Choosing among these Apple TV 4K devices is less about whether they can stream 4K and more about which generation and condition make sense for your setup. I rank the fourth-generation model first for its newer A19 chip, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, Dolby Atmos, and a Siri Remote with Find My. The third-generation 64GB Wi-Fi model is my practical pick for buyers who want a capable current-style streaming box without choosing the newest listing, while the renewed third-generation model offers similar core hardware with a stated limited warranty.
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The tradeoffs are generation, condition, and connection flexibility. The newest model has the strongest listed processing and remote features, but buyers should verify its exact bundle and compatibility before ordering. Older renewed models can still provide Dolby Vision and Atmos, yet they come with pre-owned condition and, in some cases, fewer formats, smaller storage, or older chips. I compare each device by the difference it makes for real viewing, smart-home use, and day-to-day convenience—not by treating every Apple TV 4K as interchangeable.
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Key Takeaways
Best overall: The fourth-generation Apple TV 4K is the only listed device with an A19 chip and a Siri Remote with Find My, alongside Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos.
Best current-generation value in this lineup: The third-generation 64GB Wi-Fi model combines an A15 chip, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, and Thread smart-home hub capability.
Best renewed third-generation option: The renewed 2022 64GB model lists the same A15 generation and key media formats, plus a 90-day limited warranty; condition still matters.
Best for a basic 4K setup: The renewed 2017 model supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, but its older A10X chip and lack of HDR10+ make it the most limited pick here.
Check details before choosing: The 2021 renewed listing has an inconsistent storage specification, while the 2026 model’s listing leaves some bundle details unclear. Confirm the product details and your TV, audio, and network needs.
| Apple TV 4K (4th Generation) |  | Best Overall | Generation: Fourth generation | Processor: A19 | Video: 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation) Wi-Fi, 64GB |  | Best Current-Generation Value | Generation: Third generation | Storage: 64GB | Connectivity: Wi-Fi | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation, 2022), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Black (Renewed) |  | Best Renewed Third-Generation Pick | Generation: Third generation, 2022 | Condition: Renewed | Storage: 64GB | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple TV 4K (2nd Generation, 2021), 32GB, Black (Renewed) |  | Best Older Renewed Option for Dolby Atmos | Generation: Second generation, 2021 | Condition: Renewed | Storage: 32GB | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple TV 4K 32GB Streaming Media Player (2017, Model A1842, Renewed) |  | Best for a Basic Legacy 4K Setup | Model: A1842, 2017 | Condition: Renewed | Storage: 32GB | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple TV 4K device | Processor | Video | Audio | Remote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K | A19 | 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | Dolby Atmos; Enhance Dialogue listed | Siri Remote with Find My support |
| Apple TV 4K | A15 Bionic | 4K Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | Dolby Atmos | Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad |
| Apple TV 4K | A15 Bionic | 4K Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | Dolby Atmos | Siri Remote, USB-C charging, touch-enabled clickpad |
| Apple TV 4K | A12 Bionic | 4K HDR, Dolby Vision | Dolby Atmos | Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad |
| Apple TV 4K 32GB Streaming Med | A10X Fusion | 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10 | Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 | Siri Remote with voice search |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Apple TV 4K (4th Generation)
The fourth-generation model is my best overall pick because it has the newest listed processor, the A19, while retaining the picture and sound formats buyers will expect from a premium Apple streaming box: 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos. Compared with the A15-based third-generation models below, its clearest day-to-day differentiator is not a new resolution standard but the newer chip and the Siri Remote with Find My. That remote feature can help when the controller slips between cushions, although it does not change picture quality.
Its format support makes it a flexible match for a compatible 4K television and audio setup. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision give it broader HDR-format coverage than the 2017 model, which lists Dolby Vision and HDR10 but not HDR10+. Dolby Atmos is also a step beyond the older 2017 device’s specified Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 audio. The supplied description mentions Enhance Dialogue and smart-home hub functions, which can add value for households that use Apple services and compatible accessories.
