Who does not like streaming devices and watching zillions of things in real-time? There are various modes of streaming media players, but finding which one is right for you can be a little more complicated. Two of the most common streaming media players, which are often confused with one another, are Apple TV and Roku TV.
The major difference between Apple TV and Roku TV is that the former lets you stream video and audio content. In contrast, the latter only allows the streaming of video content.
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Key Differences
Apple TV
- It can be best described as a streaming media player that belongs to Apple Incorporation. The traces of the origin of this media player take us back to 2007.
- The significant advantage of this media player that gives it an edge over its competitor Roku TV is that it is not only associated with streaming video content but also allows the streaming of audio content.
- This media player operatȩs on tvOS, which also used to be termed Apple TV software.
- In comparison with Roku TV, it has fewer channels. This media player is estimated to be associated with more than 60 channels.
- Another notable feature of this media player that can also be seen as its drawback is that it can not be connected to Android. It can only be connected to devices that use Apple’s OS.
Roku TV
- It can be best described as a streaming media player that Roku Incorporation, an American company, owns. The roots of the origin of this media player can be traced back to 2008.
- One of the major disadvantages but a notable feature of this media player is that it only allows video content streaming. It can not stream audio content.
- As the name suggests, this media player works on Roku OS, which is an operating system used by the company Roku.
- The significant advantage of this media player is its availability of many channels. Currently, it is estimated that this media player is associated with more than 3000 channels.
- Another notable advantage of this media player is that it can be connected to Android and iOS (iPhone Operating System).
Comparison Between An Apple Tv And A Roku Tv
| Parameter | Apple TV | Roku Tv |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | It was launched before Roku TV came into existence. It is estimated that this streaming media player existed on January 9, 2007, through Apple Incorporation. This streaming media player’s first-ever version is called Apple TV’s first generation. | It was launched after the launch of Apple TV. It is estimated to have been launched by Roku Incorporation on May 20, 2008. However, it should be noted that it was not only Roku Inc. that was responsible for the launch of this media player. It was launched in collaboration with Netflix. This streaming media player’s first-ever version is called Roku DVP N1000. |
| Meaning | It refers to a streaming media player owned by Apple Inc. responsible for audio and video content streaming. The notable feature of this media player that sets it different from other media players is that not only it supports the streaming of video content, but it also supports the streaming of audio content. | It refers to a streaming media player owned by Roku Inc, which is an American company. Like every other media player, this media player is also associated with video content streaming. Unlike an Apple TV, this media player does not support the streaming of audio content. |
| Size and weight | This media player can typically be found in a weight of around 9.6 oz with dimensions of 3.5*3.5*1.0 inches. | This media player can typically be found in a weight of 5 oz with dimensions of 3.9*3.9*0.9 inches. |
| OS | This media player operates on tvOS, an operating system that belongs to Apple Inc. This OS was also known as Apple TV software. | As the name suggests, this media player operates on Roku OS, which is an operating system designed by Roku Inc. |
| Display | Regarding displaying, this media player has the edge over Roku Tv. This media player comes with a very attractive display and design. | The display of this media player is not as attractive as the display of an Apple TV. Its display is soberer. |
| Channels | This media player is associated with fewer channels than those associated with Roku TV. This media player is estimated to be associated with more than 60 channels. AMC+, Britbox, Cinemax, Eros Now Select, The Great Courses Signature Collection, History Vault, Lifetime Movie Club, MTV Hits, Paramount+, Up Faith & Family, etc., are some of the channels associated with this media player. | This media player is associated with more channels than Apple TV, and that is where it has the edge over Apple TV. Currently, this media player is estimated to be associated with more than 3000 channels. The Roku Channel, NBC, Freevee, Plex, Philo, Discovery+, Sling TV, Tubi, Pluto TV, Paramount+, etc., are some of the channels associated with this media player. |
