For the best all-around fit, I recommend the Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation) with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and 128GB storage: it pairs 4K Dolby Vision and HDR10+ with wired networking and the most storage in this lineup. The renewed 64GB Apple TV 4K keeps the same core picture and audio formats in a Wi-Fi-only package, while the renewed Apple TV HD is a basic 1080p option for a compatible older television.
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The main choice is not simply which Apple TV is newest. It is whether you want Ethernet and extra storage, can accept a renewed unit with a limited warranty, or only need 1080p playback. All three offer Apple features such as Siri search and AirPlay, but they differ sharply in video capability, connectivity, and how much uncertainty comes with buying renewed hardware. I rank them by how well each suits a distinct Apple TV buyer, not by treating their feature lists as interchangeable.
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- Best overall: The 128GB Apple TV 4K is the only listed option with Ethernet, making it the strongest fit for buyers who want wired networking alongside 4K Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos.
- Best 4K alternative: The renewed 64GB Apple TV 4K retains the A15 chip, 4K formats, and Thread support, but gives up Ethernet and comes with a 90-day limited warranty.
- Best for older 1080p TVs: The renewed Apple TV HD suits a screen that cannot show 4K, though its A8 chip and 2015-era generation make it a narrower-purpose choice.
- Check your TV first: The two 4K models need a 4K-capable television to show 4K content; the HD model is limited to 1080p even when connected to a 4K display.
- Renewed means a different tradeoff: Both lower-cost-style alternatives are listed as renewed, so buyers should weigh condition uncertainty and, for the 64GB 4K model, its stated 90-day warranty.
| Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation) with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and 128GB Storage |  | Best Overall | Storage: 128GB | Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Ethernet | Processor: A15 Bionic | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Black (Renewed) |  | Best Renewed 4K Alternative | Generation: 3rd | Storage: 64GB | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple TV HD 32GB (4th Generation, 2015), Black (Renewed) |  | Best for an HD-Only Television | Generation and year: 4th Generation, 2015 | Storage: 32GB | Resolution: 1080p (1920 × 1080) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple TV streaming device | Storage | Connectivity | Audio | Processor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K | 128GB | Wi-Fi and Ethernet | Dolby Atmos | A15 Bionic |
| Apple TV 4K | 64GB | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread | Dolby Atmos | A15 Bionic |
| Apple TV HD 32GB | 32GB | Wireless | Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation) with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and 128GB Storage
I rank this Apple TV 4K first because it is the most complete option in the group. Its A15 Bionic chip drives 4K playback with Dolby Vision and HDR10+, while Dolby Atmos support can carry spatial audio to a compatible sound system. The standout practical difference is Ethernet alongside Wi-Fi: compared with the renewed 64GB model, this one gives a household the option of a wired connection instead of relying entirely on wireless networking.
The 128GB storage also doubles the capacity listed for the renewed 4K alternative. That is most useful if you expect to install a larger collection of apps or games; it does not change streaming picture quality by itself. AirPlay, Siri, Apple services, and smart home control make the device a natural choice for someone already using Apple devices. Thread is not specified in this listing, so I would not pick it over the 64GB model solely for Thread-based smart-home networking.
There are limits to the case for paying attention to its fuller feature set. Buyers with dependable Wi-Fi may not need Ethernet, and households that stream video without many apps may not make much use of 128GB. Hands-free Siri control requires a separate HomePod mini, so the included Siri Remote should not be mistaken for a hands-free speaker. Compared with the renewed 64GB 4K model, it offers more storage and a wired-network option; compared with the older HD model, it is a clear match for 4K televisions and modern HDR formats.
The supplied details identify a 2022 release, rather than a newly introduced model. I still make it the overall pick because the listed capabilities cover the broadest mix of living rooms and network setups. Buyers should confirm that their television supports 4K if they want to use its main picture-quality advantage.
Pros:- 4K playback supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+
- Ethernet and Wi-Fi provide a choice of network connection
- 128GB storage is the most listed in this lineup
- Dolby Atmos, AirPlay, Siri, and Apple smart home control are supported
Cons:- A 4K-capable television is needed to benefit from its 4K output
- Hands-free Siri control requires a separate HomePod mini
- The listing details do not state a warranty or condition
Best for: Buyers with a 4K television who want both Wi-Fi and Ethernet, ample listed storage, and Apple ecosystem features in one streamer.
Not ideal for: People with an HD-only television, households that need only basic streaming, or anyone who expects hands-free Siri without adding a HomePod mini.
- Storage:128GB
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi and Ethernet
- Processor:A15 Bionic
- Video:4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10+
- Audio:Dolby Atmos
- Dimensions:3.66 x 3.66 x 1.22 inches
- Weight:7.5 ounces
- Model:MN893LL/A
Our verdict“I recommend this as the most adaptable Apple TV here for 4K viewers who value Ethernet and 128GB storage as well as Apple’s HDR and audio support.”
Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Black (Renewed)
This renewed third-generation Apple TV 4K keeps the features most viewers will notice during everyday streaming: 4K resolution, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos. It uses the same A15 Bionic chip listed for the 128GB model, so the core generation and picture formats are a close match. For a buyer who wants Apple’s current-generation 4K experience and is comfortable purchasing renewed hardware, this is the more focused alternative.
The separation from my top pick is straightforward. This version has 64GB of storage and Wi-Fi only, rather than 128GB and Ethernet. That may be perfectly workable if the device will sit on a strong wireless network and the app library will stay modest. A buyer with inconsistent Wi-Fi or a preference for a cable to the router should favor the 128GB model instead. In return, this listing adds an explicit Thread networking feature, which may help people using compatible smart-home accessories.
Condition is part of the decision, not a footnote. The product is marked renewed and lists a 90-day limited warranty; that is a shorter, more defined warranty window than buyers may want for a device they plan to keep for years. The supplied details do not explain the unit’s cosmetic grade or what renewed preparation involved, so I would check the listing terms before ordering. It is also not a sensible upgrade for an HD-only television: the 4K formats cannot make that screen display 4K resolution.
Compared with the Apple TV HD, this model is the more capable choice for a 4K setup, with newer processing and HDR support. Compared with the top pick, it gives up network flexibility and storage while adding a specified Thread feature. I see it as a targeted option for buyers who prioritize 4K and smart-home connectivity over Ethernet and a larger app library.
Pros:- A15 Bionic chip and 4K Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
- Dolby Atmos support for compatible audio systems
- Thread networking can suit compatible smart-home setups
- Includes a USB-C-charging Siri Remote with a touch-enabled clickpad
Cons:- Renewed condition may not suit buyers seeking new hardware
- The stated warranty is a 90-day limited warranty
- Wi-Fi-only connectivity and 64GB storage trail the top-ranked model
Best for: A buyer with a 4K TV, reliable Wi-Fi, and compatible Thread smart-home devices who is comfortable with a renewed unit and its stated warranty.
Not ideal for: Anyone who needs Ethernet, wants the most listed storage, prefers new hardware, or has only an HD television.
- Generation:3rd
- Storage:64GB
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread
- Processor:A15 Bionic
- Video:4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10+
- Audio:Dolby Atmos
- Remote:Siri Remote (3rd generation), USB-C charging
- Warranty and condition:Renewed; 90-day limited warranty
Our verdict“I would choose this renewed 4K model over the HD device for a 4K setup, but only when Wi-Fi is sufficient and its condition and warranty terms fit the buyer.”
Apple TV HD 32GB (4th Generation, 2015), Black (Renewed)
The Apple TV HD belongs in this roundup for one specific reason: a buyer may have a 1080p television and want an Apple streaming box without paying for capabilities that screen cannot show. This fourth-generation model delivers 1080p video, Siri voice search, AirPlay, and access to streaming apps and Apple services. It is not a smaller version of the 4K picks; it is an older, HD-limited device with a narrower role.
That role defines the comparison. Both third-generation 4K models support Dolby Vision and HDR10+, while this model tops out at 1080p and lists an A8 chip instead of an A15 Bionic. Connecting it to a 4K television does not remove the resolution limit. If the screen is already 4K, I would steer toward one of the newer 4K devices, even the renewed 64GB version, because its output and supported HDR formats are a better match.
For the right older television, the feature set still has useful points. AirPlay and Siri voice search can make it easier to send content from Apple devices and find programs without relying only on manual browsing. Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 support can feed compatible surround-sound equipment. The listing gives 32GB of storage but does not detail a warranty; since it is renewed and says condition may vary, the buyer should review the seller’s condition and return information before committing.
I rank it third because its fit depends on owning an HD-only screen and accepting older renewed hardware. It may be preferable to a 4K box only when the buyer’s needs are modest and the television is the limiting factor. For a longer-term main-room purchase, the top-ranked 4K model offers more flexibility; for a renewed 4K buyer, the second pick is the closer match.
Pros:- 1080p output suits an HD-only television
- Siri voice search and AirPlay are supported
- Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 audio support
- Provides access to streaming apps and Apple services
Cons:- Limited to 1080p rather than 4K
- Uses an older A8 chip and fourth-generation hardware
- Renewed condition may vary, and warranty details are not specified
Best for: Someone with a 1080p television who wants Siri search, AirPlay, and Apple streaming access without needing 4K output.
Not ideal for: Owners of 4K TVs, viewers who want Dolby Vision or HDR10+, or buyers who want a newer generation and clearly stated condition coverage.