I would not buy it on the assumption that every setup benefit comes automatically. The listing says that surround-sound setup requires four HomePod speakers, a specific limitation that makes this a poor match for anyone expecting an uncomplicated multi-speaker configuration. The supplied details also do not specify storage capacity, network connection type, or what accessories are included. Those gaps matter when comparing it with the third-generation 64GB model, whose storage and Wi-Fi connection are stated. I would check the complete listing before choosing this newer device.
Even with those open questions, it ranks first because it has the strongest listed combination of generation, remote convenience, and format support. Choose it for the most current feature set in this group; skip it if you need confirmed storage or Ethernet details before purchase and cannot verify them.
Pros:- A19 chip is the newest processor listed in this roundup.
- Supports 4K with both Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Dolby Atmos and Enhance Dialogue are listed.
- Siri Remote includes Find My support, and the device can act as a smart-home hub.
Cons:- Surround-sound setup is described as requiring four HomePod speakers.
- The provided specifications do not state storage capacity or network connection options.
- The listing does not specify whether the required battery or other accessories are included.
Best for: Buyers who want the newest listed Apple TV 4K generation, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, Dolby Atmos, and a remote with Find My.
Not ideal for: Shoppers who need clearly stated storage, Ethernet, or included-accessory details, or who want surround sound without the specified four-HomePod setup.
- Generation:Fourth generation
- Processor:A19
- Video:4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10+
- Audio:Dolby Atmos; Enhance Dialogue listed
- Remote:Siri Remote with Find My support
- Smart home:Smart-home hub capabilities listed
- Dimensions:3.67 x 3.67 x 1.22 inches
- Weight:7.7 ounces
Our verdict“I rank the fourth-generation model first for its A19 chip and Find My remote, provided you verify the listing details and accept its stated HomePod surround-sound limitation.”
Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation) Wi-Fi, 64GB
This third-generation 64GB model is my practical alternative to the newer A19 device. Its A15 Bionic chip, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos cover the main entertainment features that matter for a modern 4K television, and the stated 64GB storage gives apps room without relying on the smaller 32GB capacity of the renewed second-generation and 2017 models. Compared with the fourth-generation pick, it gives up the newer A19 chip and the listed Find My remote feature, but keeps a well-rounded feature set.
The Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad supports voice control and tactile navigation. AirPlay makes it useful for sending compatible content from Apple devices, while Thread and smart-home hub functions can appeal to households building a connected home. Those advantages separate it from the older renewed models, especially the 2017 version, which lists neither HDR10+ nor Thread. If you already use compatible smart-home accessories, the hub role may be more useful than a modest jump in streaming speed.
Its main restriction is right in the product name: this is the Wi-Fi model. The provided specifications do not list Ethernet, so it is a less natural fit for buyers who want a wired network connection or have unreliable wireless coverage near the television. Streaming services and Apple subscriptions are also separate considerations; having access to Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, or Apple Music does not mean those services are included. Compared with the renewed third-generation model, this listing avoids the stated pre-owned condition, but buyers still need to confirm the current listing’s included accessories and service requirements.
I would pick this model when the A15 generation, 64GB capacity, and familiar Apple feature set matter more than having the newest chip. It is the most balanced listed option for everyday Apple TV streaming, provided Wi-Fi suits your home. Choose the renewed third-generation listing instead only if its condition and warranty terms fit your preferences; choose the fourth generation if the newer processor and Find My remote are worth prioritizing.
Pros:- A15 Bionic chip with 64GB of storage.
- Supports 4K Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Dolby Atmos and a touch-enabled Siri Remote with voice control.
- AirPlay and Thread smart-home hub features are listed.
Cons:- Wi-Fi-only listing makes it a weaker fit for wired-network setups.
- Some Apple services require separate subscriptions.
