Choosing among these Apple TV streaming devices comes down to whether you need 4K, a wired network connection, or a lower-spec way into Apple’s streaming ecosystem. My overall pick is the Apple TV 4K with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and 128GB: it combines the A15 chip, HDR formats, Dolby Atmos, and a physical Ethernet port. The renewed 64GB Apple TV 4K keeps the same core 4K picture and processing features in a Wi-Fi-only configuration, while the renewed Apple TV HD is the only 1080p option here.
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The distinctions matter more than the shared Apple branding. Both 4K models support Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos, but only the 128GB model lists Ethernet, and the 64GB unit is renewed with a stated 90-day limited warranty. The older HD model gives up 4K and uses an A8 chip, so I’d treat it as a fit for a 1080p screen rather than an equivalent alternative. I rank these by picture capability, connectivity, storage, and the tradeoffs buyers should understand before choosing.
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Key Takeaways
- The 128GB Apple TV 4K is the strongest all-around fit here because it pairs A15 performance and 4K HDR formats with both Wi-Fi and Ethernet.
- The renewed 64GB Apple TV 4K offers the same listed A15 chip and 4K video formats, but it has Wi-Fi connectivity and a 90-day limited warranty.
- The Apple TV HD is limited to 1080p and an older A8 chip, so I’d reserve it for an HD television or a buyer who does not need 4K playback.
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+ are useful only when the television and the specific content support those formats; the Apple TV alone cannot add them to an incompatible screen.
- The 128GB model’s Ethernet connection can suit a wired home network, while the 64GB renewed model’s Thread support may appeal to a compatible smart-home setup.
| Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation) with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and 128GB Storage |  | Best Overall | Generation: 3rd generation | Processor: A15 Bionic | Storage: 128GB | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation, 2022), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Black (Renewed) |  | Best Renewed 4K Option | Generation: 3rd generation (2022) | Processor: A15 Bionic | Storage: 64GB | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple TV HD (4th Generation), 32GB, Black (Renewed) |  | Best for an HD-Only Television | Model: Apple TV (4th Generation) | Resolution: 1080p (1920 × 1080) | Processor: Apple A8 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple TV 4K streaming device | Processor | Storage | Connectivity | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K | A15 Bionic | 128GB | Wi-Fi and Ethernet | Dolby Atmos |
| Apple TV 4K | A15 Bionic | 64GB | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread | Dolby Atmos |
| Apple TV HD | Apple A8 | 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
The 128GB Apple TV 4K takes first place because it is the most flexible option in this group. Its A15 Bionic chip supports 4K playback with Dolby Vision and HDR10+, while Dolby Atmos covers compatible audio setups. Compared with the renewed 64GB model, its clearest advantage is the listed Ethernet port alongside Wi-Fi. That gives buyers the choice of a wired connection when their router is nearby or wireless placement when it is not.
Storage is another point of separation: this model has 128GB, twice the capacity listed for the renewed 64GB 4K option. That may appeal to households that install more apps and games, though the supplied details do not quantify how much storage a typical viewer needs. For someone who mainly opens a few streaming apps, the 64GB model may already be enough; I would not treat extra storage alone as a reason every buyer needs this version.
Apple’s platform features add to its appeal if the household already uses compatible devices. It supports AirPlay, Siri, Apple services, and smart-home control as a home hub. One limitation in the supplied information is that hands-free voice control requires a separate HomePod mini; Siri support through the remote is not the same as speaking to the TV device from across the room. Compared with the HD model, this is the clear choice for a 4K display, but it may be more device than an HD-only television requires.
I rank it ahead of the renewed 64GB version for its Ethernet option and larger storage, not because the listed picture formats or processor are different. It is the strongest pick for a buyer seeking the most complete feature set among these three, with the caveat that network flexibility and capacity matter only if they match the way the device will be used.
Pros:- 4K playback with Dolby Vision and HDR10+
- A15 Bionic chip and Dolby Atmos support
- Both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
- 128GB storage plus AirPlay, Siri, and compatible smart-home hub support
Cons:- Hands-free voice control requires a separate HomePod mini
- Its extra storage and Ethernet are of little use to buyers who only need basic wireless streaming
Best for: Buyers with a 4K television who want Ethernet as well as Wi-Fi, 128GB storage, and Apple smart-home and AirPlay features.
Not ideal for: People with only a 1080p television, or viewers who want a simpler streaming box and do not need Ethernet or the larger storage capacity.
