Choosing among these three Apple TV streaming devices comes down to picture quality, connection options, and how much age and renewed condition you will accept. I rank the 128GB Apple TV 4K first because it combines 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos, Ethernet, and smart-home features in one package. The renewed 64GB Apple TV 4K keeps the same A15 chip and modern video formats, but gives up Ethernet and comes with a shorter stated warranty. The older Apple TV HD is the basic 1080p choice, not a like-for-like alternative to the 4K models.
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The key tradeoff is not simply storage: it is the balance between current-format playback and a lower-spec, older device. I would favor a 4K model for a compatible television, especially if Dolby Vision or HDR10+ matters. The HD model may fit a secondary 1080p screen, but its age and resolution cap make it a limited choice for a main living-room setup.
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- Best overall: The 128GB Apple TV 4K adds Ethernet to 4K Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, and the A15 Bionic chip.
- Best for a simpler 4K setup: The renewed 64GB model retains the A15 chip and 4K formats but is Wi-Fi-only and has a 90-day limited warranty.
- Best for an older 1080p screen: The Apple TV HD supports 1080p, AirPlay, and Siri voice search, but cannot deliver 4K or the newer HDR formats.
- Connection choice matters: Ethernet on the 128GB model can suit a wired network, while the two other listed devices depend on wireless connectivity.
- Check your display first: A 4K model’s picture features require a compatible TV, and the Apple TV HD is a better match for a screen that tops out at 1080p.
| Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation) with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and 128GB Storage |  | Best Overall | Generation: Apple TV 4K, 3rd generation | Storage: 128GB | Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Ethernet | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation, 2022), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Black (Renewed) |  | Best Renewed 4K Option | Generation: Apple TV 4K, 3rd generation (2022) | Storage: 64GB | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple TV HD 32GB (4th Generation, 2015), Black (Renewed) |  | Best for a Secondary 1080p TV | Generation: Apple TV 4th generation (2015) | Storage: 32GB | Resolution: 1080p (1920 × 1080) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple TV streaming device | Generation | Storage | Connectivity | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K | Apple TV 4K, 3rd generation | 128GB | Wi-Fi and Ethernet | Dolby Atmos |
| Apple TV 4K | Apple TV 4K, 3rd generation (2022) | 64GB | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread | Dolby Atmos |
| Apple TV HD 32GB | Apple TV 4th generation (2015) | 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 place this model first because it is the most complete fit for a buyer building around a current 4K television. Its A15 Bionic chip powers playback in 4K with Dolby Vision and HDR10+, while Dolby Atmos support can pass immersive audio to compatible equipment. Compared with the renewed 64GB Apple TV 4K, the central advantage is not a different listed processor or video format: it is the combination of Ethernet and 128GB storage in this configuration.
Ethernet is useful if the television area already has a wired network connection or if you prefer not to rely on Wi-Fi for streaming. That does not mean Wi-Fi is inadequate for every household; a stable wireless network may make the port less important. The added storage also gives this model more room than the 64GB alternative, though buyers should not assume extra storage makes streams look better. I would view it as added capacity, not a picture-quality upgrade.
The Siri Remote with a touch-enabled clickpad, AirPlay support, Apple services, and smart-home control make this more than a basic video box for people already using compatible Apple and smart-home products. The tradeoff is that some connected features rely on those other devices or services, so the appeal is smaller for someone outside that ecosystem. It also needs a separate display, and its 4K HDR benefits only apply when the TV and viewing setup support the relevant formats.
Against the Apple TV HD, this is the much stronger main-screen choice: it offers 4K rather than 1080p and adds newer HDR formats. The HD model might still make sense for a secondary screen, but I would not choose it to complement a 4K television if picture capability is the priority. This 128GB version is best for a buyer who wants the broadest set of listed features and expects to keep the device at the center of a home entertainment setup.
Pros:- Supports 4K video with Dolby Vision and HDR10+
- Includes Ethernet as well as Wi-Fi
- A15 Bionic chip and 128GB storage
- Dolby Atmos, AirPlay, Siri Remote, and compatible Apple smart-home features
Cons:- Requires a separate compatible TV or display to use its video features
- Some Apple and smart-home functions depend on compatible devices, services, or accessories
Best for: Buyers with a compatible 4K TV who want Dolby Vision and HDR10+, Ethernet, more listed storage, and Apple smart-home integration in one device.
Not ideal for: People using only a 1080p screen, those who do not need wired networking or the extra storage, or buyers seeking a standalone display rather than a streaming box.