| Internet streaming services | This media player offers all the basic internet streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Disney+, etc. It should be noted that along with these streaming services, this media player is also concerned with iTunes, which would be absent in all other media players as it is audio content that is not supported by other media players but Apple TV. | Like Apple TV, this media player supports all the basic internet streaming services such as Amazon Prime, HBO, Hulu, YouTube, Disney+, Netflix, etc. However, it does not support iTunes because of two reasons. First, iTunes is only available on Apple devices. Second, this media player does not support audio content. |
| Connectivity to other devices | If anyone wants to connect this media player to their smartphone or watch so that they can control it from there, then it is a must for them to have either an iPhone or an iWatch. This media player can not be connected to an Android phone, which can prove to be a significant drawback for some individuals. | This media player provides greater flexibility when it comes to connecting it to other devices, as it can be connected to an Android or an iPhone, or both very easily. |
| Voice service or assistant | This media player comes with Siri as its default voice service or assistant. But one of the notable features of this media player is that its remote has an option for the shortcut of Siri so that one can open it with just a click. | This media player does not have Siri, which is only available on Apple devices. However, it comes with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, both as voice services or assistants. But, there is no shortcut to these voice services on its remote like Apple TV. |
| Free headphones | This media player does not come with free headphones. | Another advantage of this media player is that it comes with a free set of headphones. |
| Guest mode | This media player does not have any option for guest mode. | This media player is associated with an option for guest mode. |
| Price | Despite a limited number of channels, this media player happens to be more expensive than a Roku TV. The prices of this media player typically range between $149 and $179. | This media player is a budget-friendly option compared to an Apple TV. The prices of this media player range between $29.99 and $100. |
| Advantages | Availability of a great display, presence of Siri shortcut on its remote, presence of audio content for streaming, compact size, etc. | Budget-friendly, presence of a wide range of channels, availability of guest mode and free headphones, flexibility regarding connectivity to other devices, presence of both Siri and Google Assistant as voice service, etc. |
| Disadvantages | A little bit pricey, availability of only a limited number of channels, no flexibility when it comes to connecting to an Android phone, there is the absence of guest mode & free headphones, presence of only Siri as the voice service, etc. | Incompatibility with some TVs, an okayish display, requirement of frequent software updates, etc. |
Major Differences Between an Apple Tv and A Roku Tv
What Exactly Is an Apple Tv?
It refers to a streaming media player that is launched and owned by Apple Incorporation. It came into existence on January 9, 2007. Its first-ever version was referred to as the Apple TV first generation.
The trademark feature of this media player is that it allows the streaming of video and audio content. Currently, there are more than 60 channels associated with this media player. Apart from the channels, it also supports various other streaming services such as iTunes, Netflix, HBO, Hulu, YouTube, etc.
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Key Attributes of Apple Tv
- It refers to a streaming media player that was first launched in 2007 by Apple Incorporation. The exact date of its launch leads us back to January 9, 2007. The first ever Apple TV was termed Apple TV’s first generation.
- It operates or works on tvOS, which is also known as Apple TV software.
- The hallmark feature of this media player that places it above other media players is that it supports video and audio content streaming.
- As of now, there are more than 60 channels that are associated with this media player.
- It supports all other popular streaming services, such as Netflix, HBO, Hulu, iTunes, and YouTube.
- The pricing of this media player ranges from 149 dollars to 199 dollars, depending on how many channels one has subscribed to.
- This media player comes with Siri as the default voice service or assistant, as Apple Inc owns all the other devices.
- One of the major disadvantages of this media player is that it can only be connected to an iPhone or an iWatch if anyone wants to control their media player via their phone or watch.
What exactly is a Roku TV?
It refers to a streaming media player that Roku Incorporations own. The first-ever launch of this media player happened on May 20, 2008, in collaboration with Netflix. Like every other media player, this media player also allows video content streaming only.
It does not support audio content like Apple TV. There is no fixed idea of how many channels come with this media player, but this media player is estimated to support more than 3000 channels. It also supports other streaming services such as Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.
