Apple TV vs Roku: Which Streaming Device Actually Deserves Your Money?
Based on expert testing, user reviews, and real-world performance data from 2026
The short answer: Apple TV 4K wins for users in the Apple ecosystem who want the fastest, most premium streaming experience with serious gaming capabilities. However, Roku Ultra offers better value for everyone else with its lower price, more apps, and multi-platform smart home support. Get Roku Ultra on Amazon for $99 →
The Fighters
| Apple TV 4K | Roku Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129 on Amazon | $99 on Amazon |
| Best For | Apple ecosystem users, gamers | Budget-conscious streamers, cord-cutters |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | Quad-core (30% faster than 2022) |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB | 4GB |
| Apps Available | ~8,000 | ~25,000 |
The Death Match: 6 Rounds, 1 Winner
We're scoring each round from 1-10. Higher score wins the round. Let's fight!
Round 1: Performance & Speed
The Apple TV 4K is powered by the A15 Bionic chip—the same processor that ran flagship iPhones. In Vice's testing, it was "the fastest streaming player tested, faster even than the Roku Ultra 4K." More impressively, a 2017 Apple TV 4K reportedly still outperforms the 2024 Roku Ultra, demonstrating remarkable longevity.
The Roku Ultra 2024 isn't slow—its quad-core processor delivers a 30% speed increase over the 2022 model. Apps open quickly and 4K content streams without buffering. But it simply can't match Apple's silicon advantage.
| Apple TV 4K | Roku Ultra |
|---|---|
| 9/10 | 7/10 |
Round 1 Winner: Apple TV 4K — The A15 Bionic chip delivers unmatched speed and years of future-proof performance.
Score after Round 1: Apple TV 4K 9 | Roku Ultra 7
Round 2: Streaming Quality & Apps
Both devices support 4K, HDR10, and Dolby Vision, so picture quality is essentially identical on compatible content. Apple TV adds HDR10+ support, giving it a slight edge for Samsung TV owners.
Where Roku dominates is app selection. VPlayed reports Roku offers approximately 25,000 apps versus Apple TV's 8,000. That includes niche platforms and international streaming services you won't find on Apple. Plus, the Roku Channel provides free ad-supported movies and shows—something Apple doesn't offer at all.
| Apple TV 4K | Roku Ultra |
|---|---|
| 8/10 | 9/10 |
Round 2 Winner: Roku Ultra — Triple the apps plus free streaming content makes Roku the more versatile platform.
Score after Round 2: Apple TV 4K 17 | Roku Ultra 16
Round 3: User Interface & Experience
Apple TV delivers a clean, modern tile-based interface with light and dark themes. You can organize apps into folders and get content previews in the top row. Most importantly: no ads on the interface. Cord Cutters News notes "invasive ads are a big complaint among Roku owners."
Roku's interface is functional and beginner-friendly, but you'll see ads on the home screen, in menus, and throughout the UI. BGR reports that "the streaming service is littered with advertising." Some users complain that Roku's "Smart TV Experience" screen forces acceptance of ACR (automatic content recognition) to monitor everything on screen—or apps stop working.
| Apple TV 4K | Roku Ultra |
|---|---|
| 9/10 | 6/10 |
Round 3 Winner: Apple TV 4K — A premium, ad-free interface that respects your viewing experience.
Score after Round 3: Apple TV 4K 26 | Roku Ultra 22
Round 4: Gaming & Entertainment
This round isn't close. Apple TV offers Apple Arcade access with 200+ games, Steam Link support for PC game streaming, and compatibility with PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch controllers. With 64GB of storage, you can actually download games locally. Cult of Mac notes that "Apple features much more robust gaming support while Roku's gaming support is nearly non-existent."
Roku's gaming capabilities are limited to basic casual games—think Angry Birds and poker. There's no controller support and only 4GB of storage. If gaming matters at all, Roku isn't a serious option.
| Apple TV 4K | Roku Ultra |
|---|---|
| 9/10 | 3/10 |
Round 4 Winner: Apple TV 4K — Apple Arcade and controller support make it a legitimate casual gaming device.
Score after Round 4: Apple TV 4K 35 | Roku Ultra 25
Round 5: Smart Home & Ecosystem
Apple TV functions as a HomeKit Hub, letting you control smart home devices, view security cameras, and run automations even when you're away. The integration with iPhone, iPad, Mac, and HomePod is seamless. AirPlay lets you mirror anything from your Apple devices to your TV.
