Why I ditched Roku for the Apple TV

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The Apple tree TV 4K seems crazy expensive at $179, and on the surface it doesn't really offer a lot more than cheaper competitors. However I noticed that I was starting to use it a lot more a few months ago, equally I stopped using my Roku Ultra.

Don't get me incorrect. I similar the Roku Ultra a lot. I bought i for my parents for Christmas last year. But one time I freed its HDMI cable in my rat'southward nest of cords backside my Telly, and put that cord into my Apple TV 4K, I accept never actually looked back. Both are on our list of best streaming devices — heck, the Roku Ultra is ranked higher — only for me, personally, I've made my choice.

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My change of habit was enabled by the fact that as the editor in accuse of streaming devices at Tom's Guide, and during quarantine I've basically collected all of the major streaming devices behind my Tv set, so I can test and compare.

But my determination to start using the Apple TV 4K more, though, is more about how nigh of these devices practice a lot of the same things — and it'due south the few ways they stand out that can push button y'all to utilise i over the other. Let's dig in:

It started off with HBO Max, how did it end up like this?

The Harley Quinn blithe show is amazing, and it'south also the reason why the HDMI plug left my Roku Ultra in the outset place.

With the exception of those who subscribe to the DC Universe service (where that show started), I don't know how many people will be able to meet the animated antics of Ms. Quinn. And you should, the series delivers an excellently hilarious angle on criminal affairs in Gotham as Harley teams Poison Ivy to ruffle Batman'south feathers while she tries to get into the Legion of Doom. HBO Max besides is the sectional abode of the West Wing reunion, the Witches remake, and information technology'southward getting the Justice League Snyder Cut in 2021.

You can't, though, if your only streaming device is a Roku. That's because Harley Quinn is on HBO Max now, and HBO Max launched without a Roku app (or a Fire Telly one either) and information technology'due south yet not on there. And HBO's remaining Roku app doesn't back up logging in with your cable subscription, so I couldn't use that if I wanted.

Apple Idiot box has the perks of the Apple ecosystem

When I want to turn on a streaming device and watch something other than HBO Max, the Apple Tv wins again considering I own an iPhone. A elementary downwards swipe from the summit correct corner of my iPhone'south lock screen gives me a Remote button, which then allows me to turn the Apple Television (and my Television receiver, also), on and the Remote app comes upward so I can observe the apps and such I want.

While I try and keep my iPhone away from myself when I'm watching good Tv (live-tweeting bad TV, such as WWE Monday Dark Raw, is only natural), that's non always the case. When it's time to make dejeuner, and I canter into my living room/kitchen, information technology's much easier to pull my telephone out of my pocket than information technology is to go hunting for a remote.

And I'm always looking to sentry YouTube during luncheon, as I'thousand not ane of those folks who tin can watch videos while they work (that's taking multitasking a bit also far). So that pattern became the norm, and the Apple Television continued to get my dominant streaming device.

Aye, I could turn on my Roku from the Roku app, but Apple doesn't requite you the power to customize the Control Eye screen where the Apple Tv set button is. I really wish it would, though.

The integrations don't cease with just the iPhone. The Apple TV app brings Apple tree Television Plus to other devices, but Apple tree Arcade games are non on whatsoever other device than the Apple Television. Plus, the upcoming Apple Fitness Plus service is besides going to be sectional to Apple's hardware, within of the Fitness app. That includes Apple tree Watch integration for sending your personal activity (heart rate, calories burned and more, to your TV screen equally you work out).

I'grand sticking with the Apple tree Television receiver — only it needs to change

If I didn't review streaming devices for a living, I probably wouldn't have made this leap. The Apple Television set 4K is a hefty $179, that'due south $80 more than the Roku Ultra, and $129 more than than popular 4K streaming devices like the Roku Streaming Stick Plus and the new Chromecast with Google TV.

Just with access to all of the above, I'm probably going to keep using the Apple tree Television receiver 4K (though I am excited to get 1 of the new Chromecasts in to try out). It'southward got everything I desire (salve for a Japanese pro wrestling streaming service that only supports Fire Television receiver and Chromecast), and it'south the easiest to use, no matter what's going on.

But if Apple wants to really take Idiot box seriously, it'll take more than making dandy shows like Ted Lasso (a topic for another article): Apple needs a more than affordable streaming device. Because until then, the Apple Television receiver will just be for those with deep pockets.

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Henry is a senior editor at Tom's Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past six-plus years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's besides covered the wild earth of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/why-apple-tv-beats-roku

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Why I ditched Roku for the Apple TV