Apple TV offers premium hardware integration within the Apple ecosystem with higher performance, while Roku provides budget-friendly options with broader device compatibility and platform openness. Apple TV excels for Apple users seeking seamless connectivity, whereas Roku appeals to cost-conscious consumers and those valuing choice and flexibility.
Apple TV vs Roku — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Premium streaming service focused on original films, series, and documentaries.
Independent streaming platform with its own OS, thousands of apps, and full smart TV functionality.
Price Range. Ecosystem Integration. Content Store Size. Processing Power. Market Share. Voice Assistant. 4K HDR Support. Gaming Capabilities
Apple TV and Roku serve different market segments effectively. Apple TV is the superior choice for users invested in the Apple ecosystem seeking premium performance and gaming, while Roku dominates for budget-conscious consumers and those prioritizing app variety and platform flexibility. Neither is universally better; the choice depends entirely on existing device preferences and budget constraints.
Apple TV+: 4K (2160p) | Roku: 4K (60fps)
Apple TV+: ~140-149 million (2026 projection) | Roku: N/A
Apple TV+: Part of $28.75B Services (FY2025) | Roku: N/A
Apple TV+: 15% (Apple Services FY2025) | Roku: N/A
Apple TV+: Premium original programming | Roku: N/A
Apple TV+: Deep Apple device integration | Roku: N/A
Apple TV+: WiFi 6E (802.11ax) | Roku: WiFi 5 (802.11ac)
Apple TV+: iOS, macOS, tvOS, web, Android, Fire TV, Roku (all major platforms supported) | Roku: N/A
Apple TV+: All tiers included | Roku: N/A
Apple TV+: 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos | Roku: N/A
Apple TV+: No (weekly releases) | Roku: N/A
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)
Apple TV+: None (limited original series) | Roku: N/A
Apple TV+: 4K HDR (all tiers) | Roku: N/A
Apple TV+: Apple devices, web, select smart TVs | Roku: N/A
Apple TV+: Full library on all devices | Roku: N/A
Apple TV+: 90 days (with Apple One) | Roku: N/A
Apple TV+: 2,500+ titles (est. 5,000 hours) | Roku: N/A
Apple TV+: 25 million (Q3 2024) | Roku: N/A
Apple TV+: $20.88/year (Apple One) | Roku: N/A
Apple TV+: $9.99/month or free (Apple One) | Roku: N/A
Average Rotten Tomatoes Score (Originals Only)
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Tier)
Apple TV+: ~70% of originals in 4K | Roku: N/A
Apple TV+: $9.99/month (standard, no ads) | Roku: N/A
Original Series Critical Quality (Avg Rotten Tomatoes)
Original Series & Films (Emmy Nominations 2023-2024)
Apple TV+: Yes (select titles) | Roku: N/A
Apple TV+: None (no Marvel, Star Wars, or major franchises) | Roku: N/A
Apple TV+: N/A | Roku: Variable (multiple options)
Apple TV+: N/A | Roku: Third-party support
Apple TV+: N/A | Roku: Basic voice control
Apple TV+: N/A | Roku: User-driven browsing
Apple TV+: N/A | Roku: Entry to premium options
Apple TV+: N/A | Roku: Roku Voice + Alexa + Google
Apple TV+: N/A | Roku: Yes (HDR10, Dolby Vision)
How to choose between Apple TV+ and Roku
Apple TV vs Roku — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Apple TV vs Roku. Contains 153 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Apple TV vs Roku — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Apple TV vs Roku.
Can I use Roku if I have mostly Apple devices?
Yes. Roku works with all devices including iPhones, iPads, and Macs. You control it via the Roku app on iOS or through AirPlay if your Roku supports it. However, Apple TV offers deeper integration specifically designed for the Apple ecosystem, making it more seamless for Apple-centric households.
Which platform has better picture quality?
Both support 4K HDR at 60fps. Apple TV uniquely offers Dolby Vision support on most models, providing slightly better color grading in compatible content. For most users, the difference is negligible. Your TV's quality matters far more than the streaming device.
Is Apple TV worth the extra cost over Roku?
If you own multiple Apple devices, Apple TV's AirPlay integration and performance justify the premium. If you're budget-conscious or use mixed devices, Roku's $29-$50 entry options offer excellent value. Apple TV shines for gaming; Roku excels for basic streaming.
How many apps does each platform actually have?
Roku has 10,000+ apps available, while Apple TV has around 5,000. However, all major services (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, etc.) work on both. The difference matters only if you use niche apps; for mainstream streaming, both are equally capable.
Both are excellent. Apple TV's Siri understands context better and controls other HomeKit devices. Roku offers flexibility with Roku Voice, Google Assistant, and Alexa support, making it ideal for non-Apple households. Choose based on your existing voice assistant ecosystem.
How to Choose Between Apple TV+ and Roku
Price Range: Apple TV+ has $99-$199, while Roku has $29-$99.
Ecosystem Integration: Apple TV+ has Apple devices only, while Roku has Platform agnostic.
Content Store Size: Apple TV+ has 5,000+ apps, while Roku has 10,000+ apps.
Processing Power: Apple TV+ has Apple A17 Pro chip, while Roku has Quad-core 1.5-2.0 GHz.
Market Share: Apple TV+ has 15% US market, while Roku has 35% US market.
Voice Assistant: Apple TV+ has Siri, while Roku has Roku Voice, Google Assistant.
4K HDR Support: Apple TV+ has Yes (Dolby Vision), while Roku has Yes (varies by model).
Gaming Capabilities: Apple TV+ has Advanced (Apple Arcade), while Roku has Basic.