- It lacks the A19 chip and Find My remote feature listed for the fourth-generation model.
Best for: Buyers who want an A15-based 64GB Apple TV 4K with HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, and Thread smart-home features and can stream over Wi-Fi.
Not ideal for: People who need a confirmed Ethernet connection, want the newest generation, or expect Apple subscription services to be included with the device.
- Generation:Third generation
- Storage:64GB
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi
- Processor:A15 Bionic
- Video:4K Dolby Vision, HDR10+
- Audio:Dolby Atmos
- Remote:Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad
- Smart home:Thread hub capabilities listed
Our verdict“I recommend this third-generation 64GB model to buyers who want a strong, well-specified Apple TV 4K and do not need Ethernet or the newest-generation remote features.”
Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation, 2022), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Black (Renewed)
This renewed third-generation device makes sense for a buyer who wants the A15 chip and broad HDR support but is comfortable with a refurbished product. Its core viewing specifications closely match the new third-generation 64GB Wi-Fi model above: 4K Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos. That overlap means the decision is less about streaming formats and more about whether you prefer the stated renewed listing, its warranty, and the details of its included remote.
The supplied description names a 90-day limited warranty and a third-generation Siri Remote with a touch-enabled clickpad, voice control, and USB-C charging. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread are listed, making this model a capable fit for compatible smart-home accessories as well as streaming. Against the fourth-generation model, it misses the A19 processor and Find My remote feature. Against the 2017 and second-generation renewed options, though, it has the newer A15 chip, HDR10+, and the larger stated 64GB storage capacity.
Renewed condition is the key compromise, not a minor footnote. The device is pre-owned, and the warranty is limited, so buyers should read the condition notes and return terms carefully. The product dimensions in this listing are given as 4 x 6 x 2 inches, unlike the compact dimensions stated for the new third-generation listing; I would check whether those measurements describe the device or its package before planning a tight installation. Some Apple services may also require subscriptions, and the listing says an HD-capable TV is required.
I place it just behind the non-renewed third-generation model because the underlying A15 feature set is similar, while condition adds uncertainty. It can be the better match for someone specifically seeking a renewed Apple TV with a stated limited warranty, but buyers who prefer a non-renewed unit should choose the Wi-Fi 64GB model above. Those seeking the latest remote and chip should step up to the fourth generation rather than treating this as its equivalent.
Pros:- A15 Bionic chip with 64GB storage.
- Supports 4K Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos.
- Thread and other smart-home connectivity are listed.
- Includes a touch-enabled Siri Remote and a stated 90-day limited warranty.
Cons:- Renewed, pre-owned condition may not suit buyers seeking a new device.
- The limited warranty is shorter and narrower than a buyer may prefer.
- The supplied dimensions differ from those listed for the new third-generation model and should be checked.
Best for: Buyers who want third-generation A15 performance, 64GB storage, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, and Thread features in a renewed listing with a stated limited warranty.
Not ideal for: Shoppers who only want a non-renewed device, need the A19 and Find My remote, or require unambiguous device-size and accessory information.
- Generation:Third generation, 2022
- Condition:Renewed
- Storage:64GB
- Processor:A15 Bionic
- Video:4K Dolby Vision, HDR10+
- Audio:Dolby Atmos
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread
- Warranty:90-day limited warranty
- Remote:Siri Remote, USB-C charging, touch-enabled clickpad
Our verdict“I favor this renewed third-generation model over older renewed options for its A15 and 64GB feature set, but the non-renewed third-generation listing is the safer fit if condition is your priority.”
Apple TV 4K (2nd Generation, 2021), 32GB, Black (Renewed)
The renewed second-generation model remains relevant for buyers who want a compact Apple streaming box with 4K Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos and do not need every newer format or smart-home feature in this comparison. Its A12 Bionic chip is older than the A15 in both third-generation options and the A19 in the fourth-generation model, but the listing still covers the essential job of streaming compatible 4K content. A Siri Remote with a touch-enabled clickpad is included, giving it a more modern control layout than the 2017 model’s listed remote details.
