Apple TV 4K (4th gen) review: is it worth
99?What Apple's new streaming box adds, how it compares with the 2022 model, and whether the price jump makes sense.
The 2026 Apple TV 4K costs $299 and adds an A19 chip, Wi-Fi 7, hands-free Siri and HomePod surround sound. For streaming alone, it isn't worth the jump from a 2022 model, which gets Siri AI too. Buy it for Apple home features or gaming; otherwise see the best streaming device.
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Announced Oct 13, 2026. We'll update this review once hands-on testing is published.
Verdict
- A19 chip, which Apple says is 50% faster (CPU) with twice the graphics
- Hands-free Siri AI through built-in far-field microphones
- Wi-Fi 7, Ethernet and 128 GB in every unit
- Surround sound with four HomePods
- Siri Remote you can find with Find My
- $299, up from $129 at the start of 2026
- No big change in picture quality or video formats for most streaming
- Siri AI is also coming to the 2022 model
- One configuration only
What's new
The new box also adds a dedicated AV1 video decoder and support for Apple's four-HomePod surround system. It weighs 7.6 ounces.
Is it worth $299?
For most people, no. Engadget and Geeky Gadgets both note the price has more than doubled since January, while everyday streaming of Netflix, YouTube and Apple TV+ looks about the same as on the 2022 model. It makes sense for Apple households that want hands-free Siri and HomePod surround, and for people who play Apple Arcade games on the TV.
If you want an Apple TV for streaming only, look for a discounted 2022 model while stores clear stock. It gets the same Siri AI update.
If you are choosing a streaming box for the first time, compare it with Roku and Fire TV in the best streaming device. A faster box also can't fix buffering on a slow connection; see the best internet for streaming.
Apple TV 4K vs. Fire TV Stick 4K vs. Roku Ultra
| Apple TV 4K (2026) | Fire TV Stick 4K (2026) | Roku Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| List price | $299 | $59.99 | $149.99 |
| Dolby Vision | Yes | No | Yes |
| Voice assistant | Siri | Alexa+ | Roku Voice |
| Smart home hub | Apple Home, Matter, Thread | Alexa | No |
| Best for | iPhone and HomePod homes | Alexa homes on a budget | Anyone, no ecosystem |
See our Fire TV Stick 4K review and the best streaming devices for the full comparison.
Home hub and HomePod surround
The Apple TV 4K doubles as a home hub for Apple Home, so your lights, locks and cameras keep working when your iPhone is away, and Matter and Thread accessories connect through it. Paired with one or two HomePods, it can also send TV audio to them as a surround speaker setup.
How we reviewed it
We haven't used the 2026 Apple TV 4K yet; it ships Nov 13. This review uses Apple's announced specifications and pricing as reported by MacRumors, TechRadar, Engadget and ecoustics. More on our process is in how we research.
Alternatives to consider
- Apple TV 4K (2022): Same apps and Siri AI update, for less if you find it discounted.
- Fire TV Stick 4K Max: Dolby Vision and Wi-Fi 6E for well under $100; compare it with the new Fire TV Stick 4K.
- Roku Ultra: Roku's top box with Ethernet and a findable remote, at about half the price.
- Google TV Streamer: Google's box with Ethernet and smart home controls.
Questions
How much is the new Apple TV 4K?
$299 in the US, in one version with 128 GB of storage, Wi-Fi 7 and Ethernet. It ships November 13, 2026.
Should I upgrade from the 2022 Apple TV 4K?
Probably not. The 2022 model is getting Siri AI in a software update, and it already handles 4K HDR streaming well. Upgrade if you want hands-free Siri, HomePod surround sound or faster gaming.
Does the new Siri Remote work with older Apple TVs?
Yes. The new remote, which you can find with Find My, works with Apple TV models from 2015 onward and costs $59 on its own.
What is cheaper than the Apple TV 4K?
Roku, Google TV Streamer and Fire TV devices cost $30 to $100. See our guide to the best streaming device.
- Apple announcement, Oct 13, 2026, via MacRumors, TechRadar and ecoustics
- Engadget, "Apple TV 4K 2022 vs. 2026," Oct 2026; Geeky Gadgets, "Apple TV 4K 2026 Review," Oct 2026
- TechEBlog and American TV on remote pricing and release date
The new Apple TV 4K ships Nov 13, 2026, and we haven't used it. This review is based on Apple's specifications and early coverage, noted below.
Prices and offers change often; confirm at your address before you order. How we research
Jean founded ShopHighSpeed after trying to find one straight answer about business internet in his own town. He has been a Comcast and Verizon Fios customer, and ranks providers on what they actually deliver, not on what they advertise.