If you’re choosing among the best Apple TV 4K devices, the main decision is whether the newest hardware is worth more to you than a less recent model with the core viewing features intact. I’d start with the 4th-generation Apple TV 4K for its A19 chip, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, and Siri Remote with Find My. The 3rd-generation 64GB model is the more balanced A15 option, while the renewed 2nd-generation model can suit buyers who want a capable 4K streamer and accept an older chip and short warranty.
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All four picks support 4K streaming, but their differences matter: the newest model adds newer hardware and remote-finding features; the A15 models offer a strong middle ground; and the renewed A12 option carries more condition and warranty uncertainty. I compare them by generation, features, storage, and ownership tradeoffs—not by claims that every household needs the newest device.
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Key Takeaways
- The 4th-generation model is the most current pick here, with an A19 chip, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, and a Siri Remote with Find My.
- The 3rd-generation 64GB models share the A15 chip and key format support; one is renewed with a stated 90-day warranty, while the other is listed without a renewed-condition qualification.
- The renewed 2nd-generation model retains Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and the A12 Bionic chip, but its older generation and 90-day warranty make it a more cautious choice.
- HDR10+ support appears on the 3rd- and 4th-generation selections; buyers with compatible TVs can use that as a way to distinguish them from the 2nd-generation pick.
- Storage and connection details differ: the 2nd-generation model has 32GB, the 3rd-generation picks have 64GB, and the renewed 3rd-generation listing includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread.
| Apple TV 4K (4th Generation) |  | Best Overall — newest hardware and the most useful remote upgrade | Generation: 4th Generation | Chip: A19 | Video formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation) with Wi-Fi and 64GB Storage |  | Best for buyers who want a non-renewed A15 listing with clear essentials | Generation: 3rd Generation | Chip: A15 Bionic | Storage: 64GB | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Black (Renewed) |  | Best renewed A15 option — clear smart-home connectivity details | Generation: 3rd Generation | Chip: A15 Bionic | Storage: 64GB | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple TV 4K (2nd Generation, 2021), 32GB, Black (Renewed) |  | Best for buyers who want the core 4K experience in an older renewed model | Generation: 2nd Generation, 2021 | Chip: A12 Bionic | Storage: 32GB | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple TV 4K device | Generation | Chip | Audio | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K | 4th Generation | A19 | Dolby Atmos | — |
| Apple TV 4K | 3rd Generation | A15 Bionic | Dolby Atmos | 64GB |
| Apple TV 4K | 3rd Generation | A15 Bionic | Dolby Atmos | 64GB |
| Apple TV 4K | 2nd Generation, 2021 | A12 Bionic | Dolby Atmos | 32GB |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Apple TV 4K (4th Generation)
The 4th-generation Apple TV 4K takes the lead because it pairs the newest processor in this lineup with the broadest set of forward-looking conveniences. Its A19 chip sits above the A15 hardware in both 3rd-generation options and the A12 in the 2nd-generation pick. The listing supports 4K video with Dolby Vision and HDR10+, plus Dolby Atmos audio, so its appeal is not limited to processing power: it also covers the main picture and sound formats named across this group.
The most distinctive everyday addition is a Siri Remote with Find My. That feature gives this model a practical advantage over the 3rd-generation remotes listed here, which have voice control and, in one description, a touch-enabled clickpad, but no Find My claim. If the remote often disappears between couch cushions, the distinction may matter more than a chip upgrade. Siri voice control and smart-home hub functions round out the device, though the listing notes that some features depend on additional Apple devices or HomePod speakers.
Compared with the A15 models, this is the stronger choice for someone buying new-generation hardware and wanting the latest listed feature set. Compared with the renewed A12 model, it avoids the explicit renewed-condition caveat and adds HDR10+ support. Its drawback is that the listing supplies fewer practical details than the older options: storage capacity, connectivity, included items, and warranty terms are not specified. I would check those details on the item page before deciding, especially if storage or a particular network feature matters to your setup.
This pick makes the most sense when you want the most current Apple TV 4K in this comparison and value Find My for the remote. It is harder to justify if your current television and audio system cannot use the supported formats, or if you mainly want a straightforward streamer and do not care about the newer chip or remote feature. In that case, either 3rd-generation A15 model covers much of the same viewing experience with a more explicit set of listing details.
Pros:- A19 chip is the newest processor listed among these four options.
- Supports 4K with both Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Dolby Atmos, Siri voice control, and smart-home hub capabilities are listed.
- Siri Remote with Find My can help locate a misplaced remote.