Compared with the renewed 2017 Apple TV, this device has Dolby Atmos audio and a newer chip; that makes it the more convincing older-generation choice for a television and audio system that can use Atmos. Compared with the third-generation 64GB models, it gives up HDR10+, half the stated storage capacity, and the A15 processor. That distinction matters most if you use HDR10+-capable equipment, keep many apps installed, or want a newer platform generation rather than basic app streaming.
The listing has two details I would verify before purchase. It identifies the storage as 32GB but also lists memory capacity as 2GB; these are different specifications, and the latter should not be mistaken for the storage figure. The device is renewed and carries a 90-day limited warranty, so condition and the return policy deserve attention. It includes a Lightning-to-USB cable, power cable, and Siri Remote according to the provided details, but buyers should confirm that the live listing still matches.
This model is not my first choice for most buyers because the third-generation 64GB devices offer HDR10+ and a newer A15 chip. Still, it can suit someone who wants an older renewed Apple TV with Dolby Vision and Atmos and does not need HDR10+. Choose the 2017 model only for a simpler, older setup where its specified 7.1 audio and formats meet your needs; for broader HDR coverage, move up to either third-generation option.
Pros:- Supports 4K HDR with Dolby Vision.
- Dolby Atmos support gives it an advantage over the 2017 model’s specified audio.
- Includes a Siri Remote with a touch-enabled clickpad.
- The listing includes a 90-day limited warranty and names several included cables.
Cons:- A12 Bionic chip is older than the A15 and A19 options in this roundup.
- 32GB storage is less than the 64GB third-generation devices.
- Renewed condition and the separate 2GB memory listing detail may need verification.
Best for: Buyers seeking a renewed older Apple TV 4K with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and a touch-enabled Siri Remote for a basic 4K setup.
Not ideal for: People who want HDR10+, 64GB storage, a newer processor, or a non-renewed device.
- Generation:Second generation, 2021
- Condition:Renewed
- Storage:32GB
- Processor:A12 Bionic
- Video:4K HDR, Dolby Vision
- Audio:Dolby Atmos
- Remote:Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad
- Warranty:90-day limited warranty
- Included items:Apple TV 4K, Lightning-to-USB cable, power cable, Siri Remote
Our verdict“I would choose this renewed second-generation model over the 2017 unit for Dolby Atmos, but the A15 third-generation options offer a more capable feature mix.”
Apple TV 4K 32GB Streaming Media Player (2017, Model A1842, Renewed)
This 2017 renewed Apple TV 4K is the most limited device here, but its role is clear: it supplies 4K output with Dolby Vision and Siri voice search for someone who does not need the newer formats and smart-home features offered by later generations. Its A10X Fusion processor is older than the A12, A15, and A19 chips in the other four listings. That puts it last in this ranking for long-term flexibility, even though the stated resolution and Dolby Vision support cover important basics.
Its video specifications include Dolby Vision and HDR10, but not HDR10+. That separates it from both third-generation models and the fourth-generation device, all of which list HDR10+. Audio is specified as Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, rather than the Dolby Atmos listed for the 2021, 2022, and fourth-generation models. If your existing television and receiver work with the formats this model supports, the gap may matter less; if you are building a newer HDR and Atmos setup, a later generation is a better match.
The 32GB storage capacity is half the stated space of the 64GB third-generation devices. The Siri Remote with voice search can make finding content easier, and Gigabit Ethernet is explicitly listed alongside Wi-Fi, a useful difference from the Wi-Fi-only third-generation listing. Still, this is a renewed, pre-owned unit that has been professionally inspected and tested, not a new device. The supplied description does not specify a warranty term, so I would check the current listing for warranty coverage, condition notes, and what is included.
