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

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high
$96
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$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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9.0
NatureBit NatureBit

The Apple TV has worked flawlessly for me. My entire iTunes library is there whenever I want it, plus the built-in apps provide additional content. Netflix and Hulu+ combined with Airplay from another device has allowed me to get rid of satellite TV. I do wish there were a few more services...

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9.0
johnservice johnservice

Released in March of 2012, the 3rd generation of the Apple's Apple TV product line is an impressively capable set-top box that is a perfect purchase for anyone looking to move away from physical discs in favour of digital media. The first that immediately stands out about the Apple TV is the...

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8.0
MtnSloth MtnSloth

If you use other Apple products, this is the streaming home theater device you want. Airplay is both useful and cool for those with iOS devices or Macs running Mountain Lion. If you are not already invested in Apple's world, then this is a terrible device as iTunes (and Apple's media store built...

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10
whskytng0fxtrt whskytng0fxtrt

Come on, it's the AppleTV. If you own any iDevice running iOS 5 or iOS6, you need this. If you're running a Mac with Sandy or Ivy Bridge, you need this. If you use iTunes for music and movies and TV shows (oh my!), you need this. Need I say more?

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8.0
bscoles bscoles

Got it mainly for the Airplay functionality, but was impressed by the ease of use. Remote is stylish but a little uncomfortable in hand. Also had issues with pressing the direction when trying to just press the center 'ok'. Would occasionally drop out on wifi even though the access point was...

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