- Generation and year:4th Generation, 2015
- Storage:32GB
- Resolution:1080p (1920 × 1080)
- Chip:Apple A8
- Audio:Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
- Connectivity:Wireless
- Connector:HDMI
- Condition:Renewed
Our verdict“I would consider this renewed Apple TV HD only for an HD-only television and a buyer who accepts its older hardware and variable renewed condition.”
How We Picked
I compared these three devices around the choices that matter when someone searches for an Apple TV streamer: picture quality, connectivity, Apple ecosystem features, and the age or condition of the hardware. The lineup spans a current-generation 4K model with Ethernet, a renewed Wi-Fi-only version of the same generation, and an older 1080p model. Those are not equal alternatives for the same television or household, so I assigned each a distinct role rather than ranking them as if the least expensive-looking option were automatically a better buy.
My top position goes to the 128GB third-generation Apple TV 4K because its combination of 4K Dolby Vision and HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi and Ethernet, and 128GB storage makes it the most flexible device here. Ethernet can matter to viewers whose Wi-Fi is unreliable or whose streamer sits near a router; the extra storage also gives more room for apps and games than either other listing specifies. The product description does not state a warranty or condition, so I do not assume details beyond the supplied listing.
The renewed 64GB Apple TV 4K ranks next because it shares the A15 Bionic chip and the key 4K picture and Dolby Atmos formats with the top pick. Its Thread support may appeal to buyers building a compatible smart home. It lacks Ethernet, has half the listed storage, and is explicitly renewed with a 90-day limited warranty. Those distinctions make it a credible 4K alternative, but not an equivalent package.
I place the renewed Apple TV HD third because its 1080p ceiling, A8 chip, and fourth-generation hardware date it to a different use case. It can still make sense when the television itself is HD-only and the buyer wants Siri search or AirPlay, but it is not the right match for a 4K screen owner seeking the picture formats offered by the other two devices. I judged each product by its fit and tradeoffs, not by customer ratings, review counts, or price claims.
| Apple TV streaming device | Connectivity | Audio |
|---|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K | Wi-Fi and Ethernet | Dolby Atmos |
| Apple TV 4K | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread | Dolby Atmos |
| Apple TV HD 32GB | Wireless | Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Apple TV Streaming Devices
I would start with the television and home network, then weigh storage, smart-home needs, and whether renewed condition is acceptable. That sequence helps separate the two 4K models from the HD-only option before comparing secondary features.Match output to the television
If your television supports 4K and you want the streaming box to make use of it, choose between the two third-generation Apple TV 4K listings. Both list 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+; the HD model does not. HDR formats can improve how compatible displays render supported content, but the television and program must also support the format for the benefit to apply. A 1080p screen will not show 4K detail, so the Apple TV HD can be a reasonable fit for an older display that will remain in use.
Resolution should not be the only check. Confirm the television has an available HDMI connection and that its own specifications support the picture formats you care about. A 4K streamer connected to an HD television can still play video, but the screen sets the limit on visible resolution. I would not select the renewed HD box for a 4K television just because it can connect: its 1080p ceiling remains a compromise for that setup.
Choose Ethernet or Wi-Fi
The 128GB Apple TV 4K is the only option here that lists Ethernet and Wi-Fi. A wired connection can suit a streamer near the router, a household with congested wireless traffic, or someone who would rather avoid depending on Wi-Fi signal strength. It is not a promise that streaming will always look better: a reliable Wi-Fi connection may work well, and video quality also depends on the internet connection and service.
The renewed 64GB 4K model lists Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread, but no Ethernet. Choose it when wireless networking is dependable and you want its stated Thread support for compatible smart-home devices. The HD listing says wireless connectivity but provides less detail, so I would confirm connection requirements before purchasing. If wired networking is a firm requirement, the first-ranked model is the clear match among these three.
Decide how much storage is useful
Storage matters most for people who plan to install many apps or games, rather than for viewers who mainly open a few streaming services. The top pick lists 128GB, twice the capacity of the renewed 4K model’s 64GB and four times the HD model’s 32GB. A larger capacity provides more room for installed content, but it does not by itself improve a streamed movie’s resolution or sound.
I would avoid treating the maximum number as a requirement for every household. If your use is mostly streaming and you keep a short app list, 64GB may be enough for your routine. The 128GB model makes more sense when you expect a wider app and game library or want the option of Ethernet in the same device. The HD model’s 32GB belongs in the context of its older generation and should not be mistaken for a current 4K alternative.
Treat renewed condition as part of the purchase
Two products in this roundup are explicitly renewed. The 64GB Apple TV 4K listing states a 90-day limited warranty; the Apple TV HD listing says condition may vary and does not specify a warranty in the supplied details. Those statements are not interchangeable. Review the current seller information for condition, included accessories, return terms, and warranty coverage before ordering, especially if the device will be your household’s primary streamer.
