According to a recent review by Tom's Guide, the Apple TV 4K (4th generation) represents a significant hardware upgrade with its new A19 chip and surround sound capabilities, but its voice assistant Siri still trails competitors like Alexa+ and Gemini. The device also carries a steep price point that may not suit those outside the Apple ecosystem.
- Powerful A19 chip and surround sound with HomePods
- Siri voice assistant functionality lags behind competitors
- High price point limits appeal outside Apple users
Product angle
The latest Apple TV 4K features Apple’s A19 processor, the same chip found in the iPhone 17, delivering noticeable improvements in speed and responsiveness. This enhancement enables advanced voice control with an updated version of Siri, and supports up to four HomePod smart speakers for a rich surround sound experience. Additional conveniences include a built-in FindMy feature for the remote, utilizing Bluetooth 6 for precise location tracking when paired with newer iPhones.
Despite these upgrades, the device’s Siri integration has been reported as less effective in helping users find desired content when compared to competing voice assistants like Alexa+ on Amazon Fire TV and Gemini on Google TV devices. The combination of hardware advancements with subpar voice command functionality creates a mixed user experience, particularly for those prioritizing voice search capabilities.
Best for / avoid if
The Apple TV 4K (4th generation) is best suited for users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem who want top-tier hardware performance and seamless integration with other Apple products such as HomePods and iPhones. Its support for advanced surround sound setups and quick setup process make it appealing to tech-savvy consumers seeking premium streaming devices.
Conversely, buyers primarily focused on voice assistant responsiveness or affordability should consider alternatives. Those outside of Apple’s ecosystem may find the $299 price difficult to justify, especially given the device’s Siri limitations compared to Alexa-enabled or Google-powered streaming players. Additionally, users who frequently rely on voice commands to discover content might find the Apple TV experience less satisfying.
Pricing and alternatives to check
Priced at $299, the Apple TV 4K (4th generation) stands as the priciest consumer streaming device available, with a significant markup over the prior 2022 model, which launched at $149 for the 128GB variant and later increased to $249. This single-option pricing includes 128GB of storage, potentially exceeding the needs of average users.
Alternatives worth considering include the Amazon Fire TV Cube, regularly priced at around $199, and Google TV devices equipped with Gemini voice assistant, which provide competitive performance at a lower price point. These alternatives offer strong voice control features and wider platform compatibility, presenting compelling value propositions for users not exclusively tied to Apple’s ecosystem.