Streaming devices are increasingly popular, as they allow us to enjoy multimedia content on our television, whether it is smart or not. Among the best-known options on the market are the Apple TV and the TV Box, two products with different features, advantages and disadvantages. Which of them best suits our needs and preferences? In this article we are going to make a comparison between the Apple TV and the TV Box, analyzing the following aspects: hardware, software, functionalities, apps and games and price.
Table of Contents
Hardware
Hardware is the set of physical components that make up the streaming device. In this aspect, the Apple TV and the TV Box present significant differences, both in design and performance.
Apple TV
The Apple TV is a square and compact device that connects to the television using an HDMI cable. There are two models available: the Apple TV HD and the Apple TV 4K. The former has an output resolution of up to 1080p at 60 fps, while the latter can reach 4K at 60 fps with HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. Both models have a quad-core processor, 32 or 64 GB of internal storage, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ethernet. In addition, they include a remote control with integrated Siri, which allows you to control the device by voice.
TV Box
The TV Box is a generic term that encompasses several streaming devices based on the Android operating system. Some of the most popular are the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick, the Amazon Fire TV Stick, the Google Chromecast or the Turewell Q Plus. These devices come in various shapes and sizes, but are typically smaller and lighter than the Apple TV. The output resolution can vary from 720p to 6K, depending on the model. They also vary in processor, RAM, internal storage, connectivity and supported video formats. Some include a remote control, which may have functions like Google Assistant or Alexa.
Software
Software is the set of programs and applications that allow the streaming device to function and offer its services. In this aspect, the Apple TV and the TV Box also have important differences, since they use different operating systems.
Apple TV
Apple TV uses the tvOS operating system, which is an adapted version of iOS for television. This system offers a simple and elegant interface, with access to Apple services and applications, such as Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, AirPlay or HomeKit. In addition, it allows you to synchronize the device with other Apple products, such as the iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple Watch, to share content or use them as a remote control.
TV Box
The TV Box uses the Android TV operating system, which is an adapted version of Android for television. This system offers a customizable and versatile interface, with access to Google services and applications, such as Google Play, YouTube, Google Assistant, Chromecast or Google Photos. In addition, it allows you to install third-party applications from the Google Play store or from external sources, which expands the entertainment possibilities.
Features
Functionalities are the actions and options that the streaming device offers the user. In this aspect, the Apple TV and the TV Box have some similarities, but also some differences.
Apple TV
Apple TV offers the following features:
- Play streaming multimedia content from platforms such as Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Movistar+ or Rakuten TV, among others.
- Play local multimedia content from your computer, mobile phone or tablet, using AirPlay or iTunes.
- Play streaming music from Apple Music or from other sources, such as Spotify, Deezer or Tidal.
- Play games from Apple Arcade or other platforms, such as Steam Link or PlayStation Now, using the remote control or a compatible controller.
- Use Siri to search for content, control your device, or perform other actions, such as checking the weather, news, or calendar.
- Use HomeKit to control smart home devices, such as lights, thermostats, or security cameras.
- Use Screen Time to limit device usage time or restrict access to certain content.
TV Box
The TV Box offers the following functionalities:
- Play streaming multimedia content from platforms such as Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Movistar+ or Rakuten TV, among others.
- Play local multimedia content from your computer, mobile phone or tablet, using Chromecast, DLNA or USB.
- Play streaming music from Google Play Music or from other sources, such as Spotify, Deezer or Tidal.
- Play games from Google Play or other platforms, such as Steam Link or GeForce Now, using the remote control or a compatible controller.
- Use the Google Assistant to search for content, control your device, or perform other actions, such as checking the weather, news, or calendar.
- Use Google Home to control smart home devices, such as lights, thermostats, or security cameras.
- Use guest mode to allow other users to access the device without signing in.
Apps and games
Apps and games are the applications and games that the streaming device allows you to install and run. In this aspect, the Apple TV and the TV Box have a different offer, both in quantity and quality.
Apple TV
Apple TV has its own application store, called App Store, which offers a selection of apps and games adapted for television. Some of the most popular apps are Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Movistar+, Rakuten TV, Apple TV+, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, YouTube, Twitch, Plex, VLC, AirBuddy, Infuse or Karaoke Party. Some of the most popular games are Oceanhorn 2, Sonic Racing, Crossy Road, Alto's Odyssey, Rayman Adventures, Asphalt 8, Minecraft, NBA 2K21 or Sky: Children of the Light.
Apple TV also offers a subscription service called Apple Arcade, which allows access to more than 100 exclusive games without ads or in-app purchases, for a price of 4,99 euros per month. Some of the Apple Arcade games are The Pathless, Fantasian, Wonderbox, NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition, Lego Brawls, Grindstone, Sayonara Wild Hearts or The Last Campfire.
TV Box
The TV Box has its own application store, called Google Play, which offers a wide variety of apps and games adapted for television. Some of the most popular apps are Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Movistar+, Rakuten TV, YouTube, Twitch, Plex, VLC, Kodi, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, Google Play Music, Google Photos or Google Assistant. Some of the most popular games are Asphalt 9, Dead Trigger 2, Beach Buggy Racing, Badland, Leo's Fortune, Riptide GP2, Minecraft, NBA Jam or Soul Knight.
The TV Box also allows third-party applications to be installed from external sources, expanding the entertainment possibilities. Some of the most popular third-party applications are Wiseplay, IPTV, Stremio, Popcorn Time, Cinema HD or Aptoide TV.
Price
The price is the cost of acquiring the streaming device. In this aspect, the Apple TV and the TV Box have a notable difference, since the former is much more expensive than the latter.
Apple TV
The Apple TV has a high price, which can vary depending on the model and storage capacity. The Apple TV HD is priced at 159 euros, with 32 GB of storage. The Apple TV 4K is priced at 199 euros, with 32 GB of storage, or 219 euros, with 64 GB of storage.
TV Box
El TV Box It has an affordable price, which may vary depending on the model and features. Some examples of prices are the following:
- Xiaomi Mi TV Stick: 39,99 euros, with resolution up to 1080p, quad-core processor, 1 GB