I would only choose it when a simple Apple streaming setup is the goal and its older capabilities match the display and audio equipment already in place. The renewed second-generation model is a stronger older-generation alternative for buyers who want Dolby Atmos, while the third-generation models add an A15 chip, HDR10+, and 64GB storage. The 2017 device is best treated as a basic legacy pick, not as a peer to the newer options.
Pros:- Supports 4K video with Dolby Vision and HDR10.
- Lists Gigabit Ethernet as well as Wi-Fi.
- Siri Remote includes voice search.
- Supports Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound.
Cons:- A10X Fusion is the oldest processor in this comparison.
- Does not list HDR10+ or Dolby Atmos.
- Renewed, pre-owned condition, with no warranty term specified in the supplied details.
Best for: Buyers with a straightforward 4K setup who need Dolby Vision, Siri voice search, and listed Ethernet support and are comfortable buying renewed.
Not ideal for: People who want HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, a newer processor, 64GB storage, or a clearly stated warranty term.
- Model:A1842, 2017
- Condition:Renewed
- Storage:32GB
- Processor:A10X Fusion
- Video:4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10
- Audio:Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI
- Remote:Siri Remote with voice search
- Part number:MQD22LL/A
Our verdict“I would reserve this renewed 2017 model for a basic legacy setup that benefits from its listed Ethernet connection and does not need HDR10+ or Dolby Atmos.”
How We Picked
I ranked these five devices around the things that distinguish one Apple TV 4K from another: supported picture and audio formats, processor generation, storage and connectivity details, remote features, and whether a device is listed as new or renewed. Since all five are Apple TV 4K models, a simple 4K label does not tell a buyer enough. HDR10+ support, for example, may matter to a television owner whose display supports that format, while Dolby Vision support remains present across every option in this lineup.
I gave the newest listed model the lead because its A19 chip and Find My-capable Siri Remote are the clearest generation-specific advantages. I placed the third-generation 64GB Wi-Fi unit next because it retains HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, an A15 chip, and Thread smart-home capability, without the renewed-condition caveat attached to two other third-generation listings. The renewed third-generation model follows closely: it offers much of the same core feature set, but its used condition and limited warranty make it a different risk profile rather than an automatic equivalent.
The older renewed devices rank lower because their specifications involve more compromises. The second-generation model still supports Dolby Vision and Atmos, but has an A12 chip and 32GB storage; its listing also states a memory capacity of 2GB, a detail that should not be confused with storage. The 2017 renewed model can suit a simpler setup, but it lacks HDR10+ and uses an older A10X processor. I treat those differences as reasons to choose carefully, not proof that either device cannot stream video.
I also account for listing clarity and ownership fit. The provided fourth-generation description includes useful feature claims but leaves certain accessory and connection details unspecified. The third-generation Wi-Fi model requires a wireless network for streaming, while other listings mention Ethernet or wireless connectivity differently. I avoid assuming every device includes the same cables, warranty terms, or smart-home compatibility. This ranking is a comparison of the supplied product information; buyers should check the live listing for current packaging, condition notes, and compatibility.
| Apple TV 4K device | Generation | Processor | Audio | Remote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K | Fourth generation | A19 | Dolby Atmos; Enhance Dialogue listed | Siri Remote with Find My support |
| Apple TV 4K | Third generation | A15 Bionic | Dolby Atmos | Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad |
| Apple TV 4K | Third generation, 2022 | A15 Bionic | Dolby Atmos | Siri Remote, USB-C charging, touch-enabled clickpad |
| Apple TV 4K | Second generation, 2021 | A12 Bionic | Dolby Atmos | Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad |
| Apple TV 4K 32GB Streaming Med | — | A10X Fusion | Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 | Siri Remote with voice search |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Apple TV 4K Devices
I would choose an Apple TV 4K by matching its generation and connection details to the equipment already in your home. The devices share a 4K streaming purpose, but HDR format support, audio output, storage, remote features, and condition separate them more meaningfully than the product name alone.
