Why I made the Apple TV 4K my main streaming device

Key insights

• Apple TV 4K is versatile and doesn't require Apple products.
• It features a simple remote control design with no additional buttons but can be remapped.
• Compared to the TV, there is a faster interface and it supports streaming apps – plus there are no ads.

After spending way too much time navigating my slow TV interface, I decided it was time to upgrade to a streaming box. Even though I have a PS5 and an Xbox Series I had to switch to a streaming box for this reason. I already had a Google Chromecast 4K when I tried the Stadia service and it worked fine for a while.

But at some point I switched to an Apple TV 4K and I can't imagine ever going back. I don't even own any other Apple products, and the great thing is that I don't need to. If you own other Apple products like AirPods or an iPhone, the versatility is significantly greater, but that's far from a requirement. I can go on and on about everything I like about the device, but I've narrowed it down to just five.

Dolby Atmos on Apple Music

Spatial sound for victory

Oddly enough, my decision to get an Apple TV 4K was initially based on wanting to take advantage of Apple Music's spatial audio feature. I thought that having Apple Music on my phone wasn't enough for Dolby Atmos through my receiver – I had to grab an Apple TV 4K instead. Not everything on Apple Music supports Atmos, but I've been impressed with what I've heard so far.

Sometimes the mix doesn't seem great, so it's nice to have the option to go back to a normal stereo audio setup. The Apple TV 4K is just there to give me options, and it's a nice little advantage that other streaming devices can't give me. Of course, buying a streaming box to listen to music isn't for everyone, but for me it was worth the effort and everything that comes with the Apple TV 4K was icing on the cake.

The Apple TV 4K remote control is simple

The Apple TV 4K keeps it simple with volume controls, a back button, and a directional pad. It's not a remote control with extra numbers or buttons like others, so you don't have to get bogged down looking for the right button.

There is also a Siri button on the side that enables voice control.

However, there are also disadvantages to having fewer buttons. There is no easy way to switch your TV's input to a gaming console when needed. You can remap the buttons to do other things, but I found it easy to just have my actual TV remote with me when I need to do that. I use the Apple TV remote for most of my TV viewing, but it has limitations.

Apple TV 4K has a cleaner and faster interface

Navigation is an absolute dream

It's hard to estimate how slow and sluggish my Sony Bravia X90J's interface is. It works and has most of the apps you need, but navigating between them was a pain. If I buy an Apple TV 4K, all of these problems will be solved and I can't imagine ever going back. There are also no more advertisements on my display, which I wasn't aware of as a problem on my TV until I made the switch.

Instead of having to scroll through all the installed apps, you have everything right on the home screen with large icons. It's hard to ever not know where you're looking, and this will get you where you want to go much quicker. It also helps that the Apple TV 4K supports all major streaming apps and keeps them up to date, so I never feel like I'm behind on content.

Rewind with Siri on Apple TV 4K

In my opinion a real game changer

A feature I learned about not long ago is using Siri to rewind what you're watching, and subtitles will automatically turn on if you miss what was being said. Since some TV shows and movies make it difficult to understand dialogue, having an Apple TV 4K was a huge advantage. What's even nicer is that the subtitles are only active until you get back to where you were. Once it catches up, the subtitles will be turned off. If you ask me, this is a much better option than having to jump through menus to turn subtitles on and then leaving them on the whole time I'm watching something.

Siri can do a lot more, but that's what I use it most often for. Siri can search for videos on YouTube, find specific movies, and everything you normally use the assistant for on your iPhone. It's just nice to have this option available to me right on my remote.

It can handle light games

A fun way to pass the time

I don't normally use my Apple TV 4K for gaming, but in the month I've been trying out Apple Arcade, it's been pretty cool not having to use my Xbox to scratch that gaming itch. Oddly enough, there are some solid Apple Arcade games like TMNT Splintered Fate, but it's since come to the Switch so I no longer need the service. However, I can vouch that the Apple TV 4K is a solid gaming device. You won't play the latest AAA releases on it, but you can connect to a controller and easily play what's available on Apple Arcade or what you've purchased from the App Store.

If your internet connection is strong enough, you can use the Steam Link app and stream games from your PC to your Apple TV 4K. I haven't tried this often, but it's an option that shows the streaming box is suitable for more than just watching TV. You can also connect an Ethernet cable to your Apple TV, but that's not an option for me considering how far away my router and modem are.