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Deal.ai › Compare

Apple TV 4K (4th generation) vs Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)

Buy the Apple TV 4K (4th generation) if you want the longest useful life: the A19 chip, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, a dedicated AV1 decoder and doubled memory keep it smooth for years. The 2026 listing is the 3rd-generation box, which still handles 4K Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos well and is the smarter pick if your TV and router are older or you mainly stream. Owners of both praise the Siri Remote and smooth playback; the newer box is the faster, more future-proof one, and the older one is the simpler, proven choice.

  • Choose the Apple TV 4K (4th generation) if you have a Wi-Fi 7 router, a recent TV, or plan to keep the box for many years and want the fastest chip and AV1 decoding.
  • Choose the Apple TV 4K (2026) if you want a proven streamer for 4K Dolby Vision and Atmos and do not need the newest chip or Wi-Fi standard.

Prices

  • Apple TV 4K (4th generation): $260.00 at Talaco (last seen Nov 13)
  • Apple TV 4K (3rd generation): $160.00 at Star Promotion (last seen Nov 13)
  • Difference: the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) is $100.00 cheaper than the Apple TV 4K (4th generation) at the latest prices (Nov 13)
Apple
Apple TV 4K (4th generation)

Apple TV 4K (4th generation)

$260.00at TalacoChecked Nov 13
See all prices and details
Visit Talaco
Pros
  • Fast A19 chip and doubled memory keep menus and apps responsive
  • Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 are ready for newer routers and accessories
  • AV1 decoder handles modern streaming codecs in hardware
  • 128GB storage, Ethernet and Thread in one model
  • Pairs with four HomePods for surround sound
Cons
  • Newest model, so long-term app support is unproven
  • Most buyers will not use Wi-Fi 7 or the extra GPU speed yet
  • No written warranty listed
Apple
Apple TV 4K (2026)

Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)

Apple TV 4K (2026)

$160.00at Star PromotionChecked Nov 13
See all prices and details
Visit Star Promotion
Pros
  • Proven 3rd-generation design with wide app support
  • 4K Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos
  • Siri Remote with USB-C and Find My
  • Works as a smart home hub
  • Ethernet model adds Thread and 128GB
Cons
  • Older A15 chip and standard memory
  • Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 only
  • No AV1 hardware decoding
  • 64GB base model lacks Ethernet and Thread

What separates them

Apple TV 4K (4th generation)Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)
ChipA19 chip, up to 50% faster CPU and twice the GPU speedA15 chip from the 3rd generation
MemoryDoubled memoryStandard memory
Wi-FiWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 6
BluetoothBluetooth 6Bluetooth 5.0
Video decodingDedicated AV1 decoderNo AV1 hardware decoder
Storage128GB with Ethernet and Thread64GB Wi-Fi model or 128GB Ethernet model with Thread
Smart home hubHome hub with Thread and four HomePod surround pairingHome hub with Thread on the Ethernet model
RemoteSiri Remote with touch clickpad and Find MySiri Remote (3rd generation) with USB-C and Find My

Price history

$299.00$160.00
Nov 10Nov 13
  • Apple TV 4K (4th generation): lowest $260.00 on Nov 13 at Talaco.
  • Apple TV 4K (3rd generation): lowest $160.00 on Nov 13 at Star Promotion.

Prices at every store

Apple TV 4K (4th generation)

  • TalacoNew

    In stock

    $260.00Checked Nov 13
    Visit Talaco
  • DataVisionNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $299.00Checked Nov 13
    Visit DataVision
  • Mike's Tech ShopNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $299.00Checked Nov 13
    Visit Mike's Tech Shop
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $299.00Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 9 stores and price history →

Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)

  • Star PromotionNew

    In stock

    $160.00Checked Nov 13
    Visit Star Promotion
  • EnergyEarthNew

    In stock

    $249.00+ $9.00 shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit EnergyEarth
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $299.00Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Best Buy
  • MelroseMACNew