Cons:- The provided listing does not specify storage capacity or connectivity details.
- Some features require additional Apple devices or HomePod speakers.
- A warranty term and included accessories are not stated in the supplied specifications.
Best for: Buyers who want the newest model in this comparison, A19 hardware, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, and a Siri Remote with Find My.
Not ideal for: Shoppers who need confirmed storage, connectivity, included accessories, or warranty details before choosing, or who only need basic 4K streaming.
- Generation:4th Generation
- Chip:A19
- Video formats:Dolby Vision, HDR10+
- Audio:Dolby Atmos
- Remote:Siri Remote with Find My
- Smart home:Can act as a smart-home hub
- Dimensions:3.67 x 3.67 x 1.22 inches
- Weight:7.7 ounces
Our verdict“I’d choose the 4th-generation model for the newest chip and Find My remote, after confirming its storage and warranty details on the listing.”
Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation) with Wi-Fi and 64GB Storage
This 3rd-generation, 64GB Apple TV 4K is my straightforward A15 pick. It offers 4K playback with Dolby Vision and HDR10+, Dolby Atmos sound, a Siri Remote with a touch-enabled clickpad, and support for AirPlay and smart-home control. The provided description does not label it renewed, which may appeal to buyers who would rather avoid the condition uncertainty attached to the two renewed listings in this roundup.
Against the renewed 3rd-generation option, the core generation, chip, storage capacity, and headline formats are closely aligned. The renewed listing gives more explicit connectivity detail, including Bluetooth and Thread, and states a 90-day limited warranty. This listing instead identifies Wi-Fi and 64GB storage and describes Apple services, AirPlay, and smart-home control. I would not assume an undocumented hardware difference between the two A15 picks; the more useful distinction is the listing’s stated condition and the details it does or does not provide.
Compared with the 4th-generation model, this one gives up the A19 chip and the listed Find My remote feature. It still covers the major video and audio formats named for that newer model, making it a sensible alternative for someone who prioritizes those formats over the latest hardware. Its 64GB storage also doubles the stated capacity of the renewed 2nd-generation option, though the information provided does not spell out how much usable space is available or how much any particular buyer will need.
The tradeoff is a thinner specification record than I’d like: the listing does not state the warranty term, and some smart-home functions depend on compatible devices or Apple services. It also requires a separate television, as any Apple TV box does. I would pick this option when I want the A15 generation and a listing that is not identified as renewed, but I’d compare its item-page warranty and condition information with the renewed A15 listing before placing an order.
Pros:- A15 Bionic chip and 64GB storage.
- Supports 4K Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos.
- Includes a Siri Remote with a touch-enabled clickpad.
- Supports AirPlay and smart-home control.
Cons:- Does not list the Find My remote feature offered by the 4th-generation pick.
- The supplied specifications do not state a warranty term.
- Smart-home control depends on compatible devices or services.
Best for: Buyers who want the 3rd-generation A15 model with 64GB storage and prefer a listing that is not identified as renewed.
Not ideal for: Shoppers who want Find My for the remote, the newest A19 hardware, or fully stated warranty and connectivity details.
- Generation:3rd Generation
- Chip:A15 Bionic
- Storage:64GB
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi
- Video:4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10+
- Audio:Dolby Atmos
- Dimensions:3.66 x 3.66 x 1.22 inches
- Weight:7.4 ounces
Our verdict“I’d choose this A15 model when I want 64GB storage and a listing not marked renewed, while checking the item page for warranty and condition specifics.”
Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Black (Renewed)
This renewed 3rd-generation Apple TV 4K is the middle-ground pick for shoppers who want the A15 platform and the listed smart-home connectivity without moving to the newest model. Its 64GB capacity, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread give the listing a more detailed connection profile than the non-renewed A15 listing in this roundup. It also supports 4K with Dolby Vision and HDR10+, plus Dolby Atmos, so the central home-theater formats remain covered.
The included Siri Remote has a touch-enabled clickpad and voice control. The device can also act as a hub for compatible smart-home accessories. That combination makes this option more appealing than the A12 model for a home that already uses compatible smart devices, and its 64GB capacity is twice the 32GB stated for that older pick. However, the supplied specifications do not establish that every Thread or smart-home function will suit every setup; buyers should check accessory compatibility rather than treating hub support as universal.
Against the other A15 model, the main compromise is renewed condition and a stated 90-day limited warranty. The non-renewed listing offers the same named chip generation, storage amount, core video and audio formats, and clickpad remote, but it does not include the same detailed Bluetooth and Thread specifications. I would choose between them based on condition preference and whether those explicit connectivity details matter—not on an assumed performance gap.
