The 2021 update of this set-top box delivers what it sets out to do - packaging streaming services and Apple's own services into one place - but against the competition it feels pricey.

4K HDR / Dolby Vision / Dolby Atmos for quality visuals and sound, Adds HDMI 2.1 (for 60fps high frame-rate support (HFR))

Processor could be faster if you want to play powerful games, No Spatial Audio support for headphones, Expensive compared to the competition

The Apple TV 4K (2021) is a slick streaming device, which can play 4K video in HDR and Dolby Vision, and supports high-frame-rate HDR to make fast action and sports look smooth and clear.

High-frame-rate HDR support, Re-designed Siri remote, Thread smart home technology built-in

Expensive, Doesn’t work with Android

The new Apple TV 4K is just like the old one but with a more fully featured remote control – and it’s still a bit too expensive

HDMI ARC and CEC now supported, A little more responsive than before, You can stream from your iPhone at 60fps in HDR

Touch clickpad takes some getting used to, Much more expensive than rivals

If you haven't invested in Apple's streaming ecosystem, the 2nd-gen Apple TV 4K offers a great opportunity to dive in

New Siri Remote is stellar, Excellent ecosystem of streaming apps, A very capable gaming platform

Expensive, Same design as the last Apple TV 4K, Most significant change is the new Siri Remote

The Best TV Apple has ever made, but a tough sell for users of the previous generation.

4K HDR 60 FPS, ARC/eARC + WiFi 6, New Remote, Color balance, New processor

Not a huge leap in performance over the last one, Very expensive, No HDMI cable in the box, Best feature (the remote) is also sold separately

“With a better remote and a faster CPU, it's still a pricey way to stream movies.”

Snappy performance, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, Much improved remote control

Expensive

The new Apple TV 4K is essentially the same as the old one, with all its qualities and capabilities, but with future-proofed specs and a really great, iPod-like remote. That means you get a highly capable streaming media box with wider app support than competitors and full integration with Apple’s...

Pros: widest streaming app support, good remote, Dolby Vision/Atmos, HDR10, HDMI 2.1, wifi 6, AirPlay 2, full iPhone/Apple services integration, Siri/voice control, connect two pairs of AirPods at the same time for private listening.

Cons: very expensive, no Google Cast, not as easy to use with Android, new remote features don’t work with every app.

The last time Apple updated its Apple TV streaming box was in September of 2017. Since then, Apple has continued to add more features — like Apple Arcade gaming, Apple Fitness Plus and expanded HomeKit capabilities — along with a multitude of streaming services to the small black box.

Improved performance, New Siri Remote is a big upgrade, Plenty of streaming apps and service options, Apple services are front and center

Expensive

The new Apple TV 4K (2021) retains the elegant style of its predecessor, but packs more power thanks to the A12 chip. The new Siri Remote is very welcome and much easier to use than the previous version. Still, it’s a pricey device compared to other 4K streamers.

New, improved remote, High frame rate HDR streaming, Multi-user support, Apple Fitness and Apple Arcade games

Expensive, Not noticeably better than first-gen

It’s not worth upgrading if you have the previous model, but if you’re simply looking for the best video streamer out there, this is it

Excellent picture and sound, Abundance of apps, Great usability

Only a small upgrade, Pricier than alternatives, No bundled HDMI cable