90

Conclusion: We like it

Apple's first full-HD set-top box comes with a freshly updated UI, while providing the same easy access to Netflix, every movie, TV show and song in the iTunes Store, not to mention subscription sports channels. But it's still missing some key sources of programming -- which isn't entirely Apple's fault -- and won't play every media format under the sun (if that's your thing). But for a hundred bucks, it's an easy pick.

Buy It:

90-Day Price History

now
high
$96
low
$89

Critic reviews

8.7
9 reviews
  • Media support
    7.9
  • Video quality
    9.2
  • Audio quality
  • Ease of use
    9.0
  • Design and form factor
    9.4

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User reviews

8.8
82 reviews
9.0
TechCrunch Mar 14, 2012

There’s no reason why every person with an iOS device (and soon a Mac) shouldn’t get an Apple TV. ... Apple’s latest Apple TV is going to continue the trend they began with the MacBook Air — the killing off of optical discs.

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8.0
Macworld Mar 14, 2012

It’s an overall improvement, and I like to see Apple continuing to experiment with what makes the best television-set user interface. But every update of the Apple TV interface does show that someone at Apple is learning the hard lessons of the previous version.

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8.0
CNET Mar 16, 2012

While it offers fewer native channels than the competition, the Apple TV is an indispensable living-room companion for anyone who's already invested in the iTunes and Apple hardware ecosystems.

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9.0
SlashGear Mar 15, 2012

If ... you don’t already have an Apple TV, then there’s a bigger motivation to buy this new model. Apple TV may still be the company’s hobby, but at $99 it’s a great accessory to the third-gen tablet and a solid home entertainment platform in its own right.

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8.0
MacLife Apr 12, 2012

If you’ve been waiting for 1080p, now’s the time to get an Apple TV, especially if you’re heavily invested in iTunes content and/or you want to beam your media from your Mac to your TV.

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9.0
iLounge Mar 15, 2012

It offers far greater value for the dollar than any other accessory Apple has created for its devices, and works so well as a standalone video, photo, and audio streaming device that we consider it an all but essential purchase for users of Apple’s iOS devices and iTunes software.

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9.0
IGN Mar 21, 2012

The new Apple TV is a solid iterative update, but the product still lacks a clear edge over the competition. For those looking for streamlined access to iTunes media and their digital library, it is adept solution at an impressively low price.

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9.0
IGN Mar 21, 2012

For those looking for streamlined access to iTunes media and their digital library, it is adept solution at an impressively low price. But with a bulk of the changes being made available to existing Apple TV owners ... the only real benefit for those looking to upgrade is 1080p video output.

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8.0
LEM617 LEM617

Can't say much more, however, I used the black film it came wrapped in (around the edges) to cover up and darken the on lights on my HT equipment. Just cut it in small squares and place over the lights, specially my Airport Extreme.

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10
mwuk mwuk

Asides from the limitations of its Apple-centric support, if you are an owner of various iThings, the Home Sharing and AirPlay (mirroring) support makes it quite simply the most convenient device on the market today.

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7.0
ewj1 ewj1

I wanted to like this but when I hooked the HDMI up to my Sony receiver the sound just was not that good. The device also lacked the ability to play dvd/bluray iso or no plex support. I took it back to the Apple store for a refund

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10
johanejohansson johanejohansson

There's not much to say other than this: if you are happy with the ecosystem (rent or buy movies from iTunes, access Netflix and watch YouTube clips) it's a choice you won't regret. In fact, it's one of my most favorite purchases ever. It feels like a super-premium product, yet it isn't...

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9.0
thecman thecman

I have only had it a week or so but have wanted one for a while. With the addition of 1080p I finally pulled the trigger. I thought i would use it primarily for audio streaming to the media center. I have been surprised how much better the Netflix integration and navigation is compared to my...

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7.0
mdav43 mdav43

I had this product, but choose the roku over this. The remote on the apple tv is poor, when compared with the roku, and I also prefer the interface of the roku services (netflix/hulu and amazon). I also use the Plex service to stream my own videos to the roku. I alos think the price is too...

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