Match HDR support to your television
Every model here lists 4K video, but their HDR specifications are not identical. The fourth-generation model and both third-generation listings support Dolby Vision and HDR10+. The 2017 renewed model lists Dolby Vision and HDR10, while the 2021 renewed model lists Dolby Vision without HDR10+. If your TV supports a particular HDR format, matching the streamer to it can help you use that display capability with compatible content. I would check the TV’s supported formats rather than assuming that a 4K label guarantees every HDR mode.
Picture formats do not automatically make an older model unusable. The 2017 option may still suit a Dolby Vision television and an owner who is not seeking HDR10+. But for a newer HDR television or a setup where format coverage is a priority, the two third-generation models offer broader listed support, and the fourth generation combines that coverage with the newer A19 chip.
Decide how much processing generation matters
The processor sequence in this lineup runs from the A10X Fusion in the 2017 model to A12 in the 2021 model, A15 in the third-generation models, and A19 in the fourth-generation model. A newer chip is the clearest way to distinguish the newest device from earlier generations, but the supplied specifications do not establish a precise performance difference for every app. I would use chip generation as a sign of model age and feature tier, not as a promise that every video will look better.
For buyers who mainly stream familiar apps, the formats and connections may matter more than the chip alone. Someone seeking the newest listed model and remote convenience should favor the fourth generation. Someone who wants a capable middle ground can choose either A15 model, while the A12 and A10X options make the most sense only when their specific features fit a simpler or older setup.
Compare Dolby Atmos with the listed older audio format
The 2021, third-generation, and fourth-generation descriptions list Dolby Atmos. The 2017 device lists Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 instead. Audio support only pays off when the rest of the setup can use it: check the soundbar or receiver, speaker arrangement, and the formats available from your content services. A streamer cannot make an incompatible audio system reproduce a format it does not support.
The newest listing has a specific caveat: it says surround-sound setup requires four HomePod speakers. Buyers who have a different speaker arrangement should verify which audio features work with their equipment before treating the fourth-generation model as a straightforward Atmos upgrade. The third-generation devices may be simpler picks for buyers who want stated Atmos support without that particular four-HomePod note in the supplied description.
Choose storage and network connection for your home
The third-generation listings specify 64GB storage, while the 2021 and 2017 renewed models specify 32GB. Storage can matter if you install apps and games or want more room for them locally, though streaming video itself is not the same as storing a library on the device. The fourth-generation listing provided here does not state storage, so I would verify that specification before comparing it directly with the 64GB options.
Network connection is another practical divider. The third-generation 64GB model is explicitly Wi-Fi, while the 2017 renewed listing names both Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet. If your wireless signal is weak at the television or you prefer a wired connection, check the exact model’s ports and package details rather than inferring them from another generation. A stable connection is especially relevant for high-resolution streaming, whatever the chip inside.
Treat renewed condition as a separate decision
Three products in this comparison are listed as renewed: the 2017, 2021, and third-generation 2022 models. Renewed devices may be a fit for buyers who accept pre-owned hardware, but their condition and warranty details should be reviewed separately from their technical features. The 2021 and renewed third-generation listings specify a 90-day limited warranty; the supplied information for the 2017 model does not name a warranty term. Confirm the current seller’s condition description, return policy, and included accessories.
The renewed third-generation model has the most compelling specification mix among these older-condition listings because it pairs an A15 chip with 64GB storage, HDR10+, and Atmos. The 2021 option retains Atmos but moves to an A12 chip and 32GB. The 2017 unit has Ethernet listed but omits Atmos and HDR10+. These are different compromises, so I would not choose a renewed device solely because it belongs to a newer-looking product listing.
Check remote and smart-home features
All five descriptions include a Siri Remote, but the supplied features vary. The fourth-generation remote lists Find My support; the third-generation and 2021 listings mention a touch-enabled clickpad, and the 2017 listing highlights voice search. If misplacing a remote is a recurring problem, Find My may be a practical advantage. If you mainly use voice search and basic navigation, an older remote may meet your needs.
