Should I buy an Apple TV 4K or Roku?

Choosing between an Apple TV 4K and a Roku mostly comes down to budget, ecosystem, and how much you care about polish versus price.

• Buy the Apple TV 4K if you already use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, want a premium-feeling streamer, and care about a smooth, responsive interface with strong integration into Apple’s ecosystem. It’s also a good choice if you want a solid HomeKit smart home hub.
• Buy a Roku if you want the cheapest good option, a simple interface, and handy remote-first features like a remote finder or, on some models, a headphone jack.

Both platforms support 4K HDR, and many models support Dolby Vision and AirPlay, though exact features vary by model. Roku is usually the better value, while Apple TV 4K is the better premium pick for Apple users and for those who want a more polished experience.

One caveat: features, ad load, and availability can vary by model and software version, so it’s worth checking the current spec page before buying.