- Generation:Apple TV 4K, 3rd generation
- Storage:128GB
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi and Ethernet
- Processor:A15 Bionic
- Video:4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10+
- Audio:Dolby Atmos
- Remote:Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad
- Dimensions and weight:3.66 × 3.66 × 1.22 inches; 7.5 ounces
Our verdict“I recommend this as the most versatile pick for a 4K household that can use its Ethernet connection and wants the fuller 128GB configuration.”
Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation, 2022), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Black (Renewed)
This renewed 64GB model keeps the features that matter most for 4K viewing: the A15 Bionic chip, 4K Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, and a Siri Remote with a touch-enabled clickpad. It is therefore much closer to the 128GB Apple TV 4K in viewing capability than the older Apple TV HD is. If your screen supports 4K and the relevant HDR formats, this model can serve as a modern streaming hub without requiring the larger-storage, Ethernet-equipped configuration.
The main compromise is straightforward: this listing specifies Wi-Fi connectivity, while the top-ranked 128GB model includes Ethernet. For a household with reliable wireless service, losing the wired port may not change day-to-day use. If your network setup is wired, or if you specifically want a physical network connection by the television, the 128GB option is the more fitting choice. Storage is also half the capacity of the top pick, which matters more to buyers who want additional local space than to those who mainly stream.
Because this device is marked renewed, its condition and stated warranty deserve attention before choosing it. The supplied listing identifies a 90-day limited warranty. That is a more constrained warranty detail than a buyer may want when comparing with a new-product listing, so I would make the condition policy part of the decision rather than focusing only on the shared A15 and 4K features. Its USB-C-charging Siri Remote and Thread support are part of the listed configuration, though compatible accessories are needed to make use of smart-home connectivity.
Compared with the Apple TV HD, the renewed 4K has a clear advantage for a current high-resolution television: it supports 4K HDR formats and Atmos rather than stopping at 1080p. Compared with the 128GB model, though, it gives up Ethernet and capacity while retaining much of the same core playback capability. I see it as the sensible fit for buyers who want modern Apple TV 4K features, are comfortable with renewed condition, and do not need a wired connection or 128GB of storage.
Pros:- 4K playback with Dolby Vision and HDR10+
- A15 Bionic processor and Dolby Atmos audio support
- Includes Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad and USB-C charging
- Supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread
Cons:- Renewed condition with a stated 90-day limited warranty
- Wi-Fi-only configuration lacks the Ethernet connection listed on the 128GB model
- 64GB storage is less than the top-ranked configuration
Best for: Buyers who want A15-powered 4K Dolby Vision and HDR10+ playback on Wi-Fi and are comfortable buying a renewed device with a stated 90-day limited warranty.
Not ideal for: People who require Ethernet, prefer a new-condition listing, want 128GB storage, or have only a 1080p television.
- Generation:Apple TV 4K, 3rd generation (2022)
- Storage:64GB
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread
- Processor:A15 Bionic
- Video:4K Dolby Vision and HDR10+
- Audio:Dolby Atmos
- Remote:Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad and USB-C charging
- Condition and warranty:Renewed; 90-day limited warranty
Our verdict“I would choose this renewed model when 4K playback matters more than Ethernet or extra storage and its condition terms suit the buyer.”
Apple TV HD 32GB (4th Generation, 2015), Black (Renewed)
The Apple TV HD has a narrower role than either 4K model: it is a renewed streaming box for a display that tops out at 1080p. It supports Siri voice search, AirPlay, streaming apps, games, music, and Apple services, so it still covers familiar media-center basics. But its resolution is the decisive limitation. On a 4K television, the 128GB and 64GB Apple TV 4K options are better aligned with the screen and add Dolby Vision and HDR10+ playback.
For a secondary bedroom television, an older 1080p set, or a setup where 4K is not available, its capabilities may be sufficient. The 32GB storage and wireless connectivity keep the configuration simpler than the top-ranked model, but this listing does not provide the newer 4K options’ A15 processor or their stated HDR formats. Buyers should focus less on the familiar Apple features and more on whether the older hardware and resolution fit the screen they plan to use.
Audio support is listed as Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, which may suit compatible audio equipment, but it is not the same format claim as Dolby Atmos on the 4K devices. The product is also renewed and from the 2015 generation, making its age a meaningful tradeoff for a device intended to access streaming apps and services. I would check that the apps and services you depend on support this older model before making it the centerpiece of a setup.
Compared with the two Apple TV 4K models, this one is a purpose-specific choice, not an equal alternative. It makes more sense for a spare 1080p screen than for a new home theater or a 4K upgrade. A buyer with a 4K television should generally move up to one of the A15-based models; the choice between those then turns on Ethernet, storage, and whether renewed condition is acceptable. I rank this third because its useful features do not overcome its 1080p ceiling for most buyers shopping specifically for an Apple TV streaming device today.