- Generation:3rd generation
- Processor:A15 Bionic
- Storage:128GB
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi and Ethernet
- Video:4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10+
- Audio:Dolby Atmos
- Dimensions:3.66 x 3.66 x 1.22 inches
- Weight:7.5 ounces
Our verdict“I recommend this as the most versatile Apple TV in the group for a 4K household that values wired networking and extra storage.”
Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation, 2022), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Black (Renewed)
The renewed 64GB Apple TV 4K preserves the main reason to choose this lineup: current-generation 4K playback features backed by the A15 Bionic chip. Its supplied specifications list Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos, matching the core video and audio capabilities of the 128GB model. If those are the features a buyer wants, this is not a lesser-resolution alternative; it is a 4K model with a different connection and storage profile.
Compared with my overall pick, it has 64GB instead of 128GB and lists Wi-Fi rather than Ethernet. It also adds Bluetooth and Thread in its connectivity details. Thread can be relevant to a buyer with compatible smart-home equipment, but it will not replace a wired network connection for someone who specifically wants Ethernet. I would choose this version when wireless streaming is suitable and the renewed condition is acceptable, rather than simply assuming its lower storage makes it unsuitable.
The listing specifies a 90-day limited warranty, a concrete point to weigh against the first-place model, whose supplied details do not state a warranty. Renewed status still means buyers should read the current seller and condition terms; the stated coverage window is not the same as a new-product warranty. The USB-C-charging Siri Remote and touch-enabled clickpad give it a modern control setup, and Apple’s streaming and smart-home support keep it aligned with the other 4K option.
Against the Apple TV HD, this model is the better match for a 4K display because it supports 4K formats and uses the A15 rather than the older A8. Against the 128GB model, it gives up wired networking and half the listed storage. I place it second because it retains the core 4K experience while asking the buyer to accept a renewed unit and fewer connection and capacity options.
Pros:- 4K Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
- A15 Bionic processor with Dolby Atmos support
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread connectivity
- Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad and USB-C charging
Cons:- Renewed condition with a stated 90-day limited warranty
- No Ethernet connection is listed
- 64GB storage is half the capacity of the first-place model
Best for: Buyers who want the A15-powered 4K features and Dolby formats, use Wi-Fi, and are comfortable purchasing a renewed device with a stated 90-day limited warranty.
Not ideal for: Anyone who needs Ethernet, wants 128GB storage, prefers a new device, or has a television limited to 1080p.
- Generation:3rd generation (2022)
- Processor:A15 Bionic
- Storage:64GB
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread
- Video:4K Dolby Vision, HDR10+
- Audio:Dolby Atmos
- Remote:Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad, USB-C charging
- Warranty:90-day limited warranty
- Condition:Renewed
Our verdict“I’d choose this renewed model for 4K performance over Wi-Fi when its 64GB capacity and limited warranty fit the buyer’s needs.”
Apple TV HD (4th Generation), 32GB, Black (Renewed)
The Apple TV HD serves a narrower purpose than the two 4K devices: it streams at 1080p, so it is best matched to an HD television or a setup where 4K playback is not required. It includes Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 audio, Siri voice search through its remote, AirPlay, and support for streaming apps, games, and Apple services. Those features can still make it a useful Apple-branded streamer for an HD screen.
The main compromise is not subtle. Both Apple TV 4K models support 4K video and HDR formats, while this fourth-generation HD model stops at 1080p and uses the A8 chip instead of the A15. That puts it behind the other two for a modern 4K television and gives it less headroom for demanding apps and games. If the buyer’s screen is 4K, I would favor either 4K option rather than choosing the HD model as a way to save capability they may soon want.
It has 32GB of storage and lists wireless connectivity, HDMI, and a Siri Remote with voice control. Unlike the renewed 64GB Apple TV 4K, the supplied details do not specify Thread support, Dolby Atmos, or a warranty period. The listing identifies the device as renewed, so I’d check its current condition description and coverage terms before buying; the absence of warranty details here should not be read as proof that no coverage exists.
I rank this third because the roundup focuses on Apple TV 4K streaming devices, and this is the only product that cannot stream in 4K. It earns a place as the HD-specific choice, not as a rival to the A15 models. Compared with the renewed 64GB 4K model, it may suit a television that cannot display 4K, but buyers planning a screen upgrade should start with one of the 4K options.
