For a new Apple TV streaming device, I’d start with the Apple TV 4K, 3rd Generation with 128GB and Ethernet: it combines 4K HDR playback with wired networking and more storage than the two renewed alternatives. The 64GB renewed Apple TV 4K keeps the same A15 chip and headline picture formats in a Wi-Fi-only configuration, while the renewed Apple TV HD is the 1080p choice for an older television. Those differences shape this ranking: the 128GB model is the most flexible, the 64GB model is the more restrained 4K option, and the HD model makes sense only when its resolution matches the screen. My main tradeoffs are 4K compatibility, Ethernet and storage, and the condition and warranty limits attached to renewed devices.
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All three devices are Apple TV set-top boxes, not televisions, so they connect to a display through HDMI and rely on your network for streaming. I’m ranking them for buyers who want Apple’s streaming platform and Siri voice control, while giving weight to capabilities that matter across different home setups. A 4K label alone does not make a device the right pick: the television, connection, storage needs, and comfort with a renewed product all affect the decision.
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Key Takeaways
- The 128GB Apple TV 4K ranks first because it pairs 4K Dolby Vision and HDR10+ with both Wi-Fi and Ethernet.
- The renewed 64GB Apple TV 4K shares the A15 chip and 4K formats, but its listed connectivity is Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread rather than Ethernet.
- The renewed Apple TV HD is limited to 1080p, making it a fit for compatible HD televisions rather than 4K displays.
- Both renewed options involve condition and warranty tradeoffs; the 64GB model specifies a 90-day limited warranty, while the HD listing does not provide a warranty detail.
- A 4K-capable display is needed to benefit from the 4K models’ resolution and HDR formats; Dolby Atmos playback also depends on compatible audio equipment.
| Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation, 2022) with Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, and 128GB Storage |  | Best Overall | Generation: 3rd generation, 2022 | Processor: A15 Bionic | Storage: 128GB | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Black (Renewed) |  | Best Renewed 4K Option | Generation: 3rd generation | Condition: Renewed | Processor: A15 Bionic | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple TV HD (4th Generation), 32GB, Black (Renewed) |  | Best for HD Televisions | Generation: 4th generation | Model: MR912BZ/A | Condition: Renewed | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple TV streaming device | Generation | Processor | Storage | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K | 3rd generation, 2022 | A15 Bionic | 128GB | Wi-Fi and Ethernet |
| Apple TV 4K | 3rd generation | A15 Bionic | 64GB | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread |
| Apple TV HD | 4th generation | Apple A8 | 32GB | Wireless, with HDMI output |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation, 2022) with Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, and 128GB Storage
This is my lead recommendation because it is the only option here that combines 4K Dolby Vision and HDR10+ with both Wi-Fi and Ethernet and 128GB of storage. For a buyer building an Apple TV setup around a 4K display, that mix is more versatile than the renewed 64GB model, which shares the A15 chip and picture formats but lists Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread rather than Ethernet. Compared with the 1080p Apple TV HD, it is a more appropriate fit for a modern 4K television and compatible HDR content.
The A15 Bionic processor and Siri Remote with a touch-enabled clickpad make this a current-generation-feeling choice within this particular lineup, though the provided specs do not establish a performance comparison beyond the chip difference with the older HD model. Storage headroom can be useful for keeping more apps and games installed, while Ethernet provides a wired alternative when Wi-Fi coverage is inconsistent or the device sits near a router. Its smart-home hub capability adds appeal for households using compatible devices; I would not buy it solely as a hub if streaming is not the main reason for the purchase.
The main limitation is fit, not a missing feature: a buyer with only a 1080p television will not see the resolution benefit that separates it from the HD model. Dolby Atmos likewise matters only with compatible audio gear and content. The listed model was released in 2022, so anyone comparing it with newer Apple TV generations should verify the exact model and software support they need rather than assume this listing is the newest hardware. Still, among these three, its connection choices and storage make it the least compromised pick for a broad range of Apple TV households.
Pros:- 4K playback with Dolby Vision and HDR10+
- Both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
- 128GB storage and A15 Bionic processor
- Dolby Atmos support and smart-home hub capability
Cons:- Its 4K picture benefits require a 4K-capable television
- A 2022 model, so buyers should verify it meets their generation and software expectations
- Dolby Atmos requires compatible audio equipment and content
Best for: Buyers with a 4K television who want the most flexible network setup, 128GB storage, and Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support.
Not ideal for: People with an HD-only television, buyers who specifically want a compact streaming stick, or shoppers who do not need Ethernet or extra storage.
