EN
“Still the best streaming box by a long shot — faster and cheaper”
Is the Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen worth it?
The Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen ($129) is recommended with a 8.9/10 consensus score across 10 expert reviews. Experts highlight thread border router for matter mesh networking and a15 chip runs homekit automations locally. Engadget says: "Still the best streaming box by a long shot — faster and cheaper" Best for: Apple households, HomeKit hub backbone, 4K streaming + smart home.
Recommended10 Expert Reviews
Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen
NM
Nicholas Miles · Editor-in-Chief & Methodology Owner
Ecosystem
SHE ScoreGood
SmartHomeExplorer proprietary rating
7.1/10
10 expert sources
Compatibility Breadth5/10
Setup Ease6/10
Reliability7.3/10
Value Rating9.4/10
Future-Proofing8/10
The Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen earns a SHE Score of 7.1/10, driven by strong value (9.4/10) with room to improve in compatibility breadth (5/10). Based on 10 expert sources and SmartHomeExplorer compatibility analysis.
How we calculate the SHE Score →Expert Consensus: 8.9/10 across 10 sources
Updated 1 week ago“Still the best streaming box by a long shot — faster and cheaper”
Key Features
- ✓ A15 Bionic chip
- ✓ Thread border router
- ✓ 4K HDR streaming
- ✓ HomeKit/Matter hub
Best For
Apple householdsHomeKit hub backbone4K streaming + smart home
What Experts Agree On
What Experts Love
- ✓ Thread border router for Matter mesh networking
- ✓ A15 chip runs HomeKit automations locally
- ✓ Most affordable Apple smart home hub at $129
- ✓ Doubles as premium 4K HDR streaming device
Common Criticisms
- ✗ Siri interaction is remote-button-oriented, not ambient voice
- ✗ No speaker — needs HomePod or AirPlay speaker for audio
- ✗ Smart home hub capability is secondary to streaming marketing
Tap any pick to check its live price on Amazon.
eufy X10 Pro Omni
$429.99RecommendedView on Amazon
Level Bolt Smart Lock
$159-$199RecommendedView on Amazon
eufy Security eufyCam S3 Pro 2-Cam Kit
$429.99Must BuyView on Amazon
Amazon eero Max 7 Mesh WiFi System (2-Pack)
$799.99Must BuyView on Amazon
iRobot Roomba Combo j5
$199.99RecommendedView on Amazon
Ring Battery Doorbell Plus
$179.99RecommendedView on Amazon
What The Experts Say
WI
“A worthy addition to any living room”
TH
“A snappier A15 chip and a USB-C Siri Remote keep it the best streaming box, though the design is stale”
Ready to buy the Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen?
Check Price on Amazon$129 · 10 expert sources · 8.9/10 consensus
Featured in these buying guides
See how the Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen ranks against the full field in our Ecosystem buying guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen worth it?
The Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen earns a 8.9/10 consensus score across 10 expert sources and is rated "Recommended". At $129, it is best for Apple households. Engadget notes: "Still the best streaming box by a long shot — faster and cheaper"
How much does the Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen cost?
The Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen is priced at $129. With a 8.9/10 score from 10 expert reviews and a "Recommended" rating, that price represents strong value relative to the ~7.5/10 average for Ecosystem products. Prices shift often, so check the live figure before buying.
Who is the Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen best for?
The Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen is best for Apple households, HomeKit hub backbone, 4K streaming + smart home. Experts rate it "Recommended" with a 8.9/10 consensus across 10 sources.
How does the Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen compare to other Ecosystem options?
Among the Ecosystem products we have aggregated, the Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen ranks above average with a 8.9/10 score. Wired adds: "A worthy addition to any living room"
What smart home systems does the Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen work with?
The Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen works with Apple HomeKit, Matter. Check the compatibility notes above for any hub dependencies or setup requirements before you buy.
What are the best alternatives to the Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen?
If the Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen ($129, 8.9/10) is not the right fit, the closest alternatives in Ecosystem are Apple HomePod 2nd Gen, Roku Ultra, Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max. Compare them on price, ecosystem support, and expert consensus to find your match.
What are the pros and cons of the Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen?
The main strengths of the Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen are thread border router for matter mesh networking and a15 chip runs homekit automations locally. The most-cited downside is siri interaction is remote-button-oriented, not ambient voice. Overall, 10 expert sources rate it "Recommended" with a 8.9/10 consensus score.
Sources & Methodology
This review aggregates 10 independent expert reviews into a single consensus score. See how we build consensus scores and the SHE Score methodology.
Expert review sources cited on this page:
- Engadget
- Wired
- The Verge
Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This consensus review is based on 10 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.