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Key Attributes of Roku Tv
- It refers to a streaming media player that was first introduced on May 20, 2008. Roku Incorporation, an American company, launched its first-ever streaming media player, Roku DVP N1000, in collaboration with Netflix.
- It operates on Roku OS, which is an operating system associated with the concerned company’s devices.
- It is concerned with supporting only audio content.
- The notable advantage of this media player is that it is associated with a large variety of channels. However, this media player does not support a fixed number of channels but is believed to support more than 3000 channels.
- Like every other media player, this media player also supports various streaming services such as Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Amazon Prime, YouTube, etc. However, it should be noted that this media player does not support iTunes, as it is only available on Apple devices.
- This media player is much cheaper than others, with their prices ranging from as low as 29 dollars to 100 dollars.
- This media player can use various voice services or assistants such as Google Assistant and Alexa. However, it can not use Siri as it is only available on Apple devices.
- This media player offers great flexibility as it can be connected to both Android and iOS.
The contrast between an Apple TV and a Roku TV
Launch
- Apple TV – It came into existence before the launch of Roku TV. It is believed to have been launched on January 9, 2007, by Apple Incorporation. This media player’s first-ever version is called Apple TV’s first generation.
- Roku TV – It came into existence just a year later the launch of Apple TV, i.e., on May 20, 2008. It was launched by an American company, Roku Incorporation, in collaboration with Netflix. This media player’s first-ever version is called Roku DVP N1000.
Meaning
- Apple TV – It can be best defined as a streaming media player owned by Apple Inc. and is responsible for streaming various video and audio content. Most of the other media players are associated with streaming only video content, and that is where this media player has the edge over other players as it supports Audio and video content.
- Roku TV – It can be best defined as a streaming media player that is owned by Roku Inc. and is associated with the streaming of only video content. Unlike Apple TV, this media player does not support the streaming of audio content.
Size and weight
- Apple TV – It usually comes in dimensions of 3.5*3.5*1.0 inches and typically weighs heavier than a Roku TV. It is estimated to weigh approximately 9.6 oz.
- Roku TV – It generally comes in dimensions of 3.9*3.9*0.9 inches and weighs around 5oz which is lighter than an Apple TV.
OS
- Apple TV – It works on a special operating system that belongs to Apple, i.e., tvOS, also known as Apple TV software.
- Roku TV – It works on an operating system that is owned by Roku, i.e., Roku OS.
Display
- Apple TV – This media player is concerned with a very attractive display in comparison to the display of a Roku TV.
- Roku TV – This media player is concerned with a very sober display in comparison to the display of an Apple TV.
Channels
- Apple TV – This media player has fewer channels than a Roku TV. As of now, there are estimated to be around 60 channels that are associated with this media player. Some popular channels this media player supports are AMC+, Britbox, Cinemax, Eros Now Select, The Great Courses Signature Collection, History Vault, Lifetime Movie Club, MTV Hits, Paramount+, Up Faith & Family, etc.
- Roku TV – Compared to Apple TV, this media player has more channels. Currently, there are estimated to be more than 3000 channels associated with this media player. This media player supports popular channels: The Roku Channel, NBC, Freevee, Plex, Philo, Discovery+, Sling TV, Tubi, Pluto TV, Paramount+, etc.
Internet streaming services
- Apple TV – This media player supports internet streaming services such as Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO, Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube. However, this media player is also associated with iTunes, which usually is not present in other media players as iTunes only belongs to Apple, and not every other streaming player supports audio content.
- Roku TV – This media player, like any other media player, is associated with providing several internet streaming services such as YouTube, Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, etc. However, it should be noted that this media player does not provide iTunes as it does not support streaming of audio content, and iTunes only belongs to Apple Inc.
