Apple TV 4k vs Roku Ultra - Best Streaming Device [2023]

Summary

This video script compares the Apple TV 4K and Roku Ultra, highlighting their pricing, design, performance, user interface, and smart home capabilities. The Apple TV 4K, with its A15 Bionic chip, offers improved performance and storage options, while the Roku Ultra provides a sleek design and a powerful quad-core processor. Both have user-friendly interfaces, but the Apple TV 4K stands out with its Siri remote and broader smart home integration. The decision ultimately depends on personal preference and budget, with the Apple TV 4K being slightly more expensive but offering a comprehensive feature set.

Takeaways

• 📺 Both Apple TV 4K and Roku Ultra support various HDR formats and high-quality audio experiences.
• 💰 The Apple TV 4K is available in two versions: a 64GB model at $130 and a 128GB model at $170, with the latter offering better features like a gigabit Ethernet port and support for Thread and Matter.
• 💵 Roku Ultra is more affordable, retailing at $94.64 and sometimes on sale for as low as $70.
• 📏 In terms of design, both devices are compact and stylish, with Apple TV 4K having a slightly smaller form factor.
• 🔋 Apple TV 4K includes a USB-C charging port on its Siri remote, while Roku Ultra's Voice Remote Pro features a 3.5mm headphone input and other shortcuts.
• 🚀 Apple TV 4K is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, offering significant improvements in CPU and GPU performance.
• 🔌 Both devices have HDMI connections, but Apple TV 4K has an HDMI 2.1 port, while Roku Ultra has an HDMI 2.0 port.
• 💽 Apple TV 4K offers more storage options (64GB and 128GB), whereas Roku Ultra has 4GB internal storage and lacks expandable storage options.
• 🗣️ Both devices have voice assistants, with Apple's Siri being more responsive and integrated, while Roku's voice remote Pro is compatible with other voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.
• 🏠 Apple TV 4K serves as a hub for Apple's smart home ecosystem, while Roku Ultra can control Roku-branded smart home devices through its smart home integration.
• 🏆 Overall, the Apple TV 4K has a slight edge due to its powerful performance, Siri integration, and smart home capabilities, despite being more expensive than the Roku Ultra.

Q & A

What are the two main streaming devices discussed in the script?

The two main streaming devices discussed in the script are the Apple TV 4K and the Roku Ultra.

How much does the 64 GB Apple TV 4K model cost?

The 64 GB Apple TV 4K model costs about $130.33.

What additional features come with the 128 GB Apple TV 4K model compared to the 64 GB model?

The 128 GB Apple TV 4K model comes with double the storage, a gigabit Ethernet port, and support for Thread and Matter, along with a USB-C charging port for the Siri remote.

What is the price range for the Roku Ultra?

The Roku Ultra retails for $94.64, but it can be found on sale for prices as low as $70.

How does the design of the Apple TV 4K compare to the Roku Ultra?

Both the Apple TV 4K and the Roku Ultra have sleek and stylish designs. The Apple TV 4K has a glossy chrome outer shell, while the Roku Ultra features a matte style casing that is not a fingerprint magnet.

What processor does the Apple TV 4K use for improved performance?

The Apple TV 4K uses Apple's A15 Bionic chip, which delivers nearly double the CPU performance and up to 30% better GPU performance compared to its predecessor.

What types of connections does the Apple TV 4K support?

The Apple TV 4K supports an HDMI 2.1 connection, which also supports e-ARC for wiring the streamer to a Dolby Atmos sound bar or AV system.

How does the Roku Ultra compare to the Apple TV 4K in terms of processing power and connections?

The Roku Ultra has a quad-core processor that performs at lightning-fast speeds and includes an Ethernet port, an HDMI 2.0 B port, and a USB-A input. However, it only features 4 gigabytes of internal storage and lacks the HDMI 2.1 support of the Apple TV 4K.

What are the smart home features of the Apple TV 4K?

