen platform for many cord-cutters due to its versatile TV Antenna compatibility, as well as its easy access to settings and more advanced setup options.
At the end of the day, the decision of which streaming player to choose comes down to the individual user’s preferences. Both AppleTV and Roku offer great choices for streaming, so it’s important to take the time and research them both before making a choice.