- Generation:3rd generation, 2022
- Processor:A15 Bionic
- Storage:128GB
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi and Ethernet
- Video formats:4K Dolby Vision and HDR10+
- Audio:Dolby Atmos
- Remote:Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad
- Smart home:Can act as a smart home hub
Our verdict“I rank this first for its combination of 4K HDR, Ethernet, and 128GB storage, provided your television and setup can use those advantages.”
Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Black (Renewed)
I’d choose this renewed model when 4K HDR is the priority and a 128GB configuration with Ethernet is more than the setup needs. It shares the 3rd-generation A15 Bionic chip, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, and touch-enabled Siri Remote with the top-ranked 128GB model. That means the core picture and audio formats are not the reason to step down; the meaningful differences are 64GB storage, Wi-Fi-focused connectivity, and renewed condition.
Compared with the 128GB version, this listing also specifies Bluetooth and Thread, which may matter in a household using compatible smart-home accessories. It describes the device as able to work as a smart home hub, but does not list Ethernet. Buyers who want a wired network connection should pick the 128GB model instead, while households with reliable Wi-Fi may see little reason to prioritize that port. Compared with the Apple TV HD, this is the clear fit for a 4K screen and HDR content, but its 64GB storage is half the capacity of the first-place pick.
The renewal details deserve attention before purchase. This listing specifies a 90-day limited warranty, but renewed condition is still different from choosing a new unit: I would check the seller’s description, included items, and return terms. The listed box includes a power cord and Siri Remote. Its stated dimensions and weight are provided, but these do not make it a stick-style device; it remains a set-top box connected by HDMI. For buyers who want the 4K feature set while accepting refurbished condition and Wi-Fi networking, it is a more focused alternative than the top pick. Skip it if Ethernet or maximum listed storage matters more than renewed 4K capability.
Pros:- 4K Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
- A15 Bionic processor and Dolby Atmos audio
- Includes Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad
- Lists Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, and a 90-day limited warranty
Cons:- Renewed condition may not suit buyers seeking a new device
- 64GB storage is half the capacity of the 128GB pick
- Ethernet is not listed among its connectivity options
Best for: Buyers who want an A15-powered Apple TV with 4K Dolby Vision and HDR10+ and are comfortable with a renewed, Wi-Fi-connected 64GB model.
Not ideal for: Anyone who wants Ethernet, 128GB storage, a new-condition device, or a streaming box for an HD-only screen where 4K would go unused.
- Generation:3rd generation
- Condition:Renewed
- Processor:A15 Bionic
- Storage:64GB
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread
- Resolution and HDR:4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+
- Audio:Dolby Atmos
- Included items:Apple TV 4K, power cord, and Siri Remote
- Warranty:90-day limited warranty
Our verdict“I recommend this renewed model for Wi-Fi households that want the 4K features of the top pick but can accept less storage and renewed condition.”
Apple TV HD (4th Generation), 32GB, Black (Renewed)
This renewed Apple TV HD has a narrower role than either 4K pick: it is for someone whose display tops out at 1080p and who wants an Apple TV box without paying for 4K features they cannot use. It supports HD video, Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound, Siri voice control, AirPlay, and access to popular streaming apps and Apple services. For an older HD television, those capabilities can be a closer match than the 4K models’ higher resolution.
Its 32GB of storage is lower than the 64GB and 128GB alternatives, and its A8 chip is older than the A15 chip in both 4K models. Those comparisons matter most to buyers who want newer hardware, more installed apps, or 4K playback. If your screen is 4K, I would choose one of the two 4K Apple TVs instead; the HD model cannot deliver the resolution, Dolby Vision, or HDR10+ formats listed for them. It also does not list Ethernet, Bluetooth, Thread, or smart-home hub capability in the supplied specifications, so I would not assume those features are included.
The renewed condition is another tradeoff. The supplied listing identifies the model as renewed but does not provide a warranty period, unlike the 64GB renewed 4K product, which specifies 90 days. Buyers should check current seller information and return terms before ordering. This model’s advantage is not being the most capable device; it is being the option that matches an HD display and offers Apple TV features without requiring a 4K television. I’d skip it if you are replacing a box for a 4K screen or want the newer processor and HDR formats.
Pros:- Streams video at up to 1080p HD
- Supports Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound
- Siri voice control and AirPlay support
- Access to popular streaming apps and Apple services
Cons:- Limited to 1080p, unlike both 4K models
- Older A8 chip and 32GB storage
- Renewed listing does not specify warranty coverage
Best for: Owners of a 1080p HD television who want Siri voice control, AirPlay, and Apple TV streaming features without needing 4K playback.
Not ideal for: People with a 4K television, buyers who want Dolby Vision or HDR10+, shoppers seeking newer A15 hardware, or anyone requiring a clearly stated warranty period.
