Roku and Apple TV are two of the leading media streaming devices. In their libraries, they stream all popular live TV and VOD content streaming apps. The two devices bring out innovative developments for a better streaming experience. However, these devices are entirely different when it comes to building and development. If you are about to buy a new streaming device for your home or office, you can check out the comparison of Apple TV vs Roku.
Comparison between Roku and Apple TV
There might be a lot of factors that users have to consider while looking for a streaming device. Based on these factors, users can get to a conclusion and choose the best-suited device. For the same reason, we have made a comparison of these devices.
| Streaming Device | 4K Video Quality | Dolby Atmos | Sideloading | Private Listening | Smartphone App Integration | Voice Assistant | Price |
| Roku Express |  | | |  | | | Check Price |
| Roku Express 4K | | | | | | | Check Price |
| Roku Streaming Stick 4K | | | | | | | Check Price |
| Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ | | | | | | | Check Price |
| Roku Ultra | | | | | | | Check Price |
| Roku Streambar | | | | | | | Check Price |
| Roku Streambar Pro | | | | | | | Check Price |
| Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) | | | | | | | Check Price |
| Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) | | | | | | | Check Price |
| Apple TV 4K (1st generation) | | | | | | | Discontinued |
| Apple TV HD | | | | | | | Check Price |
User Interface
Compared to most streaming devices, Roku has a straightforward user interface. This simple feature of Roku makes the device easy to use. The Roku home screen is free from intrusive ads. After installing apps from the Channel Store, users can find them among the tabs on the main screen. However, some Roku users consider this simple interface to be unattractive and lacking more customize options.
On the other hand, Apple TV features a clear, organized, and uncluttered user interface. There are hardly any advertisements on the device. The home screen is modern and customizable. The focus is on the apps that users have installed on the device, as seen on the home page. The user experience is uncomplicated and straightforward.
| Parameters | Apple TV | Roku |
| Home Screen | Simple with blocks of apps | Simple and Plain with blocks of apps |
| Ad-support | Fewer Ads in the interface | No ad-interruptions |
| Customization | More customizable options | Lesser customizable options |
Apps
On considering the streaming apps in the devices, both devices have their own App Store. There are quite a good number of apps available in the App Store. Installation of these apps on these devices is easy in nature.
The Roku Channel Store is one of the premier app stores with the biggest channel collections for users. Users can search for and find apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu. A variety of genres are represented in the app assortment. However, the users cannot access any extra programs on the device on the device by sideloading.
Popular streaming applications, including Apple TV, Netflix, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and YouTube, are also available in the App Store. Nevertheless, compared to Roku, it offers fewer apps. On Apple TV, finding and installing apps is simple.
| Parameters | Apple TV | Roku |
| App Store | Apple App Store | Roku Channel Store |
| No. of Entertainment Channels | 80+ | 750+ |
| Best Apps | Netflix YouTube YouTube TV HBO Max | Netflix Apple TV Prime Video Hulu |
Cost
Cost is a primary factor in deciding the best device for Apple TV vs Roku. Each streaming device offers a wide range of models with unique features and designs. Both affordable and expensive varieties of Roku and Apple TV devices are available for users. The details of a few well-known models are listed below.
| Model | Price | Buy |
| Apple TV 4K (2022) | $124.99 | Buy Now |
| Apple TV 4K (2021) | $109.91 | Buy Now |
| Apple TV HD | $59.00 | Buy Now |
| Roku Express | $17.99 | Buy Now |
| Roku Express 4K | $36.54 | Buy Now |
| Roku Premiere | $30.94 | Buy Now |
| Roku Ultra | $65.99 | Buy Now |
| Roku Streaming Stick | $67.00 | Buy Now |
| Roku Streambar | $79.99 | Buy Now |
| Roku Streambar Pro | $508.15 | Buy Now |
| Roku Streaming Stick+ | $89.99 | Buy Now |
Remote
The various models of Roku devices and Apple TVs have different remote controls. Each version of the remote comes with additional features so that users can control their devices more easily. In comparison, it is easy to pair the Roku remote to the TV than the Apple TV remote.
| Remote | Connectivity | Channel Shortcut buttons | Private Listening | Voice Support | Lost Remote Finder | Compatible Devices |
| Roku Simple Remote | Invisible Infrared (IR) Light | Present | Absent | Absent | Absent | Roku TV, Roku Express, Roku Premier, and Roku Streaming Sticks |
| Roku Voice Remote | Wireless Network | Present | Present | Present | Present | Roku TV, Roku Streambar, Roku Smart Soundbar, Roku Express, and more |
| Roku Enhanced Voice Remote | Wireless Network | Present | Present | Present | Present | Roku TV, Roku Streambar, Roku Smart Soundbar, Roku Express, and more |
| Roku Enhanced Voice Remote Pro | Wireless Network | Present | Present | Present | Present | Roku TV, Roku Streambar, Roku Smart Soundbar, Roku Express, and more |
| Siri Remote (1st generation) | Bluetooth 4.0 and IR transmitter | Absent | Absent | Present | Absent | Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD |
| Siri Remote (2nd generation) | Bluetooth 4.0 and IR transmitter | Absent | Absent | Present | Absent | Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD |
| Siri Remote (3rd generation) | Bluetooth 5.0 and IR transmitter | Absent | Absent | Present | Absent | Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD |
Smartphone App
Both Apple TV and Roku have smartphone apps to control the device. The app can be of great help in replacing the device’s remote if it is lost. The app has all the basic control features.
| Feature | Roku | Apple TV |
| Form | Mobile App (Play Store and App Store) | Device Control Center |
| Remote Interface | Supported | Supported |
| Private Listening | Supported | Not Supported |
| Voice Control | Supported | Supported |
| App Installation | Supported | Not Supported |
| Keyboard | Available | Available |
Voice Control
Voice Control has become an essential feature in TV remotes for hassle-free control. In their remote models, Apple TV and Roku devices both provide voice control. With the supported voice feature, users can search for and play movies and TV shows. It also helps users with making settings alterations in the device instantly.
| Feature | Roku | Apple TV |
| Remote Models | Roku Voice Remote, Roku Enhanced Voice Remote, and Roku Enhanced Voice Remote Pro, | Siri Remote (First, Second, and Third generations) |
| Voice Button | Available | Available |
| Control playback | Supported | Supported |
Gaming
Roku offers a wide variety of games even though the device doesn’t focus on gaming devices. Many games are entirely free to download and play. Some games are either pricey or have add-ons. However, users can stream games on Apple TV models only by screen mirroring.
| Feature | Roku | Apple TV |
| Game Categories | Board Games, Card Games, Vintage Games, Arcade Games, and Puzzles. | Card Games, Vintage Games, Arcade Games, Board Games, and Puzzles. |
| Game Source | Roku Channel Store | Apple Arcade |
| Sideload Games | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| Popular Games | Air Hockey, Anna Montana, Galaga, Super Stickman Golf, and Video Poker. | Crossy Road, Alto’s Adventure, Dungeon Hunter, AG Drive, and Horizon Chase |
Roku vs Apple TV: Conclusion
Apple TV could be the best option for those who are accustomed to the Apple ecosystem. Additionally, it has access to audio and video files bought through iTunes. The greatest digital media player for users who aren’t totally devoted to the Apple ecosystem is Roku. When it comes to streaming online entertainment, Roku is better. Roku streaming device is compact and offers enormous support for user-friendly streaming.