    Availability unknown

    $199.00Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit MelroseMAC

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 9 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple TV 4K (4th generation)Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)
ColorBlackBlack
ConnectivityEthernet, Wi-FiEthernet, Wi-Fi
Supported ServicesiTunesNetflix, iTunes, HBO Now
HD TypeUltra HD (4K)Ultra HD (4K)
Assistant SupportSiriSiri
Capacity128 GB64 GB, 128 GB
ChipA19 chip—
CPU performanceup to 50% faster CPU performance—
GPU performancetwice the GPU speed—
Storage128GB—
Wi-FiWi-Fi 7—
BluetoothBluetooth 6—
Show all 30 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple TV 4K (4th generation)Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)
EthernetGigabit Ethernet—
MicrophonesThree far-field microphones—
Video decoderdedicated AV1 decoder—
NetworkingThread support—
Resolution4K at 60fps—
Memorydoubled—
StreamersApple+—
OSApple OS—
BrandApple—
AccessoriesRemote—

What reviewers say

Apple TV 4K (4th generation)

Owners of earlier Apple TV 4K models praise the speed and quiet operation, and the AV1 decoder and Wi-Fi 7 are seen as meaningful upgrades for streaming. The main complaints are the higher price than rival boxes and the limited appeal outside Apple's ecosystem.

What people mention
  • SpeedPraisedOwners say the A19 chip makes menus and apps noticeably snappier than older models.
  • Streaming qualityPraisedThe AV1 decoder and 4K 60fps output are called out for smooth, efficient playback.
  • ConnectivityPraisedWi-Fi 7 and Gigabit Ethernet are seen as future-proof for fast home networks.
  • ValueCriticisedReviewers say it costs more than Roku and Fire TV rivals with similar streaming features.

Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)

Owners generally rate the third-generation Apple TV 4K highly for speed, picture quality and the improved Siri Remote. Common complaints center on the higher price than Roku and Fire TV rivals and on the remote's touch surface, which some find easy to graze by accident.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say apps open quickly and the interface stays smooth.
  • Picture qualityPraisedReviewers highlight Dolby Vision and HDR10+ output as crisp and well balanced.
  • RemoteMixedThe Siri Remote is seen as an improvement, but its touch clickpad draws complaints about accidental swipes.
  • PriceCriticisedBuyers note it costs more than Roku and Fire TV alternatives with similar streaming features.
Reviews
  • Apple TV 4K (2026) Review: Hands-Free Siri and an A19 Chip Justify the $300 Price Tag
  • I've tested Apple's new Apple TV 4K against the previous model – is it worth the massive price hike?
  • Apple TV 4K (2026) vs Apple TV 4K (2022): Is ‘Hey Siri’ worth twice the price? - ZDNET

Questions and answers

Which is better for a 4K Dolby Vision TV?
Both output 4K at 60fps with Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos. The 4th generation adds the faster A19 chip and AV1 decoding, so it stays smoother on high-bitrate streams.
Which lasts longer?
The 4th generation, on paper. Its newer chip, doubled memory and Wi-Fi 7 give it more headroom for future apps and codecs. The 3rd generation is already a few years old.
Is the 4th generation worth stepping up to?
Yes if you have a Wi-Fi 7 router, a recent TV, or keep streamers for five years or more. If you mainly watch Netflix and Apple TV+ on an older TV, the 3rd generation covers it.
Do both work as a smart home hub?
Yes. Both act as a HomeKit hub. Thread is built into the 4th generation and into the 128GB Ethernet version of the 3rd generation; the 64GB Wi-Fi model lacks it.
Can I use four HomePods with either?
The 4th generation is described as pairing four HomePods for surround sound. The 3rd generation supports HomePod audio output but not the four-speaker surround setup.
Which remote do I get?
Both ship with a Siri Remote with a touch-enabled clickpad and Find My. The 3rd-generation remote charges over USB-C.

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More comparisons

  • Apple TV 4K Wi‑Fi + Ethernet with 128GB Storage vs Apple TV 4K (4th generation)
Release year2026—
Assembled product weight1.19 lb—
Model nameAPPLE TV 4K (4TH GENERATION)—
ManufacturerApple—
ModelMLFF4LL/A—
Has written warrantyNo—
With Remote Included—Yes
With Local Playback—Yes