When it comes to choosing a new streaming device there’s no shortage of options. There’s also no denying that the Apple TV is one of the most costly, but the App Store and the games and apps it offers make it a great choice. And that’s even before you settle in to watch the new must-binge show. However, finding a deal is the best way to get over the sticker shock, and we’re here to help you do just that.
There are deals to be had on various Apple TV boxes, so make sure you’re choosing the one that’s right for you.
If you have a 4K TV at home and want to take advantage of it, the Apple TV 4K is for you. The 2022 model that went on sale late last year has an upgraded, modern A15 Bionic chip powering it, HDR10 Plus support, a USB-C Siri Remote, and double the storage as standard. It also starts at $129, down from the previous $179 starting price, though you’ll need to spring for the $149 128GB model if you want Ethernet support, which was previously included across the board.
Given the pricing proximity, even with the below deals this new 2022 Apple TV 4K has been our recommendation among Apple’s streaming boxes, as its significant processor jump should provide more longevity.
Though it’s now a generation old, the 2021 Apple TV 4K is still a decent option, especially when you can find it on sale. Unfortunately, it’s getting a little hard to come by since it was discontinued by Apple, and it’s only available at full price at the moment. However, we do still see deals pop up occasionally. It comes in two variations, one with 32GB of storage and the other with 64GB, and it runs Apple’s A12 Bionic chip (similar to what was in 2018’s iPhone XS and XR). It also includes a Siri Remote that charges through Lightning and the Apple TV box itself has Ethernet support as standard.
With the unveiling of the 2022 Apple TV 4K, Apple killed off the Apple TV HD. The move makes sense given the new lower starting price for the 4K model and the fact that the Apple TV HD was essentially a 2015 piece of hardware with a 2021 remote. The A8 chip powering it was getting a little long in the tooth, plus ultra HD TVs are way more accessible these days, with a plethora of 4K TV deals available at any time.
Unless the Apple TV HD is on a deep discount, you should avoid it.
In 2021, Apple released a new Siri remote that ditched the previous generation’s design and trackpad and brought better buttons, making it much easier to use. One of the great things is that you don’t need to upgrade your Apple TV in order to use the new remote: You can seamlessly connect it to your existing Apple TV.
Apple has given the remote a minor upgrade with its 2022 Apple TV revision, dropping the Lightning charging port in favor of one with USB-C. Functionally, however, both last year’s remote and the 2022 USB-C versions are identical and work with the same Apple TV devices.