The biggest performance upgrade is that the new Apple TV 4K now supports streaming high-frame-rate HDR at 60fps along with Dolby Vision 4K and Dolby Atmos audio. Siri search also seemed to deliver results a little faster. Based on my non-scientific count, apps took around four to six seconds to open on the old box on the Apple TV 4K 2nd-gen, it’s two to three seconds. Now, apps open a bit more quickly than they did on the first-gen box.
The old Apple TV 4K was already snappier than the Roku Streaming Stick Plus and Fire TV Stick 4K. The new Apple TV 4K runs on an A12 Bionic chip, which enables fast and smooth performance. On the back are the power port, upgraded HDMI port (version 2.1) and Ethernet port. On the front is a tiny LED light that indicates the box is on. The dimensions of the sleek black box are similar and it weighs 15 ounces. The Apple TV 4K 2nd-gen looks the same as the old one. What you’re really paying for is an Apple device that works seamlessly with other Apple products (like the iPhone and Apple Watch) to create a happy Apple atmosphere, as well as the Apple’s TVs selection of apps and games. So, essentially, the Apple TV 4K 2021 offers similar features to these competitors at over three times the cost.
All three of those devices come with decent remotes, too. The same goes for the Fire TV Stick 4K and Chromecast With Google TV, which are the same price. It’s also capable of displaying HDR content at 60fps. Our top pick among the best streaming devices, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus, retails at just $49.99 (though you can often find it with a discount). The Apple TV 4K (2021) is, by far, the most expensive 4K streaming device on the market.