Here's where Roku fights back: it supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, AND Apple HomeKit/AirPlay 2. CNN Underscored points out this means "you're covered regardless of which smart home ecosystem you're currently invested in." Roku even sells its own smart home products, including video doorbells and cameras.
| Apple TV 4K | Roku Ultra |
|---|---|
| 8/10 | 8/10 |
Round 5 Winner: Tie — Apple wins for Apple users; Roku wins for everyone else with its platform-agnostic approach.
Score after Round 5: Apple TV 4K 43 | Roku Ultra 33
Round 6: Value for Money
Apple TV 4K costs $129 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model—and that version doesn't even include an Ethernet port. Want wired internet? Pay $149 for the 128GB model. Pocket-Lint states bluntly: "The major issue with the Apple TV 4K is its price."
Roku Ultra lists at $99.99 but regularly goes on sale for $69-80. It includes an Ethernet port at no extra charge. The 2026 Cordie Awards saw Roku capture 55.7% of votes versus Apple TV's 13%, with Cord Cutters News noting "simplicity and breadth win over specialized features for the majority."
| Apple TV 4K | Roku Ultra |
|---|---|
| 6/10 | 9/10 |
Round 6 Winner: Roku Ultra — Better value with included Ethernet, frequent sales, and lower MSRP.
Score after Round 6: Apple TV 4K 49 | Roku Ultra 42
Final Score
| Product | Total Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K | 49/60 | WINNER |
| Roku Ultra | 42/60 |
The Winner: Apple TV 4K
Apple TV 4K wins this death match with superior performance, a premium ad-free interface, genuine gaming capabilities, and unmatched longevity. Engadget called it "the best streaming box by a long shot in terms of picture quality, speed, and longevity."
The A15 Bionic chip ensures this device will remain fast for years—older Apple TVs from 2017 still outperform current competitors. If you're in the Apple ecosystem, the integration with iPhone, iPad, and HomeKit creates a seamless experience no other streaming device can match.
That said, Apple TV's victory comes with a significant asterisk: it costs 30-50% more than Roku Ultra and targets a specific audience. For pure streaming without gaming or Apple ecosystem benefits, you're paying a premium for performance most users won't fully utilize.
Ready to buy the winner? Get Apple TV 4K on Amazon for $129 →
When the Loser Actually Wins
Roku Ultra isn't right for everyone, but it's the better choice if:
- You're on a budget — Save $30-60 and still get excellent 4K streaming
- You use mixed smart home platforms — Alexa, Google, and HomeKit all work with Roku
- You want maximum app selection — 25,000 apps vs 8,000, including niche services
- You don't need gaming — Why pay for Apple Arcade support you won't use?
- You want free content — Roku Channel offers ad-supported movies and shows
The 2026 Cordie Awards don't lie: 55.7% of cord-cutters chose Roku as the best streaming platform. For most people prioritizing simplicity and value over premium features, Roku is the smarter buy.
Roku Ultra might be right for you: Check price on Amazon →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple TV worth the extra money over Roku?
For Apple ecosystem users who want HomeKit integration, gaming through Apple Arcade, and the fastest performance available—yes. For everyone else streaming Netflix and Disney+, the extra $30-60 likely isn't worth it. Both devices play 4K content identically.
Why does Roku have so many more apps than Apple TV?
Roku maintains an open platform that welcomes smaller developers and niche streaming services. Apple's stricter App Store requirements and approval process limit the catalog but generally ensure higher-quality apps.
Which device has better privacy?
Apple TV has no ads on its interface and Apple's general privacy stance is stronger. Roku has faced criticism for advertising throughout its UI and a Florida lawsuit alleging children's privacy violations. Some users report Roku's ACR requirements feel invasive.
Can I use both Apple TV and Roku together?
Yes. Many households use Apple TV in the main living room for premium streaming and gaming, then use Roku devices (including cheaper Streaming Sticks at $49) in bedrooms and guest rooms.
Sources
- Cord Cutters News - 2026 Best Streaming Player
- Vice - Roku Ultra 4K vs Apple TV 4K
- Pocket-Lint - Why I Bought Roku Ultra Over Apple TV
- CNN Underscored - Apple TV 4K vs Roku Ultra
- Digital Trends - Apple TV 4K vs Roku Ultra
- Engadget - Best Streaming Devices 2026
- VPlayed - Apple TV vs Roku
- Cult of Mac - 7 Reasons Apple TV is Better
- BGR - Why People Hate Roku