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

sort by

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.

Read the full review →
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.

Read the full review →
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.

Read the full review →
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.

Read the full review →
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.

Read the full review →
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.

Read the full review →
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.

Read the full review →
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.

Read the full review →
10
nesscar nesscar

I absolutely love my Apple TV. Brings my TV to life. I mainly use it for Netflix streaming, but most people use their Wii for just Netflix, so I guess that's not a bad thing. If I have something on my Mac or iDevice that I want on the big screen, AirPlay makes it really easy to do so.

Read the full review →
9.0
cleesmith2 cleesmith2

Excellent device. The addition of channel apps is a welcome one. Still, Apple needs to open up the SDK for even more of these apps and obscure channels for users to choose from. The removal of support for non-HDMI flat screens is a disappointment until I replace my living room set.

Read the full review →
9.0
JimmytheGeek61 JimmytheGeek61

If you have a HD capable television and use or want iTunes video content then the Apple TV is a must have. Priced right at $99, you can't go wrong. Especially if you want to be a cord cutter. I use my Apple TV almost every night.

Read the full review →

How it stacks up

Instantly compare the Apple Apple TV 3rd-gen side by side with some of the top devices on gdgt!

Compare these

Other Apple digital media players

Don't forget to check out these other devices by Apple, you might find something good!

See all Apple digital media players