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 Device4K Video QualityDolby AtmosSideloadingPrivate ListeningSmartphone App IntegrationVoice AssistantPrice
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.

Roku interface for comparison Roku vs Apple TV

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.

Apple TV interface for Comparison Apple TV vs Roku
ParametersApple TVRoku
Home ScreenSimple with blocks of appsSimple and Plain with blocks of apps
Ad-supportFewer Ads in the interfaceNo ad-interruptions
CustomizationMore customizable optionsLesser 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.

Roku Home screen in comparison for Apple TV vs Roku

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.

Apple TV apps for comparing Apple TV vs Roku
ParametersApple TVRoku
App StoreApple App StoreRoku Channel Store
No. of Entertainment Channels80+750+
Best AppsNetflix
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.

ModelPriceBuy
Apple TV 4K (2022)$124.99Buy Now
Apple TV 4K (2021)$109.91Buy Now
Apple TV HD$59.00Buy Now
Roku Express$17.99Buy Now
Roku Express 4K$36.54Buy Now
Roku Premiere$30.94Buy Now
Roku Ultra$65.99Buy Now
Roku Streaming Stick$67.00Buy Now
  Roku Streambar$79.99Buy Now
Roku Streambar Pro$508.15Buy Now
Roku Streaming Stick+$89.99Buy 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.

RemoteConnectivityChannel Shortcut buttonsPrivate ListeningVoice SupportLost Remote FinderCompatible Devices
Roku Simple RemoteInvisible Infrared (IR) LightPresentAbsentAbsentAbsentRoku TV, Roku Express, Roku Premier, and Roku Streaming Sticks
Roku Voice RemoteWireless NetworkPresentPresentPresentPresent Roku TV, Roku Streambar, Roku Smart Soundbar, Roku Express, and more
Roku Enhanced Voice RemoteWireless NetworkPresentPresentPresentPresent Roku TV, Roku Streambar, Roku Smart Soundbar, Roku Express, and more
Roku Enhanced Voice Remote ProWireless NetworkPresentPresentPresentPresent Roku TV, Roku Streambar, Roku Smart Soundbar, Roku Express, and more
Siri Remote (1st generation)Bluetooth 4.0 and IR transmitterAbsentAbsentPresentAbsentApple TV 4K and Apple TV HD
Siri Remote (2nd generation)Bluetooth 4.0 and IR transmitterAbsentAbsentPresentAbsentApple TV 4K and Apple TV HD
Siri Remote (3rd generation)Bluetooth 5.0 and IR transmitterAbsentAbsentPresentAbsentApple 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.

FeatureRokuApple TV
FormMobile App
(Play Store and App Store)
Device Control Center
Remote InterfaceSupportedSupported
Private ListeningSupportedNot Supported
Voice ControlSupportedSupported
App InstallationSupportedNot Supported
KeyboardAvailableAvailable

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.

Apple TV vs Roku voice control
FeatureRokuApple TV
Remote ModelsRoku Voice Remote, Roku Enhanced Voice Remote, and Roku Enhanced Voice Remote Pro,Siri Remote (First, Second, and Third generations)
Voice ButtonAvailableAvailable
Control playbackSupportedSupported

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.

FeatureRokuApple TV
Game CategoriesBoard Games, Card Games, Vintage Games, Arcade Games, and Puzzles.Card Games, Vintage Games, Arcade Games, Board Games, and Puzzles.
Game SourceRoku Channel StoreApple Arcade
Sideload GamesNot SupportedNot Supported
Popular GamesAir 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.