Apple has the best streaming box in the business, especially for those who use other Apple products. The new model is better in only subtle ways with a welcome new lower price, even if it’s still not as inexpensive as it needs to be.

Improved over last year’s model, and more-affordable than ever, the Apple TV 4K (2022) is more compelling than before. The fastest streaming device (at least for most apps), the Apple TV 4K offers the best home screen in the industry. And while the new-look Siri offers some help, it goes a little too-big.

Apple’s new streaming box gets a lower price without losing what made previous versions great.

Remarkably, the third-generation Apple TV 4K costs less than the product it replaces. It starts at just $129 for a version with 64GB of storage, compared to the $179 launch sticker of its 32GB predecessor. I tip my hat to Apple for making the product more affordable in addition to all of its impressive feature upgrades.

If you're an Android fan, then it definitely makes sense to look to Google's Chromecast. That also has the advantage of being significantly cheaper than the Apple TV 4K, though I'd counter that the speed and general absence of adverts make the user experience of Apple's box more appealing. Those well into the Apple ecosystem, meanwhile, get things like AirPlay support and the tight integration of iPhone and set-top box.

The Apple TV 4K 3rd generation is a must-have for anyone with an iPhone or other Apple device. It still has great sound and picture quality, but the processor is faster and it supports HDR 10+. If you are invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple TV 4K should be the streamer you use. Also, if you have a Samsung TV that supports HDR10+, you might want to think about getting the new model.

Regardless of where users fall in the streaming service device wars, the Apple TV 4K is more than worth a look for its performance, ease of use, and elegant design. There is still room for improvement in terms of app integration, but outside of that the device delivers everything that users should want and at a competitive price.

The Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) might seem like just another streaming device – and a particularly expensive one, at that – but there is a lot to this gadget than most first impressions suggest. It does, of course, perform its core functions well enough for the most part, although tvOS occasionally feels like it needs an overhaul. There's plenty of storage, useful connectivity options, and Apple's highly-regarded ecosystem to sweeten the deal, particularly if you already have other Apple hardware and subscriptions to its key services.

The new Apple TV 4K isn’t exactly a radical re-imagining of the company’s streaming box, but it’s smaller (slightly) and adds a few new features such as HDR10+ high dynamic range support, USB-C charging on the included Siri Remote, and the company’s A15 Bionic chip for slightly faster menu navigation and game-play in Apple Arcade. It comes highly recommended if you’re an Apple user owing to its tight integration with the company’s products, but non-Apple users will be impressed with it as well.

Easy to set up. Snappy interface. Great remote. Supports nearly every streaming service. Can pair with two pairs of AirPods for quiet viewing.

For Apple users out there, the Apple TV 4K makes a lot of sense and they’ve finally lowered the price. For $129.99, you’re getting a streaming box that doesn’t cut corners, gives you access to all of Apple's services, and offers access to all the major streaming services plus a bunch of other apps.

There are a few other notables on the Apple TV 4K (2022). The volume is 20 percent smaller thanks to its new fanless design; I don’t think this really matters when the box is going to stay tucked under your TV. tvOS 16 is smoother with less lag bopping between apps and in and out of games — again, no doubt thanks to the more powerful A15 Bionic chip.

Packing more speed than ever (and now HDR10 Plus) at a cheaper price, the Apple TV 4K is the best overall streamer on the market — even if tvOS is falling behind in places

Apple makes a really good box. It's sleek, fast and more than capable of handling all the basics and even a bit more, so long as you live in Apple's world of Fitness Plus, Arcade and iCloud Photo Sharing. The AirPods integration is a particular favorite feature of mine, especially when you want to watch something on a big screen without disturbing others around you.

That’s a wrap for an “okay” media streamer. If you have the 2nd generation of the Apple TV 4K, I recommend you stick with it and not get this 3rd generation model. The difference between that model and this one is very minor.

Despite a drop in price and a boost in performance, the third-generation Apple TV 4K is still an expensive media streamer that's best suited for Apple-centric households.

The latest generation Apple TV 4K has a more powerful processor and a lower price – making this a no-brainer

There are cheaper streaming boxes available, and every television comes with a smart TV built in. But if you want a simple, reliable and high-quality streamer, the third-gen Apple TV 4K is unbeatable.

Despite some drawbacks, I really do love the new Apple TV. We have a Sky box as well, so Apple’s puck isn’t always the first thing we go to, but I much prefer to use it than my telly’s own OS.