Apple TV 4K - 2021

Though not much has changed with the Apple TV itself, the redesigned Siri remote makes all the difference to the overall experience.

Yes, it's expensive, but Apple's unique features, polish, and focus on privacy help justify the price.

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.

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.

If you have the original Apple TV 4K, there’s really no sensible reason to upgrade to the new one. Wi-Fi 6 is nice to have, and Thread might prove important to the smart home someday, but that time isn’t now. Otherwise, you’re getting a slightly faster experience than what the old box is capable of. Just buy the Siri Remote, and call it a day.

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. The revamped Siri remote is a pleasure to use, and there are plenty of small but handy features, such as multi-user support and the ability to tweak your TV’s color balance automatically. There’s no denying it’s expensive, but it’s more than just a way to watch movies and TV shows, doubling up a smart home hub.

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. But that's ultimately because - through Apple Fitness+ and Apple Arcade - it does more than just letting you access streaming content services.

If you haven't invested in Apple's streaming ecosystem, the 2nd-gen Apple TV 4K offers a great opportunity to dive in. On the other hand, if you already own an Apple TV 4K, the most significant upgrade here is the impressive Siri Remote. Seriously, it really is the best television or stream set-top box remote I've ever used.