The A19-based 4th-generation device remains the more current choice and adds the listed Find My remote feature. Still, this renewed A15 model can be a practical fit for someone who wants broad format support and a specified smart-home connection set without needing that newer remote function. Its chief drawback is the limited warranty period, which makes it a less comfortable choice for buyers who want a longer or clearly stated coverage window. It also requires an HD-capable TV to get started, according to the listing, so confirm the screen connection and setup basics before buying.
Pros:- A15 Bionic chip with 64GB storage.
- Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos.
- Lists Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread connectivity.
- Includes a Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad and voice control.
Cons:- Renewed condition may not suit buyers who prefer a new or non-renewed listing.
- The stated warranty is limited to 90 days.
- Requires an HD-capable TV to get started.
Best for: Buyers who want an A15-powered 64GB Apple TV 4K with listed Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, and smart-home hub support, and are comfortable with renewed condition.
Not ideal for: Buyers who want an explicitly non-renewed listing, a longer stated warranty, or the newest A19 chip and Find My remote.
- Generation:3rd Generation
- Chip:A15 Bionic
- Storage:64GB
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread
- Video formats:Dolby Vision, HDR10+
- Audio:Dolby Atmos
- Remote:Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad
- Warranty:90-day limited warranty
Our verdict“I’d pick this renewed A15 model for its specified Thread and Bluetooth support, provided its 90-day warranty and condition are acceptable.”
Apple TV 4K (2nd Generation, 2021), 32GB, Black (Renewed)
The renewed 2nd-generation Apple TV 4K is the oldest and most cautious pick in this group, but it still has the essentials named by the listing: 4K HDR with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, an A12 Bionic chip, AirPlay, and a Siri Remote. Those features keep it relevant for a buyer whose main goal is streaming shows and movies in 4K rather than choosing the newest processor or the most extensive smart-home connection details.
Its clearest advantage over the newer options is familiarity with the core viewing formats, not a unique feature lead. The A15 models add HDR10+ and 64GB storage, while the 4th-generation model moves to an A19 chip and includes a Siri Remote with Find My. This device’s 32GB capacity is the smallest stated amount among the four, and its A12 processor is the oldest. Those gaps matter more to buyers who want additional headroom or newer hardware than to viewers focused on standard streaming use.
The condition and coverage details deserve particular attention. This is a renewed, professionally inspected and tested product, and the listing includes a 90-day limited warranty. That provides a stated coverage period, but it is short compared with what a buyer might hope for from a long-term living-room device. By contrast, the non-renewed 3rd-generation listing is not marked renewed in the supplied title, although its warranty term is not specified. I would compare the item-page condition and coverage terms rather than assuming either is better beyond the supplied information.
This is a reasonable fit for someone who wants Apple TV 4K features and accepts an older generation with a limited warranty. It is less suitable for anyone seeking HDR10+, 64GB storage, Thread connectivity, or a remote-finding feature. I rank it fourth because it is the least current option and carries explicit renewed-condition uncertainty—not because its Dolby Vision and Atmos support cease to matter. If those formats and AirPlay are enough for your setup, the model still covers a useful baseline; if you expect to keep the device for years or use smart-home features, one of the A15 or A19 choices offers a more compelling feature set.
Pros:- Supports 4K HDR with Dolby Vision.
- Dolby Atmos audio and AirPlay are listed.
- A12 Bionic chip supports apps and games.
- Includes a Siri Remote and a stated 90-day limited warranty.
Cons:- Renewed condition may carry more uncertainty than a non-renewed listing.
- 32GB storage is the lowest capacity in this comparison.
- Older A12 hardware lacks the listed HDR10+ support of the newer picks.
Best for: Buyers who want a 4K Apple streamer with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, AirPlay, and a Siri Remote, and are comfortable with a renewed older-generation device.
Not ideal for: Buyers who want HDR10+, 64GB storage, Thread, the latest chip, Find My for the remote, or a warranty longer than the stated 90 days.
- Generation:2nd Generation, 2021
- Chip:A12 Bionic
- Storage:32GB
- Resolution:4K
- Video:HDR with Dolby Vision
- Audio:Dolby Atmos
- Connectivity:Wireless; HDMI connector
- Condition:Renewed
- Warranty:90-day limited warranty
Our verdict“I’d choose this renewed 2nd-generation model only when its Dolby Vision and Atmos feature set is enough and its 90-day warranty is acceptable.”