Connectivity to other devices
- Apple TV – If anyone wants to connect this media player to their smartphone or watch to control it from these devices, it is a must for them to have an iPhone or an iWatch. If someone is an android user, it would be impossible to connect this media player to their phone.
- Roku TV – One of the notable advantages of this media player is that it provides greater flexibility when connecting it to a smartphone or watch. It can be connected to Android as well as iOS easily.
Voice service
- Apple TV comes with Siri as the default voice service or assistant. And the most amazing part is that this media player’s remote has a shortcut option for Siri.
- Roku TV – One can use Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa as voice services or assistants. It does not support Siri as this media player does not run on iOS.
Free headphones
- Apple TV – Another disadvantage of this media player is that it does not have free headphones like Roku TV.
- Roku TV – Another area where this media player has the edge over Apple TV is that this media player comes with free headphones.
Guest mode
- Apple TV – This media player has no option for a guest mode.
- Roku TV – This media player comes with an option for guest mode.
Price
- Apple TV – This media player is generally considered a little more expensive when compared to a Roku TV. The pricing of this media player usually ranges from $149 to $199.
- Roku TV – Another significant advantage of this media player is that this media player is considered budget-friendly when compared to an Apple TV. The pricing of this media player typically ranges from $29.99 to $100.
Advantages
- Apple TV – The availability of a great display, the presence of Siri shortcut on its remote, and its compact size are some of the advantages of this media player.
- Roku TV – Budget-friendly, presence of a wide range of channels, availability of guest mode as well as free headphones, flexibility when it comes to connectivity to other devices, presence of both Siri and Google Assistant as voice service, etc., are some of the major advantages of this media player.
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Advantages Of Apple TV
- Great Display.
- A shortcut of Siri on its remote.
- Compact size.
- Supports Audio content as well.
Advantages Of Roku TV
- Affordable.
- Availability of more than 3000 channels.
- Presence of guest mode.
- Easy connectivity to other devices, whether Android or iOS.
- Presence of both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant as the voice service or assistant.
Disadvantages
- Apple TV – A little bit pricey, availability of only a limited number of channels, no flexibility when it comes to connecting to an Android phone, absence of guest mode & free headphones, presence of only Siri as the voice service, etc., are some of the significant drawbacks of this media player.
- Roku TV – Incompatibility with some TVs, an okayish display, requirement of frequent software updates, etc., are some of the significant drawbacks of this media player.
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Disadvantages of Apple TV
- Expensive.
- Availability of limited channels.
- It cannot be connected to Android.
- No guest mode.
- Presence of only Siri as the voice service or assistant.
Disadvantages of Roku TV
- Incompatible with some TVs.
- Sober display.
- It may require frequent software updates.
- Absence of audio content for streaming.
CONCLUSION
People often get confused when they hear Apple TV and Roku TV and use the terms interchangeably. Both are very similar yet different.
The major differences between an Apple TV and a Roku TV are that the former came earlier, is expensive, supports audio and video content, and has fewer channels. On the other hand, the latter came later, is cheap, only supports video content, and has more channels.
Frequently Asked Questions (faQs)
Q1. When did Apple TV and Roku TV launch?
The former came before the launch of the latter. The traces of the origin of the former media player take us back to January 9, 2008, whereas the traces of the origin of the latter media player take us back to May 20, 2007.
Q2. What are the size and weights of Apple TV and Roku TV?
The former can typically be found in around a weight of 9 oxen with dimensions of 3.5*3.5*1.0 inches, whereas the latter weighs somewhere around five oxen with dimensions of 3.9*3.9*0.9 inches.
Q3. What are some of the channels associated with Roku TV?
The Roku Channel, NBC, Freevee, Plex, Philo, Discovery+, Sling TV, Tubi, Pluto TV, Paramount+, etc., are some of the channels associated with this media player.
Q4. Can you connect an Android phone to an Apple TV?
Unfortunately, connecting an android phone to this media player is impossible. Only an iPhone or an iWatch can be connected to this media player.
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