The Apple TV 4K can be used as a smart home command center, controlling and managing a number of smart home devices such as security cameras and smart locks through Siri voice commands or the remote.

How does the Roku Ultra's smart home compatibility compare to the Apple TV 4K?

The Roku Ultra is compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant but requires extra hardware for voice-related features. It can also be used as a smart home command center through Roku Smart Home, but it only works with Roku-branded devices.

Which streaming device does the script recommend for its combination of features and performance?

The script recommends the Apple TV 4K 2022 for its combination of internal storage, powerful Siri voice assistant, Apple-friendly smart home controls, and the performance of the A15 Bionic chip.

Outlines

00:00

🎥 Comparison of Apple TV 4K and Roku Ultra

This paragraph introduces a comparison between the Apple TV 4K and the Roku Ultra, highlighting their capabilities in handling HDR formats and surround sound. It discusses the pricing of the Apple TV 4K, which comes in two versions, a 64GB model at $130.33 and a 128GB model at $169.99. The benefits of choosing the 128GB model are emphasized, including double the storage, a gigabit Ethernet port, and support for Thread and Matter. The paragraph also compares the design of both devices, noting their compact and stylish appearance. The Apple TV 4K is described as having a glossy chrome outer shell, while the Roku Ultra features a matte style casing that resists fingerprints. The paragraph concludes by giving a point to Apple for its slightly smaller chassis, which is more suitable for space-constrained entertainment centers.

05:02

🔋 Performance and User Interface Overview

The second paragraph delves into the performance capabilities of the Apple TV 4K and Roku Ultra. The Apple TV 4K is equipped with an A15 Bionic chip, which offers significant improvements in CPU and GPU performance compared to its predecessor. It also includes an HDMI 2.1 connection and supports e-ARC, with the 128GB model featuring a gigabit Ethernet port for enhanced internet performance. The Roku Ultra, while not having changed much from the 2020 model, is noted for its quad-core processor's fast performance and its inclusion of an Ethernet port, HDMI 2.0 B port, and a USB-A input. The paragraph also addresses the user interfaces of both devices, praising their ease of navigation and customization. The Siri remote for Apple TV 4K and the voice remote Pro for Roku Ultra are compared, with Siri being favored for its responsiveness. Smart home features are also discussed, with the Apple TV 4K offering more seamless integration with Apple HomeKit, while the Roku Ultra is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant but requires extra hardware. The paragraph concludes by favoring the Apple TV 4K for its combination of features, despite its higher price compared to the Roku Ultra.

Keywords

💡HDR

HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is a technology that enhances the color and contrast of video content, providing a more vivid and lifelike viewing experience. In the context of the video, it is mentioned as a desirable feature for streaming devices like the Apple TV 4K and Roku Ultra, which are capable of delivering content in HDR format for a superior visual experience.

💡Surround Sound

Surround sound is an audio technology that delivers a multi-channel audio experience, creating a more immersive sound environment by reproducing sounds from speakers placed around the listener. In the video, it is highlighted as a key feature that enhances the viewing experience, with both the Apple TV 4K and Roku Ultra being able to deliver pulse-pounding surround sound, making the viewing experience more engaging and realistic.

💡Apple TV 4K

Apple TV 4K is a streaming device developed by Apple Inc. that allows users to access and stream content in 4K resolution, which is four times the resolution of standard HD. It supports various video formats, including HDR, and offers features like Siri voice assistant and smart home integration. In the video, it is compared with the Roku Ultra in terms of pricing, design, performance, and user interface.

💡Roku Ultra

Roku Ultra is a streaming device from Roku Inc. that offers high-definition streaming capabilities, including 4K resolution and HDR support. It is known for its user-friendly interface and compatibility with a wide range of streaming services. In the video, the Roku Ultra is pitted against the Apple TV 4K in a head-to-head comparison, evaluating their performance, design, and overall value for money.

