After a week with Apple TV, I’m ready to ditch my Chromecast and Fire Stick

When it comes down to it the best streaming devicesmost people opt for budget-friendly options like the Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV Stick, and for good reason. These options are solid performers and I have trusted them for over a decade. However, I recently switched to an Apple TV for the first time, and after spending just a week with it, my old devices are already collecting dust. This is why I’m making the permanent switch.

The Apple TV just works

It works flawlessly from the moment you turn it on

Like the rest of Apple’s hardware lineup, the Apple TV is designed to maximize the potential of the Apple ecosystem. While other streaming devices like the Chromecast are easy to set up with an Android phone, Apple TV takes it one step further. Not only is the setup seamless using an iPhone, but once connected to Wi-Fi, a remote shortcut is added to your iPhone’s Control Center. Additionally, profiles for family members associated with your Apple ID are configured on the fly.

Once set up, Apple TV offers a familiar interface, with UI elements that match those on your iPhone. You’ll also find several pre-installed Apple apps like Apple Music, Podcasts, and Photos, which by the way makes me wonder why Google TV still lacks a Photos app. Viewing your travel photos on the big screen is so much better. Take the hint, Google!

As for the remote, it’s by far the best I’ve ever used with a smart TV or streaming device. Navigating on Apple TV is incredibly smooth thanks to the touchpad, which lets you get where you want in an instant with a simple swipe, rather than repeatedly clicking to move around the screen. This feature is especially useful when streaming programs, allowing you to skip forward or back with just a gesture.

Apple TV’s interface feels more intuitive and polished

Faster and smoother than both the Chromecast and Fire Stick

Diving deeper into the interface, both Google and Amazon have made numerous optimizations to their platforms, but their home screens can feel cluttered. You’ll see your apps, content recommendations, and, most annoyingly, ads scattered across the interface.

The Apple TV, on the other hand, keeps things simple and streamlined. The home screen consists of your apps, with your favorites at the top and additional apps below. While there are content recommendations, there are no ads, which is a huge win, especially since you’re already paying quite a lot for the hardware. You also get Apple’s apps suite and, like Google TV, you can download your favorites from the Apple App Store.

It is worth mentioning that the performance of Android or Google TV often depends on the hardware and price range. Android TVs come in different price ranges, ranging from a few hundred dollars to expensive models cost more than $10,000. But let’s be honest: we all experience lag or stuttering on an Android TV, regardless of the model.

This is simply not the case with Apple TV. Everything runs smoothly from the start. In my week with the device, I didn’t encounter a single instance of sluggishness. Launching apps is significantly faster than other streaming devices, and the near-instant loading times make a world of difference, especially when you’re rushing to capture the final moments of a live sports game.

This is largely thanks to the A15 Bionic chip, the same one used in the iPhone 13 and that powers the Apple TV, making everything fast and smooth. Additionally, Apple regularly adds new features via tvOS updates, something sorely lacking on Google TV. While brands like Samsung and LG do committed to longer update cyclesthe same can’t be said for many Android and Google TVs.

I bought a high-end Xiaomi TV in 2021 expecting a premium smart TV experience without the need for an external streaming device. Unfortunately, it hasn’t received a single update in over two years. That’s one area where Apple TV really sets itself apart: it receives timely updates alongside other Apple devices, keeping it current and feature-rich for years to come, while most Chromecast and Google TVs lag behind in this aspect.

Built to last with premium hardware

Apple TV’s hardware makes it worth the investment for years to come

I’m sure many people, like myself, treat Chromecast and Fire Sticks as Bluetooth earphones. We’ll use them for a few years until the hardware starts to slow down, and then we’ll move on. This usually means investing in a new streaming device every three years. That alone is why the $129 price tag for the Apple TV is worth it.

With its powerful A15 Bionic chipset, the Apple TV shouldn’t be slowing down anytime soon and feels like a streaming device I can rely on for years to come. While it’s a bigger upfront investment, the combination of strong hardware, smooth software experience, and long-term support justifies the cost, something I’ve never experienced with my Chromecast or Fire Stick.

Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)

The Apple TV 4K 3rd generation delivers stunning visuals with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, paired with immersive Dolby Atmos audio. Powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, it delivers lightning-fast performance and integrates seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem, making it the ideal streaming device for Apple users.