So, while the Apple TV itself doesn’t have the hundreds of channels that Roku does, it basically allows you to view any app that will run on your i. Pad, which kind of makes up for the lack of native Apple TV channels. Note that really old i, phones, i Pads first-gen, and Macs made before 2011 don’t support Airplay. But all recent Apple devices do.
While Roku prides itself on being an approachable and budget-friendly streaming device, Apple TV prides itself on exclusivity. In most cases, when I review or compare streaming devices, I never have to factor the cost since most streaming devices are similarly priced. However, that’s far from the case here!
While both devices have a lot going for them, Roku devices offer better value for your money, and Apple TV devices are great for anyone who has a home theater setup or uses lots of Apple devices. If you’re still undecided on which streaming device is right for you, take our short quiz to find out which streaming device is best for you.
Can You Watch Apple TV on Roku?
Although Roku doesn’t release original content like Apple, there are always new movies and TV shows featured on the Roku Channel. Plus, you can download the Apple TV app for free on any Roku device. With an Apple TV streaming device, you can watch major sporting events and news coverage live.
Can you start streaming from Roku or Apple TV?
Luckily, when it comes to the Roku or Apple TV, you can start streaming by plugging the device into your existing setup. What makes Roku great compaired to Apple TV?
Well, with the Apple TV Roku App for the Roku and Amazon Fire TV, you can watch your i. Tunes content on those devices (which have many more apps than Apple TV does). And now, with Roku’s 2020 software release, select 4K Roku devices like the Roku Ultra have Air, and play capability! I’ve tested it and it works great !
Can I get Google Play on Roku?
Google Play isn’t available, nor is the massive selection of more specific interest-based apps that Roku has, but the Apple TV does support Twitch, which Roku curiously lacks. Of course, the Apple TV also provides easy access to any content available in Apple’s movie, TV, and music libraries, along with Apple TV+.
Does Roku have iTunes or Apple Music?
Roku’s library of streaming apps includes all the most popular apps, such as Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, Pandora, Sling TV, Google Play TV, Play. Station Vue, etc. You can manually search for apps and download them to your Roku box. Predictably, Roku doesn’t have support for i. Tunes or Apple Music.
Does the Roku Ultra support Apple TV 4K?
The Roku Ultra is equipped with a powerful quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor. This should be more than enough power to smoothly play 4K video. The only reason you might need the added processing power of the Apple TV 4K is when you are using high-performance apps, such as video games. Only the Roku Ultra supports wired Ethernet connections.