Pros:- 1080p HD streaming for an HD television
- Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 audio support
- Siri Remote voice search and AirPlay
- Supports streaming apps, games, and Apple services
Cons:- Does not support 4K video, Dolby Vision, or HDR10+
- Uses the older A8 processor rather than the A15 in both 4K models
- Renewed listing provides no warranty detail in the supplied specifications
Best for: A buyer using a 1080p television who wants Siri voice search, AirPlay, and Apple streaming services without needing 4K output.
Not ideal for: Owners of a 4K television, viewers seeking HDR formats or Dolby Atmos, and buyers who want newer A15 hardware or specified warranty coverage.
- Model:Apple TV (4th Generation)
- Resolution:1080p (1920 × 1080)
- Processor:Apple A8
- Storage:32GB
- Connectivity:Wireless
- Audio:Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
- Controller:Siri Remote with voice control
- Condition:Renewed
Our verdict“I’d pick this only for an HD television or a buyer who has no need for 4K, since both other options are more capable for modern screens.”
How We Picked
I ranked these three options around the decision implied by the title: which Apple TV model makes the most sense for streaming on the screen and network a buyer already has. I gave the most weight to 4K support and HDR compatibility, because those determine whether a device can take advantage of a modern television’s picture capabilities. I then compared processing hardware, connectivity, storage, audio support, and the condition information supplied for each listing.
The two Apple TV 4K products share the A15 Bionic chip, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos in their supplied specifications. Their practical differences are connectivity and storage: the 128GB model lists both Wi-Fi and Ethernet, while the renewed 64GB model lists Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread. That makes the 128GB version my lead recommendation for buyers who want more flexibility, while the 64GB version remains a capable 4K choice for people comfortable with wireless networking and a renewed unit.
I placed the Apple TV HD third because it tops out at 1080p and uses the A8 processor. It can still serve a purpose with an HD television, Siri voice search, and AirPlay, but it is not a close match for the 4K models when the goal is 4K playback. Its listing identifies it as renewed but provides no warranty detail, so I would check the seller’s current condition and coverage terms before choosing it. I did not infer unlisted capabilities or claim hands-on testing; the ranking follows the supplied features and stated tradeoffs.
| Apple TV 4K streaming device | Processor | Connectivity | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K | A15 Bionic | Wi-Fi and Ethernet | Dolby Atmos |
| Apple TV 4K | A15 Bionic | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread | Dolby Atmos |
| Apple TV HD | Apple A8 | Wireless | Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Apple TV 4K Streaming Devices
My shortlist separates into two clear groups: two 4K models with the A15 chip and one older 1080p model. Start with the television and the way you connect to the home network; those choices matter more than small differences in the product names.
Match the device to your television
If your screen supports 4K, the Apple TV 4K models are the natural match in this group. Both list Dolby Vision and HDR10+, which can provide compatible content with a wider range of brightness and color than standard dynamic range. The television and the specific program must support the relevant format; buying a 4K streaming box does not make an HD television display 4K or grant every title HDR.
The Apple TV HD makes more sense for a 1080p screen that will stay in use. Its 1080p output is sufficient for that display, but it cannot deliver the 4K formats offered by the other two products. If a television upgrade is on the horizon, choosing one of the 4K models avoids making the streaming device the limiting part of the setup.
Choose between Ethernet and Wi-Fi
The first-place 128GB model is the only one here that explicitly lists Ethernet and Wi-Fi. A wired connection may suit a device placed near a router or network switch, especially when a buyer prefers a fixed network link. Wi-Fi is more convenient for a television located elsewhere, and the renewed 64GB model lists Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread.
Do not treat Ethernet as a picture-quality upgrade on its own: a stable wireless network can stream well, too. I’d select the 128GB model when Ethernet is part of the plan, and the 64GB option when Wi-Fi meets the household’s needs. The HD model lists wireless connectivity, but its more decisive distinction is the 1080p video ceiling.
Decide how much storage is useful
The 4K choices list 128GB and 64GB, while the HD model lists 32GB. More capacity can leave room for a larger collection of installed apps and games, but the supplied information does not state how much space a particular streaming household will use. A viewer who mostly opens a handful of video apps may not need to prioritize the highest capacity.
I would treat storage as a supporting factor, not the first decision. First decide whether you need 4K and Ethernet. Then weigh 128GB against 64GB based on how many apps and games you expect to keep installed. The HD model’s 32GB capacity comes with the much larger tradeoff of 1080p-only video, so it should be chosen for its screen match rather than storage alone.