💡Pricing

Pricing refers to the cost or value at which a product or service is sold. In the context of the video, pricing is a crucial factor that is compared between the Apple TV 4K and Roku Ultra, with the Apple TV 4K being available in two versions at different price points and the Roku Ultra being more affordable.

💡Design

Design refers to the visual and physical appearance of a product, as well as its ergonomics and functionality. In the video, design is a key aspect of comparison between the Apple TV 4K and Roku Ultra, with both devices being described as sleek, stylish, and compact, suitable for most media setups.

💡Performance

Performance refers to the operational efficiency and speed of a device. In the context of the video, performance is a critical comparison point between the Apple TV 4K and Roku Ultra, with the Apple TV 4K boasting an A15 Bionic chip for improved CPU and GPU performance, and the Roku Ultra maintaining its reputation for fast app loading and 4K streaming capabilities.

💡User Interface

User interface refers to the visual layout and interaction design of a device's software that allows users to navigate and use its features. In the video, the user interfaces of the Apple TV 4K and Roku Ultra are highlighted as being easy to navigate, quick to customize, and iconic in their respective designs.

💡Siri

Siri is Apple's virtual assistant that provides voice-activated assistance for various tasks, including app launching, information searching, and smart home device control. In the video, Siri is mentioned as a key feature of the Apple TV 4K, enhancing the user experience through voice navigation and smart home integration.

💡Smart Home Integration

Smart home integration refers to the ability of a device to connect and control other smart devices within a home, such as security cameras, smart locks, and lighting. In the video, the Apple TV 4K is described as an all-in-one smart home command center, capable of managing a variety of smart home devices through voice commands or the remote, providing convenience and control for users.

💡Matter

Matter is a new standard for smart home devices that aims to simplify device compatibility and ensure secure communication between different brands and products. In the video, Matter compatibility is mentioned as a future-proofing feature for smart home devices, with the Apple TV 4K being compatible through a networking protocol, and the Roku Ultra expected to gain support in the future.

Highlights

Comparing the Apple TV 4K and Roku Ultra for the best streaming experience.

Apple TV 4K is available in two versions: 64GB for $130 and 128GB for $170.

The 128GB Apple TV 4K model includes a gigabit Ethernet port and support for Thread and Matter.

Roku Ultra retails for $94.64, but can be found on sale for as low as $70.

Both Apple TV 4K and Roku Ultra have sleek and stylish designs.

The Apple TV 4K features a USB-C charging port for the Siri remote.

Roku Ultra includes the voice remote Pro with a 3.5mm headphone input and programmable shortcuts.

Apple TV 4K is equipped with an A15 Bionic chip for improved CPU and GPU performance.

The 128GB Apple TV 4K model supports a gigabit Ethernet port for faster web connections.

Roku Ultra's processing power and connections remain the same as the 2020 model, but now includes the voice remote Pro.

Apple TV 4K offers 64GB and 128GB storage options, while Roku Ultra has 4GB internal storage and no micro SD card slot.

Both devices deliver high performance, with Apple's A15 Bionic chip and Roku's quad-core processor.

Apple TV 4K features a HDMI 2.1 connection, while Roku Ultra has an HDMI 2.0 B port.

Roku Ultra includes a USB-A input for viewing media files, a feature not present in Apple TV 4K.

Apple TV 4K's TV OS offers a clean and streamlined user interface with minimal ads.

Roku OS provides a bold and friendly interface with easy customization options.

Apple TV 4K excels in smart home features, allowing control of various smart devices.

Roku Ultra works with Roku branded smart home gear but lacks Matter compatibility.

Apple TV 4K 2022 is recommended for its storage, Siri assistant, smart home controls, and A15 Bionic performance.

