None of the other options we've tested have felt as simple, solid, and easy to use as the new Apple TV. Putting content concerns aside (which admittedly is difficult to do), the Apple TV has a lot going for it.
Read the full review →Heads up! A newer version of this product is out!
83
Conclusion: We're mixed
While Apple TV may be the most user-friendly set-top on the market, it offers fewer programming options than some competing products — in part because some programmers compete with Apple's iTunes Store. Roku, for example, offers Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, HBO GO and Pandora, none of which are available on Apple TV.
90-Day Price History
Critic reviews
sort by
Apple TV is easy to use and has a more elegant interface, and we like the idea of streaming content from a PC more than plugging in a USB drive. AirPlay will make Apple TV even more compelling, because you'll be able to beam video and photos straight to your HDTV from devices that turn on instantly.
Read the full review →Sure, the rental limitations can be irksome, but, particularly for iOS device owners, the new features dramatically outweigh the letdowns. Because of its affordability, ease-of-use, and impressive capabilities, the Apple TV gets our Editors' Choice award.
Read the full review →We'd also add one more comment: if you want the simplest, most straightforward streaming-media experience, Apple TV has the edge there (too). That might not matter to tech enthusiasts who've been streaming media for years, but it makes it a more mainstream-friendly box.
Read the full review →The problem I have with the Apple TV is it feels like a product with a lot of wasted potential. ... With the Apple TV despite its lower pricing it’s just not complete enough. You can watch some TV shows but not others, so you have to keep cable. And those that you can watch don’t stream live...
Read the full review →
thebrianbest
I think supporting more media from my side of things would make this a much more compelling product. That being said, for the price...ease of use and connectivity to Netflix it can't be beat!
Read the full review →
dbreuning
With all media settop boxes from official content providers it doesn't really provide any flexibility in media playback. You can either rent (and now buy) TV shows and movies off of the iTunes Store or stream from your computer using iTunes. A new addition to the Apple TV is AirPlay. I've had...
Read the full review →
roessnakhan
The 2nd generation Apple TV is an interesting product, and I think it has two audiences; those who run their media exclusively through iTunes, or those who just want a media box with little to no setup. The design of the product lends to this as well - no power buttons, no USB port for external...
Read the full review →
mtkidd
Been a blast to use to watch Netflix as well as TWIT podcasts. Streaming for anything so far has been better than I expected.
Read the full review →
darrenhoward
Apple's only real mistake was limiting on-board storage. If the Apple TV is ever added to the App Store ecosystem, this may be limiting.
Read the full review →How it stacks up
Instantly compare the Apple Apple TV 2nd-gen side by side with some of the top devices on gdgt!
Compare these-
Apple Apple TV 2nd-gen 83 from $389 -
Apple Apple TV 3rd-gen 90 from $89 -
Roku 3 89 from $99 -
Roku 2 XS (3050X) 88 from $82 -
Sonos Bridge (BR100, ZoneBridge 100) from $46
Other Apple digital media players
Don't forget to check out these other devices by Apple, you might find something good!