Pros:- Streams video at 1080p HD
- Supports Siri voice search and AirPlay
- Provides access to streaming apps, games, music, and Apple services
- Supports Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 audio
Cons:- Resolution is limited to 1080p, unlike both Apple TV 4K options
- Renewed device from the 2015 generation
- Listed details specify wireless connectivity and do not include the 4K models’ A15 chip or newer HDR formats
Best for: Someone adding Apple streaming, AirPlay, and Siri voice search to a secondary 1080p television who accepts renewed condition and older hardware.
Not ideal for: Buyers with a 4K television, anyone seeking Dolby Vision or HDR10+, or people who want a current-generation Apple TV as their primary streaming device.
- Generation:Apple TV 4th generation (2015)
- Storage:32GB
- Resolution:1080p (1920 × 1080)
- Connectivity:Wireless
- Audio:Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
- Processor and memory:2GB RAM; processor not specified in supplied details
- Controller:Remote control with voice control
- Condition and model:Renewed; model MR912BZ/A
Our verdict“I would reserve this renewed Apple TV HD for a secondary 1080p screen rather than choose it for a main 4K setup.”
How We Picked
I ranked these devices around the decision a buyer actually faces: whether to choose a modern 4K Apple TV, a renewed version with fewer connection options, or an older HD model. I gave the most weight to video and audio capabilities, because a device intended for a 4K television should make use of that display rather than cap output at 1080p. Support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos helps distinguish the two Apple TV 4K models from the older Apple TV HD.
I also compared connectivity, storage, and ownership conditions. Ethernet gives the 128GB model a practical advantage for a wired home network; Wi-Fi-only buyers may not need that benefit. Storage is part of the comparison, but it does not by itself change picture quality. The renewed 64GB option includes the same named A15 Bionic processor and current-generation video formats, while its condition and stated 90-day limited warranty add a different ownership tradeoff from the 128GB listing.
Finally, I considered who can use each device well. All three require a separate television or display, and the supplied details note that some features depend on other Apple devices, services, or compatible smart-home accessories. I did not treat the older HD model as an equivalent substitute for the 4K options: its strongest case is a 1080p screen or a secondary setup. That is why it ranks third, even though its 1080p playback, Siri voice search, and AirPlay support may suit a narrower group.
| Apple TV streaming device | Generation | Connectivity | Audio | Remote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K | Apple TV 4K, 3rd generation | Wi-Fi and Ethernet | Dolby Atmos | Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad |
| Apple TV 4K | Apple TV 4K, 3rd generation (2022) | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread | Dolby Atmos | Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad and USB-C charging |
| Apple TV HD 32GB | Apple TV 4th generation (2015) | Wireless | Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Apple TV Streaming Devices
I would start with the television and network you already own, then weigh the different ownership tradeoffs. These three devices are not equally suited to the same setup: two support current 4K formats, while the older HD model is for 1080p viewing.Match resolution and HDR to your television
If your screen is 4K, I would focus on the two Apple TV 4K models. Both list 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+, giving them the capability to match a compatible television and supported content. The Apple TV HD is limited to 1080p, so it cannot deliver the same 4K picture output. That makes it a more coherent match for an older 1080p television or a secondary room than for a new 4K setup.
HDR format support only helps when the TV, content, and settings support the format in question. Buyers who do not have a compatible display should not treat the format names as an automatic benefit. I would verify the television’s resolution and HDR support first, then decide whether the 4K model’s added capability will be used.
Choose between Ethernet and Wi-Fi
The 128GB Apple TV 4K is the only listed model with Ethernet as well as Wi-Fi. That matters if a wired network connection is already available at the media cabinet or if you prefer the option of connecting directly to your router or network switch. The renewed 64GB Apple TV 4K is specified as Wi-Fi-only, while the Apple TV HD is listed with wireless connectivity.
I would not treat Ethernet as mandatory for every streaming household. A strong wireless connection may be entirely suitable, and the product details do not establish that Wi-Fi will be inadequate. Rather, the port is a choice advantage for buyers who want a wired setup. If you know you will stream over Wi-Fi, the renewed 64GB model keeps the same listed A15 and video formats without that port.
Treat storage as capacity, not picture quality
The configurations offer 128GB, 64GB, and 32GB of listed storage. More capacity may appeal to a buyer who wants additional room for apps and other stored content, but it does not make a stream higher resolution or add HDR support. The two Apple TV 4K models share the listed A15 chip and modern video formats despite their different storage amounts.