Transcripts

there's nothing quite like watching your

favorite movies and TV shows in glorious

HDR and pulse pounding surround sound

and if you're a big time streamer you

probably know that both the Apple TV 4K

and the Roku Ultra can handle pretty

much any HDR format you can throw at

them but which of these two is better

can the Roku Ultra stand against the

Apple TV 4K let's find out

for more information and updated prices

check the links in the description box

below without further Ado let's begin

in terms of pricing the latest Apple TV

4K is available in two versions a 64

gigabyte model which is about 130

dollars and 33 cents and 128 gigabyte

model which goes for 169.99 the 64 gig

was previously priced 20 cheaper than

the 128 gigabyte which just goes to show

how much you stand to lose when you

speculate nevertheless spending an extra

40 bucks not only gets you double the

storage but also a gigabit Ethernet port

and support for thread and matter

there's really no reason not to buy the

128 gigabyte model the new Roku Ultra on

the other hand retails for

94.64 cents but can be found on sale for

prices as low as 70 bucks on the subject

of design both the Apple TV 4K and the

Roku Ultra are sleek and stylish

streaming devices that are Compact and

look good on most media cabinets but

let's take a look at each streamer with

a closer lens the Apple TV 4K is 3.66

inches wide 3.66 inches deep and 1.22

inches from top to bottom Apple has been

using the same glossy chrome outer shell

for many years now and the latest Apple

TV 4K looks just as good as its

predecessors this time around the

included Siri remote is also equipped

with a USBC charging port allowing for

much faster charge times when compared

to the previous lightning only iteration

of the Siri remote that came with older

versions on to the roku's territory the

all-new Ultra measures 4.9 inches wide 5

inches from front to back and is only

one inch tall in terms of the outer

shell we're working with a matte style

casing that lets the device look stylish

without you having to worry about it

being a total fingerprint magnet and

where older Roku devices only come with

traditional Roku remotes the latest

Ultra comes packaged with the incredible

voice remote Pro which can also be

purchased for other Roku Hardware the

flagship Roku remote also includes a

three-point 0.5 millimeter input for

connecting a pair of wired headphones a

USBC port for charging two programmable

user shortcuts and a handy find my

remote feature in the event you lose the

small accessory all in all apple and

Roku are both top-notch when it comes to

design and remotes but with it slightly

smaller chassis for the most space

starved entertainment centers we're

going to give a point to Apple for acing

this category moving on to Performance

the new and improved Apple TV 4K is

equipped with Apple's all-new a15 bionic

chip which the company claims delivers

nearly double the CPU performance than

its predecessor as well as up to 30

percent better performance when it comes

to the GPU in the common tongue this

means faster load times for apps

streamlined voice navigation and a more

responsive user interface in terms of

actual ports the Apple TV 4K is equipped

with an HDMI 2.1 connection just like

the 2021 Apple TV 4K before it that also

supports e-arc for wiring the streamer

up to your Dolby Atmos ready sound bar

or AV system however if you're looking

to maximize your overall internet

performance there's an important

difference between the 64 gigabyte and

128 gigabyte Apple TV 4K models the

latter is the only version that comes

with a gigabit Ethernet port if you're

planning on going Wi-Fi only this may

not be such a big deal but the ability

to connect the Apple 4K TV directly to

your router helps to take the strain off

your wireless network bands while

providing a faster web connection for

the device believe it or not though

newer isn't always better and in the

case of the revamped Roku Ultra the only

thing that makes the 2022 version new is

the inclusion of roku's voice remote Pro

comparing the 2020 and 2022 Ultras

overall processing power and available

connections remain the same but don't

let that deter you the Roku Ultra has

always been a force to be reckoned with

the onboard quad-core processor performs

at Lightning Fast speeds opening apps

and streaming 4K content in the link of

an eye even when streaming movies and TV

shows in HDR and in terms of actual

connections the Roku Ultra includes an

ethernet port right off the bat as well

as an HDMI 2.0 B port and a usb-a input

for viewing photos videos and music

files with some supported popular

formats including MP4 MP3 mov and jpeg

unlike the Apple TV 4K though the Roku

Ultra only features 4 gigabytes of