- Generation:4th generation
- Model:MR912BZ/A
- Condition:Renewed
- Resolution:1080p (1920 × 1080 pixels)
- Processor:Apple A8
- Storage:32GB
- Audio:Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
- Voice control:Siri Remote
- Connectivity:Wireless, with HDMI output
Our verdict“I’d choose this only for an HD television and a buyer comfortable with renewed condition; it is the least suitable option for a 4K setup.”
How We Picked
I compared these three devices around the question a buyer actually faces: which Apple TV box fits the screen, network, and level of risk they have at home? Since every option comes from the Apple TV family, I did not treat app access or brand identity as enough to separate them. I gave the most weight to picture capability, connectivity, storage, and condition, then used sound support and smart-home features to refine the differences.
Resolution is the first dividing line. The two third-generation 4K models support Dolby Vision and HDR10+, while the fourth-generation HD model tops out at 1080p. That makes the 4K devices the more adaptable choices for current 4K televisions, but not automatic upgrades for every household: an HD screen cannot show 4K resolution. I ranked the 128GB model above the 64GB version because it adds Ethernet and doubles the listed storage, giving it greater flexibility for setups where a wired connection or extra room for apps matters.
Condition and connectivity also affect value to the buyer. The 128GB unit is presented as a 2022 model with Wi-Fi and Ethernet, while the 64GB 4K and HD listings are renewed. The 64GB model lists a 90-day limited warranty; the HD listing does not specify one, so I would check the seller’s current condition and return terms before ordering. I did not infer performance, battery condition, accessories beyond those listed, or warranty coverage where the supplied details do not say. The resulting order favors the broadest feature set, then the lower-storage renewed 4K alternative, with the HD device reserved for buyers who do not need 4K.
| Apple TV streaming device | Processor | Connectivity | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K | A15 Bionic | Wi-Fi and Ethernet | Dolby Atmos |
| Apple TV 4K | A15 Bionic | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread | Dolby Atmos |
| Apple TV HD | Apple A8 | Wireless, with HDMI output | Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Apple TV Streaming Devices
I’d narrow the choice by matching the Apple TV to the television first, then checking network needs, storage, and comfort with renewed hardware. The feature gap is clear: two devices are 4K models with A15 chips, while the HD model is older and limited to 1080p.Start with your television’s resolution
If your television supports 4K, either third-generation Apple TV 4K can output 4K content and supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+. The 1080p Apple TV HD cannot match that resolution or those listed HDR formats, so it is not the right pick for a buyer trying to use a 4K display fully. If your screen is HD-only, though, its resolution can be sufficient; the higher-resolution model will not make that television display a 4K picture. Check the television’s specifications before deciding that 4K is a must-have.
HDR formats and screen resolution are related but distinct. A 4K television does not automatically support every HDR format, so check whether your display supports Dolby Vision or HDR10+ if those formats are a key reason for choosing one of the newer models. The content and app also need to offer the format. I would treat advertised video support as compatibility, not a promise that every show or movie will use it.
Choose between Ethernet and Wi-Fi
The 128GB Apple TV 4K is the only option in this comparison that explicitly lists Ethernet alongside Wi-Fi. A wired link may suit a device near the router, or a home where wireless signal is unreliable. The 64GB model lists Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread; Ethernet is not listed. The HD model lists wireless connectivity but gives no specific wireless standard in the supplied details. If streaming works reliably over your existing Wi-Fi, the port may not affect your decision. If you want a cable connection, the 128GB model is the clear match.
Network quality can affect streaming regardless of the box. Before choosing a more capable device to solve buffering, check the signal where the television sits and the speed of your home connection. Ethernet helps only when the device can be connected to a suitable network port and the rest of the connection is sound; it does not change the resolution limits of the television or the video source.
Decide how much storage is useful
The three capacities are 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB. More storage can leave additional room for downloaded apps and games, but the right amount depends on how you use the box. For a mostly streaming-focused setup with a small app collection, 64GB may be adequate. If you want more headroom, the first-place 128GB option provides twice the listed storage of the renewed 64GB model. The 32GB HD model is the smallest and is most defensible when your needs are modest and your screen is 1080p.
Storage alone does not define the value of a device. The 64GB Apple TV 4K retains the same listed A15 chip and core HDR support as the 128GB 4K option. That makes it a practical alternative for someone who values the 4K experience more than Ethernet or extra space. By contrast, the HD model’s lower storage comes alongside an older processor and lower resolution, so buyers should compare the whole package rather than capacity in isolation.
Treat renewed condition as a separate decision
Two listings here are marked renewed, and one is not described that way in the provided product title. Renewal can make a model available to buyers who are comfortable with previously owned or refurbished equipment, but the condition label does not tell me the specific cosmetic state or what inspection took place. The 64GB 4K listing specifies a 90-day limited warranty. The HD listing gives no warranty detail in the supplied information, so I would verify current warranty, seller, and return terms before buying.
