The Pros and Cons of Roku vs Apple TV

With lockdowns across the world because of the Corona Virus, now is the time to binge on your favorite TV shows and films. But with so many choices available it can be difficult to know what set-up you should get. And what is going to work best for your needs and in your area?

Two options are Roku vs Apple TV. Both provide for some top-quality entertainment in different ways. Here are some key differences to help you make up your mind.

1. Apple TV has Apple’s Streaming Service

Apple recently launched its streaming service Apple TV+  This includes a host of original shows and films.

Oprah Winfrey has a book club and topical show exclusive to Apple TV+  and there are also some great original films such as The Banker. This is a film about two black businessmen in the 1950s who wanted to lend money and rent out the property at a time when racial segregation laws were still in force and the Civil Rights movement was in its infancy.

Also included on the streaming service are films such as Finding Dory, the sequel to Finding Nemo.

As Apple TV+ has only been in operation for a few months, the collection is not as big as some other streaming services.

However, it is only available on Apple devices. If you buy a new Apple device such as the MacBook Pro 16inch, you will receive Apple TV+ for free for a year. 

Apple TV is also the best 4k streaming device so you will be able to watch films in high quality.

2. Apple’s Remote

Another great feature of Apple’s TV product is its remote control. The latest version contains voice control and acts as a pointer. In your hand, it feels like a trackpad and is beautifully designed.

Roku’s remote is more like a standard remote that contains buttons. The handy thing about it though is the remote does contain specific buttons to launch Netflix and Amazon. On Apple’s remote, you have to navigate to the onscreen menu. This makes it one of the streaming devices.

3. Roku Is More Open

Apple is notorious for being guarded with its technology and not being as open to third parties as Roku. There are many official apps available for Apple TV but if you are looking for a more open system Roku might be a better option.

The downside to Roku though is that authorities in Mexico City have recently launched a lawsuit against them because of the propensity for users to use the service for illegally downloaded content.

Be sure to read Peter Faricy on Amazon streaming if you are looking for another alternative to Roku and Apple TV.

Roku vs Apple TV: It Depends on Your Preference

It’s clear that Apple TV provides a more user-friendly and professional experience compared to Roku. But Apple’s systems are more closed so if you want to download your own third-party content to play on the screen then you might be better off with Roku.

Apple’s controller is also much more user friendly then Roku’s and has a much better feel and look.

If you are interested in reading more about Roku vs Apple TV or the best streaming stick then be sure to check out the rest of our site for more.