For connected homes, the third-generation Wi-Fi model lists Thread and smart-home hub capability, while the renewed third-generation description lists Thread among its connections and smart-home use. The fourth-generation model also lists smart-home hub functions. Compatibility with accessories and the specific protocols they use still matters; I would check your devices before treating any Apple TV as a universal hub. The renewed second-generation and 2017 descriptions provide fewer smart-home details, so buyers should not assume they offer the same capabilities.
Verify listing details that are not consistent
Some supplied product details are incomplete or unusually presented. The fourth-generation description does not state storage or network type, and its battery inclusion is not specified. The 2021 renewed listing gives both 32GB storage and 2GB memory; those refer to different kinds of capacity. The renewed third-generation dimensions differ from the compact measurements listed for the new third-generation model, so check whether the figure refers to the device or package. I would verify these points on the active product page before ordering.
Also confirm which cables and accessories are included, whether the product is renewed or new, and the warranty that applies to the exact listing. Those checks matter most when two products share similar specifications. In this lineup, the renewed third-generation and new third-generation options have a closely matched core feature set, so condition and listing terms can decide between them more than video capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Apple TV 4K is the best overall choice in this comparison?
I rank the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K first because it combines an A19 chip with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, and a Siri Remote with Find My support. It has the most current listed feature set here. I would still verify storage, network connection, and included accessories, since those details are not specified in the supplied listing information.
Is the third-generation Apple TV 4K still a good choice?
Yes. The third-generation 64GB model has an A15 chip, 4K Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, and Thread smart-home hub features. I consider it a strong choice for buyers who do not need the fourth-generation A19 chip or Find My remote. The non-renewed Wi-Fi listing is the more straightforward pick if you prefer not to buy refurbished, while the renewed version has a stated 90-day limited warranty.
What is the difference between the 2021 and 2022 renewed models?
The 2021 renewed model is a second-generation device with an A12 chip, 32GB storage, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. The 2022 renewed third-generation model lists an A15 chip, 64GB storage, HDR10+, Atmos, and Thread connectivity. Both are renewed, and both supplied listings state a 90-day limited warranty. I would favor the 2022 model for newer hardware and broader HDR support, while checking condition and exact package details for either one.
Should I buy the 2017 Apple TV 4K?
I would choose the 2017 model only if its Dolby Vision, HDR10, Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, and listed Gigabit Ethernet meet the needs of an existing setup. It is the oldest device here, with an A10X Fusion chip, 32GB storage, and no HDR10+ or Dolby Atmos listed. Buyers looking for newer audio support or broader HDR compatibility should compare it with at least the 2021 renewed model, and preferably a third-generation device.
Do Apple TV 4K devices include Apple TV+ and other Apple subscriptions?
The supplied product descriptions list access to Apple services and apps, but they do not say that subscriptions are included. Streaming, music, fitness, and game services may require separate subscriptions, and availability can depend on the service and account. I would check the terms for each service you plan to use instead of treating an Apple TV device purchase as a subscription bundle.
Conclusion
For the newest listed hardware and Find My remote, I recommend the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, after confirming its storage, connection, and accessory details. For most buyers who want a well-specified device without prioritizing the newest chip, the third-generation 64GB Wi-Fi model is my balanced pick. Choose its renewed counterpart if you are comfortable with pre-owned condition and want its stated 90-day limited warranty.
If your priority is an older renewed device with Dolby Atmos, the 2021 model is more appealing than the 2017 option, though it has less storage and no HDR10+ listed. I would reserve the 2017 model for a basic legacy setup that benefits from its listed Ethernet connection and already matches its video and audio formats. In every case, check your TV’s HDR support, your sound system, whether Wi-Fi is reliable where the box will sit, and the exact condition and accessories before choosing.
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