How We Picked
I ranked these four options for buyers specifically looking for an Apple TV 4K, not for a general-purpose streaming device. I weighed generation and processor first, then picture and audio formats, storage, remote features, connectivity, smart-home functions, and the condition and warranty details provided for each listing. That puts the 4th-generation model at the top for its newer A19 hardware and Find My remote feature, followed by the A15 generation, with the A12 model last because it is both older and renewed.
Within the 3rd-generation options, the renewed 64GB listing earns the middle-ground role because its stated feature set includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, and smart-home hub support, alongside Dolby Vision and HDR10+. The non-renewed 3rd-generation listing is the cleaner choice for buyers who prefer a listing that does not identify the device as renewed, while keeping the same A15-generation fundamentals. I don’t treat these as meaningfully different performance tiers without evidence of a hardware difference.
I also separate confirmed listing details from assumptions. The 2nd-generation option explicitly states a 90-day limited warranty and renewed condition; the renewed 3rd-generation option also states a 90-day limited warranty. The other two listings do not provide a warranty term in the supplied specifications, so I don’t infer one. I excluded customer ratings and review counts from the ranking, and I did not treat missing listing details as proof that a feature is absent. The ranking reflects the information supplied and the practical consequences for a buyer choosing among these specific models.
| Apple TV 4K device | Chip | Remote | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K | A19 | Siri Remote with Find My | — |
| Apple TV 4K | A15 Bionic | — | Wi-Fi |
| Apple TV 4K | A15 Bionic | Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread |
| Apple TV 4K | A12 Bionic | — | Wireless; HDMI connector |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Apple TV 4K Devices
I’d choose among these models by matching the generation and listed features to your TV, home audio, and tolerance for a renewed device. The key question is not simply which box has the biggest chip: it is whether your setup can use the formats and smart-home features, and whether the listing gives you enough condition and warranty detail.
Pick a generation for the features you will use
The 4th-generation device leads this group with an A19 chip and a Siri Remote with Find My. The two 3rd-generation devices use the A15 Bionic chip, while the renewed 2nd-generation model uses an A12. A newer chip marks the more current option, but the supplied listings do not provide benchmarks or direct speed comparisons, so I would not promise a particular app or game will run better. For everyday streaming, the formats and remote features may be more useful decision points than the chip name alone.
If you want the newest stated hardware, choose the 4th-generation pick. If you want the A15 generation, compare the two 3rd-generation listings by condition and the connectivity information they state. The A12 device is a more limited-feature choice, particularly because it has 32GB and does not list HDR10+ support.
Match HDR and audio formats to your equipment
All four devices are presented as 4K streamers, but the formats differ. The 3rd- and 4th-generation listings name both Dolby Vision and HDR10+; the 2nd-generation renewed listing names Dolby Vision and HDR, but not HDR10+. These formats are most relevant when your TV supports them and you watch content delivered in a compatible format. A device cannot add a display capability your television does not have.
Each listing includes Dolby Atmos support. To hear Atmos, your sound system or compatible speakers also need to support the format and be set up appropriately. I would not pay attention to the audio format label alone if your current speakers cannot use it; in that case, it is better treated as compatibility for a future setup than a reason by itself to choose the newest box.
Understand the storage and connectivity differences
The two 3rd-generation picks list 64GB storage, while the 2nd-generation renewed device lists 32GB. The 4th-generation listing provided here does not state a storage capacity, so check its product page if that detail affects your decision. Storage can matter if you install more apps or games, but the supplied information does not state usable capacity or make a particular storage amount necessary for streaming.
The renewed A15 listing gives the most explicit connection set: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread. The other A15 listing specifies Wi-Fi, and the 2nd-generation listing describes wireless connectivity and an HDMI connector. Thread support may matter to buyers building a compatible smart-home setup; it is not a reason to pay attention to this model if you do not use compatible accessories. Confirm your TV has a suitable HDMI connection and that your home network is ready before buying any of these boxes.
Treat renewed condition and warranty as real tradeoffs
Two picks are explicitly renewed: the 2021 2nd-generation model and the 3rd-generation A15 model. Both state a 90-day limited warranty, and the older model is described as professionally inspected and tested. That information helps clarify the listing, but it does not remove the difference between renewed and non-renewed condition. If condition is a priority, the 3rd-generation listing not marked renewed may be a better starting point; its supplied details do not state a warranty term, so check the current listing before making a decision.
