What are the "pros and cons" of the Apple TV 4K models? Is one worth it?

There are two Apple TV 4K models -- the original Apple TV 4K, introduced in 2017 and now discontinued -- and the current Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen). These are much faster than earlier Apple TV devices and are the only to support 4K video.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Apple TV 4K - 2nd Gen)

A quick review of the pros and cons of the device can help you determine whether or not one of the Apple TV 4K models are best for you:

Pros:

• Support for 4K video (2160p) as well as HDR video (Dolby Vision and HDR10) on both models. The Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen) goes a step further and adds high-frame rate HDR with Dolby Vision (HLG up to 2160p, 60 fps).
• Faster processors and more RAM than any earlier Apple TV model.
• Simple to connect to an HD or UHD (4K) television with an HDMI port and setup for streaming.
• Gigabit Ethernet standard on both models.
• HDMI 2.0a and simultaneous dual-band 802.11ac with MIMO support standard on the original Apple TV 4K and HDMI 2.1 and even faster 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 on the Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen).
• Support for Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 sound on both models and Dolby Atmos on the Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen).
• Siri can save time.
• App store provides apps and games beyond just streaming.
• The silver Siri Remote (A2540, EMC 3732, MJFM3LL/A) provided with the Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen) works well.
• Not much more expensive than the non-4K Apple TV HD.

Cons:

• Although it always is getting better, Siri functionality needs work.
• The glass surfaced remote provided with the original Apple TV 4K is awkward as well as fragile and easy to break.
• Upscaling of non-4K video often does not improve quality.
• No support for Dolby Atmos audio on the original Apple TV 4K.
• No optical audio out.
• Does not have any ability to record programming.
• Hardware cannot be upgraded -- processor, RAM or storage.
• Expensive.

Is the Apple TV 4K worth it?

Whether or not the original Apple TV 4K or Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen) is "worth it" definitely is a personal opinion.

The Apple TV 4K is not a necessity of life, but if you have a 4K television and want the arguably best designed option to rent and purchase content from Apple's ecosystem, stream content from Macs and iOS devices to your television, and have access to a significant range of third-party apps and games, the Apple TV 4K is the best option available.

Even when new, the Apple TV 4K only costs US$30 more than the non-4K Apple TV HD and likely will have software support for longer, so it is the most logical purchase for most people who want an Apple TV.

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