I would choose storage based on how you expect to use the box, not as a shortcut for judging streaming quality. The older HD model’s 32GB capacity sits alongside its 1080p ceiling and 2015 generation, so its position is about matching an older secondary display rather than competing on current 4K features.
Weigh renewed condition and warranty details
Two options in this comparison are marked renewed: the 64GB Apple TV 4K and the Apple TV HD. The supplied detail for the 64GB model states a 90-day limited warranty. For the HD model, no warranty term is supplied here, so I would check the listing’s current condition and coverage information before buying. Renewed condition can make either listing a different ownership proposition from a new-condition device.
For a buyer who wants fewer condition questions and the broader listed feature set, the 128GB model is the straightforward recommendation in this lineup. If you are comfortable with renewed electronics, decide whether the 64GB model’s Wi-Fi-only configuration and stated warranty fit your preferences. I would be especially cautious about choosing the older HD unit as a primary device without checking app compatibility for the services you use.
Consider audio and the Apple ecosystem
Both Apple TV 4K options list Dolby Atmos, while the Apple TV HD lists Dolby Digital Plus 7.1. These formats matter only with compatible content and audio equipment, so an Atmos-capable device alone does not create an Atmos setup. If your priority is modern format support for a compatible home theater, the 4K models are the clearer fit.
AirPlay, Apple services, and smart-home functions may matter more to buyers already using compatible Apple devices and accessories. The 128GB model is described as a home hub with smart-home control, while the renewed 64GB model lists Thread support. These features depend on compatible products and services; I would not choose an Apple TV solely for a smart-home function unless the rest of the setup supports it.
Pick for the screen you will actually use
For a main 4K living-room television, I would choose between the 128GB and 64GB Apple TV 4K versions. The first adds Ethernet and storage; the second keeps the listed 4K formats and A15 processor in a renewed, Wi-Fi-only configuration. If the television is 1080p and belongs in a spare room, the Apple TV HD may meet the basic requirement, provided its age and app support are acceptable.
This screen-first approach prevents paying attention to features that will sit unused. A 4K device cannot upgrade a 1080p panel to native 4K, and an HD device cannot take advantage of a 4K television’s full resolution. I would also check available HDMI connections and your home network before ordering, since each unit requires a separate display and a suitable connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these Apple TV devices is best for a 4K television?
I would choose one of the two Apple TV 4K models for a compatible 4K television. Both list 4K output with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ and use the A15 Bionic chip. The 128GB model is the better fit if you want Ethernet and more storage; the renewed 64GB model suits a Wi-Fi setup where renewed condition and its stated warranty are acceptable.
Is the renewed 64GB Apple TV 4K as capable for video as the 128GB model?
The supplied specifications list the same core video formats for both: 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+, along with the A15 Bionic chip. The main listed differences are storage, connectivity, and condition: the 128GB option includes Ethernet, while the renewed 64GB option is Wi-Fi-only and has a stated 90-day limited warranty. Buyers should check that warranty and condition information as part of their choice.
Should I buy the Apple TV HD for a 4K television?
I would generally skip the Apple TV HD for a 4K television if you want to use the screen’s full resolution. This model is limited to 1080p and does not list Dolby Vision or HDR10+, unlike either Apple TV 4K option. Its more suitable role is a secondary device for a 1080p display, assuming the apps and services you use remain compatible with this older generation.
Does the 128GB model’s extra storage improve streaming picture quality?
No. The storage difference does not change the listed video formats or resolution. Both Apple TV 4K configurations support 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+; the 128GB model’s distinction is capacity along with Ethernet. I would choose the extra storage for the kind of space you want available, not as a way to improve image quality.
Do I need other Apple devices to use these streaming boxes?
Each model requires a separate television or display, and basic streaming use does not require every buyer to own a collection of Apple products. Some listed functions, including AirPlay or smart-home control, depend on compatible devices, services, or accessories. I would check the requirements for any specific Apple or smart-home feature you plan to use rather than assuming it works independently.
Conclusion
For a main 4K television, I recommend the 128GB Apple TV 4K if you value Ethernet and the larger storage configuration. Choose the renewed 64GB Apple TV 4K if you want the same listed A15 and 4K HDR formats over Wi-Fi and are comfortable with renewed condition and its stated 90-day limited warranty. For a secondary 1080p screen, the Apple TV HD may cover basic streaming and AirPlay, but its older generation and resolution limit make it the least versatile option here.
My ranking reflects that distinction: the 128GB model is the broadest fit, the renewed 64GB unit preserves modern 4K playback with compromises in connection, storage, and condition, and the HD model serves a specific lower-resolution role. Match the device to your display and network before choosing, and treat Apple ecosystem features as an added benefit only when you have the compatible devices and services to use them.
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