Apple TV vs. Roku — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on December 12, 2023
Apple TV is a digital media player by Apple Inc., while Roku is a company offering various streaming devices. Both allow users to stream content on their televisions.
Difference Between Apple TV and Roku
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Origins & Brands: Apple TV is a product developed and sold by Apple Inc., a company known for its suite of tech products like iPhones and MacBooks. Roku, on the other hand, is not just a product but a company in itself that specializes in digital media players and offers a range of streaming devices.
Ecosystem & Integration: Apple TV tightly integrates with the Apple ecosystem, making it a preferred choice for those already invested in Apple's services and products. Roku offers a more platform-neutral approach, providing access to a wide variety of streaming services without favoring any particular ecosystem.
User Interface & Experience: Apple TV is known for its sleek user interface and smooth experience, boasting features like Siri for voice control. Roku, meanwhile, is praised for its straightforward and user-friendly interface, offering a simple remote and easy navigation.
Price Points & Models: Apple TV typically comes at a premium price point, reflecting Apple's brand positioning in the market. Roku offers a broader range of models at various price points, from budget-friendly sticks to premium ultra-HD devices.
Content & App Store: Apple TV features the App Store, where users can download apps and games specifically designed for the TV. Roku offers the Roku Channel Store, which provides a multitude of streaming apps but doesn't emphasize games or varied applications as much as Apple TV does.
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Comparison Chart
Parent Company
Apple Inc.
Roku Inc.
Integration with Ecosystem
Tightly integrated with Apple ecosystem.
Neutral to various ecosystems.
User Interface
Sleek with Siri voice control.
User-friendly with a simple remote.
Price Range
Premium pricing.
Various models from budget to premium.
Content Availability
App Store with apps and games.
Roku Channel Store mainly for streaming apps.
Compare with Definitions
Apple TV
A premium streaming solution with a focus on user experience.
The sleek interface of Apple TV makes navigation a breeze.
Roku
A company specializing in digital streaming devices.
I bought a Roku to stream Netflix on my non-smart TV.
Apple TV
A device allowing access to Apple's original content on Apple TV+.
I watched the latest Apple TV+ original series on my Apple TV.
Roku
A streaming player with its own dedicated channel store.
I browsed the Roku Channel Store to add my favorite streaming services.
Apple TV
A digital media player developed by Apple Inc.
My Apple TV lets me stream my favorite shows from the Apple ecosystem.
Roku
A platform-neutral streaming solution offering multiple models.
Roku's range includes both affordable sticks and premium 4K devices.
Apple TV
A streaming box featuring an App Store for varied content.
I downloaded a fitness app on my Apple TV to exercise at home.
Roku
A device known for its user-friendly interface and vast channel offerings.
Setting up my Roku was straightforward, and I had access to countless channels.
Apple TV
A device offering integration with other Apple products and services.
With my Apple TV, I can mirror my MacBook screen on the TV.
Roku
A brand offering features like voice search and private listening.
Using the Roku remote, I performed a voice search to find a movie.
Common Curiosities
Which company manufactures Apple TV?
Apple Inc. manufactures Apple TV.
How does Apple TV integrate with other devices?
Apple TV integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices and services.
Can I access multiple streaming platforms on Roku?
Yes, Roku offers access to a wide variety of streaming services.
Which device offers gaming applications?
Apple TV offers gaming applications through its App Store.
Which device typically has a higher price point?
Apple TV usually comes at a premium price point.
Does Roku prioritize any particular streaming ecosystem?
No, Roku provides a platform-neutral approach to streaming.
Can I watch Apple's original content on Roku?
Yes, Apple TV+ app is available on Roku for Apple's original content.
Is Roku just a product or a company too?
Roku is both a product and a company.
Is there a remote with a headphone jack for private listening on Roku?
Yes, certain Roku models come with a remote that has a headphone jack for private listening.
Can I mirror my iPhone screen on Roku?
While Apple TV natively supports iPhone screen mirroring, Roku requires third-party apps for similar functionality.
How do I download new channels or apps on Apple TV?
You can use the App Store on Apple TV to download new apps and channels.
Does Roku have voice control features?
Yes, certain Roku models offer voice search functionality.
Which device might be better for someone deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem?
Apple TV would likely be a better choice for those invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Do both Apple TV and Roku support 4K streaming?
Yes, both Apple TV 4K and certain Roku models support 4K streaming.
Are there subscription costs associated with Apple TV and Roku?
While the devices themselves don't have monthly fees, accessing certain content or channels might require separate subscriptions.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