internal storage whereas the Apple TV 4K

offers 64 and 128 gigabytes of storage

depending on the model you purchase and

unlike the former Roku Ultra 2020 the

2022 Edition Nix the micro SD card slot

negating any external storage

capabilities at the end of the day

though we're just gonna have them both

shake hands and call this category a tie

performance wise Apple's a15 bionic chip

and roku's quad-core processor deliver

the goods and while the Apple TV 4k's

HDMI 2.1 input beats the ultra's 2.0

e-port the ultra includes a usb-a input

that the Apple TV doesn't as for the

user interface the look and feel of a

streaming device's screens and menus are

often the make or break factors for both

first time and recurring buyers

fortunately the user interface of both

the Apple TV 4K and Roku Ultra are easy

to navigate quick to customize and

iconic by Design on the Apple side of

the coin TV OS is built for a crisp

clean and streamlined user experience

from top to bottom with minimal

advertisement intrusions the home screen

is Sleek and monochrome an Apple TV UI

staple placing all of the attention on

whatever apps you've added to the launch

page with the ability to have up to 20

apps showcased all at once navigating

with the Siri powered remote is a breeze

too with a voice assistant allowing you

to do things like launch apps raise and

lower volume search for movies and TV

shows by title genre actor other

criteria and more Roku OS on the other

hand is just as mighty boldly purple and

friendly to engage the ultra's launch

page includes several left-aligned

search and customization options with

the right side of the screen used as

real estate for your Roku app housing

the streaming channels of which maximum

number of nine will be visible to you at

a time the included voice remote Pro

also allows you to use roku's onboard

Voice Assistant to pull up movies and TV

shows adjust the volume and more

although the overall seamlessness of

roku's assistant pales in comparison to

the quick genius that is Siri and even

though you can control elements of the

ultra with Alexa and Google Assistant

Siri wins the day when it comes to

listening and responsiveness

as for smart home features if you've

been looking for an all-in-one smart

home Command Center and excellent

streaming device you're in luck when it

comes to the latest Apple TV 4K and

still kinda sort of in luck when it

comes to the Roku Ultra the Apple TV 4K

is one of the cheapest Apple peripherals

you can purchase to jumpstart an apple

home kit smart home network it allows

you to control and manage a number of

your smart home devices such as security

cameras and smart locks by giving series

certain voice commands or using your

Apple TV's remote to navigate such

features

this is especially convenient when you

want to pull up live footage from one of

your Home Smart cameras to view on your

TV however with the continued rollout of

matter a smart device unifier more and

more devices are receiving support for

the new standard and while the Apple TV

4K is matter compatible through a

networking protocol called Fred only the

128 gigabyte version is thread ready the

latest Roku Ultra on the other hand is

compatible with both Alexa and Google

assistant and even though you won't be

getting these voice assistants with an

Apple TV 4K the ultra requires extra

hardware for anything voice related

whether that be an echo dot or a Google

Nest speaker furthermore you'll be able

to use your Roku Ultra as a smart home

Command Center through Roku smart home

but it will only work with Roku branded

cameras plugs and other smart home gear

which is quite the bummer and while

there's been some talk of matter hitting

Roku devices at some point in the Future

No Such compatibility exists at this

time that being said we're giving this

category to the Apple TV 4K for its

seamless Suite of first-party smart home

controls overall both streaming devices

are simply incredible and offer a lot

for a relatively low price especially

the Roku Ultra however personally

speaking I'd prefer the Apple TV 4K 2022

over the Roku Ultra with its remarkable

internal storage figures powerful Siri

voice assistant Apple friendly smart

home controls and Zippy a15 bionic

performance the latest Apple TV 4K is

one of the sturdiest streaming devices

ever made and even though it's a little

more expensive than the Roku Ultra

there's enough in the way of features to

back up that slight price bump

for more information and updated prices

check the links in the description box

below if you still haven't decided which

streamer to buy check out our previous

video comparison between the Apple TV 4K

and the Nvidia Shield or our top 5 best

streamers video to find out which one

fits your needs