The top-ranked 128GB model’s supplied description does not identify it as renewed, but it also does not state a warranty or condition. I do not infer either from missing details. A buyer who places a high value on a defined condition and coverage period should verify the listing rather than relying on the product name alone. If uncertainty around refurbished or renewed hardware is a deal-breaker, the renewed options will not fit regardless of their feature set.
Know what Apple ecosystem features do
All three descriptions include Apple-oriented features, though the specifics differ. AirPlay lets compatible Apple devices send or share content with the television, while Siri search can help find programs by voice. The third-generation 4K model also lists Siri and smart-home control; the 64GB 4K model specifies Thread support, which matters only when the buyer has compatible smart-home equipment. The HD model offers Siri voice search and AirPlay but not the newer 4K picture formats.
Do not confuse a voice-enabled remote with hands-free voice control across the room. The 128GB model’s supplied details say hands-free Siri requires a separate HomePod mini. If that feature is a priority, account for the extra accessory and the compatible setup it requires. If you mainly want a remote for searching and navigation, the included Siri Remote described with the 4K models may be enough without adding a HomePod mini.
Consider audio equipment as well as the streamer
The two 4K models list Dolby Atmos, while the HD device lists Dolby Digital Plus 7.1. These formats matter when paired with a compatible television, receiver, or speaker system and suitable content. A Dolby Atmos label on the streaming box alone cannot create an Atmos setup if the other equipment does not support it. Buyers using television speakers may care more about their display’s audio performance than the format list on the streamer.
If your home theater already supports Atmos, either 4K model aligns better with that setup than the HD option based on the supplied specifications. If your system uses another audio format or only the TV’s built-in speakers, the difference may carry less weight than video compatibility, network stability, or renewed condition. I would compare the full signal chain rather than choosing a device solely for its audio specification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Apple TV streaming device is the best fit for most 4K televisions?
I recommend the 128GB third-generation Apple TV 4K for most buyers who want the broadest set of features in this lineup. It supports 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos, and it is the only listed option with Ethernet as well as Wi-Fi. If reliable Wi-Fi is already available and Thread matters more than wired networking, the renewed 64GB model may fit better, provided its condition and 90-day limited warranty are acceptable.
Should I choose the renewed 64GB Apple TV 4K or the 128GB model?
Choose the 128GB model if you want Ethernet, more listed storage, or a listing that is not described as renewed in the supplied product details. Choose the renewed 64GB model if Wi-Fi is enough, you want its listed Thread support, and you accept renewed condition with a stated 90-day limited warranty. Both list the A15 Bionic chip, 4K Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos, so the key differences are connection options, storage, Thread, and condition.
Does the Apple TV HD make sense with a 4K television?
It can connect through HDMI, but it remains limited to 1080p output, so it will not provide the 4K picture capability of either third-generation model. I would choose it mainly for an HD-only television or a modest setup where 4K is not needed. For a 4K screen, the renewed 64GB Apple TV 4K is the more direct match if its renewed status and Wi-Fi-only connection suit the buyer.
Do I need a HomePod mini to use Siri with these Apple TV devices?
The supplied details for the 128GB Apple TV 4K state that hands-free Siri requires a separate HomePod mini. That is different from using Siri through a compatible remote, which is included with the two 4K listings described here. Buyers who only want voice search through the remote do not need to treat a HomePod mini as a required part of the basic setup; anyone seeking hands-free control should check the compatibility and setup requirements.
What should I check before buying one of the renewed Apple TV models?
Check the seller’s current description for the unit’s condition, included remote and accessories, return terms, and warranty coverage. The renewed 64GB Apple TV 4K listing specifies a 90-day limited warranty, while the renewed Apple TV HD details say condition may vary and do not state a warranty. I would also confirm that the model’s output fits the television: the renewed 4K unit is intended for a 4K setup, while the HD model tops out at 1080p.
Conclusion
For the broadest fit, I would choose the 128GB Apple TV 4K: it combines 4K HDR formats, Dolby Atmos, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and the largest storage capacity listed. A buyer with strong Wi-Fi who wants a 4K streamer and Thread support can instead look at the renewed 64GB Apple TV 4K, but should weigh its renewed condition and 90-day limited warranty before deciding.
If the television is HD-only and the goal is basic Apple streaming, Siri voice search, and AirPlay, the renewed Apple TV HD has a narrower but understandable role. I would skip it for a 4K television or a buyer who wants current-generation picture formats. The right choice comes down to matching the box to the screen and network first, then deciding whether storage, Thread, or renewed-hardware terms matter most.
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