Check HDR, audio, and smart-home compatibility
Both A15-powered options list Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos. These formats matter when the television, sound system, and content support them. A compatible television can use Dolby Vision or HDR10+ picture output, while a compatible soundbar or receiver can handle Dolby Atmos audio. The Apple TV is only one part of that chain.
The HD model lists Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 rather than Dolby Atmos in the supplied specifications. It still offers surround-sound support, but buyers building a 4K HDR and Atmos setup should choose one of the 4K models. The 128GB model also supports Apple smart-home control as a home hub, while the 64GB model’s listed Thread connectivity may matter to people with compatible accessories.
Weigh renewed condition and stated coverage
Two listings are marked renewed: the 64GB Apple TV 4K and the Apple TV HD. The 64GB 4K product specifies a 90-day limited warranty; the HD product’s supplied specifications do not state a warranty period. I’d review the current listing’s condition notes, seller information, return terms, and coverage before making either renewed option my choice.
The first-place 128GB model is not identified as renewed in the supplied product title, but the provided details also do not state a warranty. I would avoid assuming coverage terms from the model name alone. For buyers who place a high priority on the condition or warranty, confirm those details on the live listing rather than relying on general expectations about refurbished electronics.
Pick the remote and Apple features that fit your household
The two 4K descriptions include a Siri Remote with a touch-enabled clickpad; the renewed 64GB listing also specifies USB-C charging. The HD listing describes a Siri Remote with voice control. Siri search can help locate shows without typing every title, while AirPlay lets compatible devices share content with the television.
Apple services and smart-home control will matter most to people already using compatible Apple devices or accessories. The 128GB model’s home-hub role and the 64GB model’s Thread specification may help guide a smart-home buyer, but compatibility depends on the accessories and setup. Anyone who only wants to open streaming apps can focus on the video format, network connection, and condition rather than treating every ecosystem feature as necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Apple TV is the best fit for most 4K televisions?
I’d start with the 128GB Apple TV 4K because it combines the A15 chip and the listed 4K HDR formats with both Wi-Fi and Ethernet. The renewed 64GB model has the same stated core video formats and processor, so it can be the better fit for someone who uses Wi-Fi and is comfortable with renewed condition. The choice between them is mainly about connection options, storage, and listing terms.
Is the renewed 64GB Apple TV 4K a different generation from the 128GB model?
No. The supplied details identify both as third-generation Apple TV 4K models powered by the A15 Bionic chip. Both list Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos. Their stated differences include 64GB versus 128GB storage and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread on the renewed model versus Wi-Fi and Ethernet on the 128GB option.
Should I buy the Apple TV HD for a 4K television?
I would choose the Apple TV HD for a television that displays up to 1080p, not as the main option for a 4K screen. It can stream HD video and offers Siri voice search, AirPlay, and Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 audio, but it does not list 4K, Dolby Vision, or HDR10+. Either Apple TV 4K model is a closer match for a 4K television.
Do I need Ethernet for Apple TV 4K streaming?
No. Ethernet is optional, and the renewed 64GB Apple TV 4K lists Wi-Fi connectivity. A wired connection can suit a device positioned near a router or a buyer who prefers a cable, while Wi-Fi offers more flexible placement. I’d favor the 128GB model if Ethernet is a requirement; otherwise, a reliable wireless network may be sufficient for the 4K option.
What should I check before choosing a renewed Apple TV?
Check the listing’s condition description, seller details, return policy, and warranty coverage. The renewed 64GB Apple TV 4K specifies a 90-day limited warranty, while the supplied Apple TV HD details do not give a warranty period. Confirm that the television supports the output you want, too: the HD model is limited to 1080p, while the two 4K models list 4K playback and HDR formats.
Conclusion
For most buyers with a 4K television, I recommend the 128GB Apple TV 4K: it has the strongest combination of A15 performance, HDR support, Dolby Atmos, Ethernet, and storage in this shortlist. Choose the renewed 64GB Apple TV 4K if Wi-Fi is enough and you want the same listed core 4K formats in a renewed configuration; review its stated 90-day limited warranty and condition terms first. The Apple TV HD is best reserved for a 1080p television or a setup that does not need 4K. Its lower resolution and older A8 processor make it the least future-ready choice for a 4K screen, but it remains the targeted option for an HD-only setup.
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