For the 4th-generation option, the supplied details do not state a warranty or condition label. I would verify both rather than assuming they match another model. In every case, review the seller’s current condition description, what is included in the box, and the exact coverage terms. A short stated warranty can make a renewed device a less appealing long-term choice even when the feature list looks familiar.
Choose a remote and smart-home setup that fits your household
The 4th-generation model’s Find My remote is the standout remote feature in this comparison. The A15 listings describe Siri voice control and a touch-enabled clickpad, while the 2nd-generation listing includes a Siri Remote without listing Find My. If remotes are routinely misplaced, the newer feature could have more everyday value than the difference between chip generations.
Smart-home support is not identical across the listings. The renewed 3rd-generation device names Thread and says it can act as a hub for compatible accessories. The 4th-generation description also lists hub functions, with some features requiring additional Apple devices or HomePod speakers. The other A15 listing supports smart-home control. Check that your accessories are compatible and that the specific hub functions you want are supported before treating any Apple TV as a complete home-control solution.
Decide whether a newer model is worth the extra features to you
Because this lineup includes one A19 model, two A15 models, and one renewed A12 model, the ranking gives the newest generation the lead while preserving distinct reasons to choose the others. I would favor the A19 device for its Find My remote and current hardware, assuming its storage, condition, and coverage details suit you. The A15 options are strong alternatives for buyers who want HDR10+ and 64GB storage without needing the newest listed remote feature.
The renewed A12 model suits a narrower buyer: someone content with 4K, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, AirPlay, and 32GB, and willing to accept a renewed device with a 90-day warranty. If you do not need HDR10+, Thread, or newer hardware, it may still meet your streaming needs. If you want a device to anchor a compatible smart-home system or prefer more current features, I’d move up to an A15 or A19 selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Apple TV 4K is the best overall pick in this comparison?
I rank the 4th-generation Apple TV 4K first because it has the newest listed chip, the A19, and adds a Siri Remote with Find My. It also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, Siri voice control, and smart-home hub functions. The listing does not state storage, connectivity, or warranty details, so I would confirm those before buying. If those details or the Find My remote are not priorities, either A15-based 3rd-generation model may be a more fitting choice.
What is the difference between the two 3rd-generation Apple TV 4K options here?
Both list an A15 Bionic chip, 64GB storage, 4K video, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, and a Siri Remote with a touch-enabled clickpad. One is explicitly marked renewed and lists Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, and a 90-day limited warranty. The other is not identified as renewed in the supplied title and specifies Wi-Fi, AirPlay, and smart-home control, but does not state a warranty term in the provided details. I would compare the current item-page condition and coverage rather than assume a performance difference.
Is the renewed 2nd-generation Apple TV 4K still worth considering?
It can suit buyers who mainly want 4K streaming with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, AirPlay, and a Siri Remote. Its A12 chip and 32GB storage make it the oldest and lowest-capacity option in this group, and it does not list HDR10+ support. The renewed condition and stated 90-day limited warranty are meaningful tradeoffs. I would choose it only if those limits fit your needs and you do not need the newer formats, storage, or smart-home connectivity details found on the A15 and A19 picks.
Do I need a TV that supports Dolby Vision or HDR10+ to use these devices?
You need a compatible television to take advantage of those specific picture formats. The 3rd- and 4th-generation listings name both Dolby Vision and HDR10+, while the 2nd-generation listing names Dolby Vision and HDR. A 4K TV can still display 4K video, but the picture-format result depends on the TV and the content. I recommend checking your television’s supported formats before treating HDR10+ or Dolby Vision as a deciding feature.
Does Dolby Atmos support mean I will get Atmos sound automatically?
No. The device listings include Dolby Atmos support, but your audio equipment and content also need to support the format, and the system needs to be connected and configured compatibly. If you use television speakers or a sound system without Atmos support, that feature may not change what you hear. I would treat Atmos as a useful compatibility feature for a suitable setup, not as a promise that every playback situation will deliver Atmos audio.
Conclusion
For the buyer who wants the newest Apple TV 4K and values a remote that can be located, I’d choose the 4th-generation A19 model, after checking the listing’s storage and warranty details. For a buyer who wants an A15 model with 64GB, the non-renewed 3rd-generation listing is the clearer starting point if avoiding renewed condition matters; choose the renewed A15 listing instead if its stated Thread and Bluetooth details better match your smart-home setup and its 90-day warranty is acceptable. If your main priority is a familiar set of 4K, Dolby Vision, Atmos, and AirPlay features, and you can accept older hardware, the renewed 2nd-generation model is the narrow-use pick. I would skip that older option if you want HDR10+, more stated storage, or newer-generation features.
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