The 128GB model’s listing gives its model and release date, but buyers should still confirm the condition and included accessories shown on the seller page. For any option, check exactly what is in the box and whether the remote and power cable are included. The 64GB renewed listing explicitly names a power cord and Siri Remote; the other supplied descriptions do not provide the same item-by-item package detail. I would not assume accessories or coverage beyond what the listing states.
Match audio support to your equipment
The HD box lists Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, while both 4K models list Dolby Atmos. These formats matter when the source content and your sound system support them. If your television speakers are the only audio output, the audio-format distinction may be less important than resolution, storage, and network options. If you own a compatible soundbar or home theater system, check its supported formats and connection path before choosing based on Atmos.
A feature on the streaming box does not guarantee a particular sound format from every app or title. I’d treat audio support as a useful match for compatible equipment, not the deciding factor for everyone. For most buyers comparing these exact three devices, the bigger split remains 4K versus HD, then Ethernet and storage between the two 4K models.
Think about Apple services and smart-home use
All three are Apple TV devices intended to provide access to streaming apps and Apple services, while the product details specifically mention Siri voice control and AirPlay for the HD unit and Siri Remote features for the 4K options. If you use Apple devices, AirPlay and Siri may fit naturally into your household, but confirm that the apps and services you care about are available for the model and software version you plan to use.
The two 4K descriptions mention smart-home hub capability or compatibility with supported accessories. The 64GB listing also names Thread connectivity. Those points can make it a better fit for a household using compatible smart-home products, but they should not overshadow its Wi-Fi-only listing or renewed status. If your priority is a stable streaming box rather than smart-home management, compare the models on screen support and connectivity first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these Apple TV devices is best for a 4K television?
I’d pick the 128GB third-generation Apple TV 4K for the broadest setup because it supports 4K Dolby Vision and HDR10+ and lists Ethernet as well as Wi-Fi. The renewed 64GB version also supports 4K Dolby Vision and HDR10+, so it suits buyers who rely on Wi-Fi and do not need as much storage. The Apple TV HD is limited to 1080p and is not the right choice if you want 4K output.
Is the renewed Apple TV HD a good fit for a 4K television?
It can connect through HDMI, but it only streams up to 1080p and does not list the Dolby Vision or HDR10+ support found on the two 4K models. I would reserve it for an HD television or a buyer who does not need 4K. If you are choosing a device to take advantage of a 4K screen, one of the third-generation Apple TV 4K options is a closer match.
What is the difference between the 64GB and 128GB Apple TV 4K models here?
Both are third-generation Apple TV 4K devices with an A15 Bionic chip, 4K Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, Dolby Atmos, and a touch-enabled Siri Remote. The 128GB listing also specifies Ethernet alongside Wi-Fi, while the renewed 64GB listing names Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread and states a 90-day limited warranty. I’d choose the 128GB model for more storage and a wired network option; the 64GB one fits a Wi-Fi household willing to buy renewed.
Do I need Ethernet for an Apple TV streaming device?
No. Wi-Fi is sufficient for a home network that reliably streams the content you watch. Ethernet is useful when you prefer a wired connection or Wi-Fi coverage near the television is inconsistent, and among these three products it is explicitly listed only for the 128GB Apple TV 4K. I would not pay attention to Ethernet as a deciding feature unless your setup can use a cable or wireless reliability is a concern.
What should I check before buying a renewed Apple TV?
I’d confirm the listed condition, included accessories, warranty coverage, and return terms on the current seller page. The renewed 64GB Apple TV 4K specifies a 90-day limited warranty and lists a power cord and Siri Remote. The renewed Apple TV HD information provided here does not specify a warranty period, so check that detail rather than assuming it matches the other model. Also confirm that the device’s resolution and connectivity suit your television and network.
Conclusion
My recommendation depends on what your television and network can use. For most buyers with a 4K screen, I’d choose the 128GB Apple TV 4K because it combines Dolby Vision and HDR10+ with Ethernet and the most storage in this group. If you want the same listed 4K formats and A15 chip but use Wi-Fi and can accept a renewed product with 64GB, the renewed 64GB Apple TV 4K is the more focused alternative. Check its 90-day limited warranty and the seller’s current return terms before purchase.
For an owner of a 1080p television who does not need 4K, the renewed Apple TV HD is the matching option, with Siri, AirPlay, and Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 support. Its older A8 chip, 32GB storage, 1080p ceiling, and unspecified warranty details make it a poor pick for someone upgrading a 4K setup. I would decide in this order: match the device to the screen, choose Ethernet if your network calls for it, then weigh storage and renewed condition. That keeps the ranking tied to practical differences rather than treating every Apple TV as interchangeable.
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