Streaming boxes have become the heart of many home entertainment setups, and Apple's offerings stand out for their polish and integration. Let's compare the Apple TV 4K 32GB 2nd Generation ($152.99) with the newer Apple TV 4K 64GB 3rd Generation Wi-Fi ($129) to help you decide which makes more sense for your setup.
Apple has been steadily improving their streaming box since 2007, but the real story for home theater enthusiasts starts with the 4K models. The 2nd gen model launched in April 2021, bringing the A12 Bionic chip and a redesigned remote that finally fixed the frustrating trackpad issues. Then in November 2022, Apple surprised many by releasing the 3rd gen model with more power and, interestingly, a lower price point.
The headline improvement in the 3rd gen Apple TV 4K is its A15 Bionic processor, which delivers 50% faster CPU performance and 30% better graphics versus the 2nd gen's A12 chip. But what does that really mean for your viewing experience?
In daily use, the differences show up most in:
For basic streaming, both devices perform excellently. I've used both extensively in my home theater setup, and while the 3rd gen is clearly faster, the 2nd gen never feels slow. The real advantage of the newer processor is future-proofing - it'll likely support new features and formats longer.
Here's where things get interesting. The newer model actually costs less and gives you more:
Why might you want the extra storage? While streaming doesn't need much space, apps and games are getting larger. If you use your Apple TV for gaming or keep many apps installed, the extra space is valuable. Even if you don't, having more storage helps prevent those annoying "storage full" messages when the system needs to cache content.
Both models deliver excellent picture quality, supporting:
The 3rd gen adds HDR10+ support, which is similar to Dolby Vision but used by some streaming services and content providers. For home theater enthusiasts, both support Dolby Atmos, delivering immersive surround sound when connected to compatible audio systems.
Here's a key difference: the base 3rd gen model drops the Ethernet port, relying solely on Wi-Fi 6. If you need a wired connection for the most stable 4K streaming, you'll either need the pricier 3rd gen model with Ethernet or the 2nd gen version.
Both devices work as smart home hubs for HomeKit devices, but the 3rd gen adds Matter support - a new standard that promises better smart home compatibility across brands. This might become more important as Matter adoption grows.
Both come with Siri Remotes, but the 3rd gen's remote switches to USB-C charging. While this might seem minor, it's convenient if you're already using USB-C for other devices. Both remotes are well-designed with:
In a dedicated home theater setting, both models excel. They support:
The main consideration for home theater use is bandwidth - if your Wi-Fi signal to your theater room isn't strong, the 2nd gen's included Ethernet port might be crucial.
Let's break down who should buy each model:
Choose the 2nd Generation if:
Choose the 3rd Generation if:
In my experience setting up home theaters and streaming systems, the 3rd gen model is the clear choice for most people. The combination of better performance, more storage, and lower price makes it hard to recommend the 2nd gen unless you specifically need that Ethernet port.
The smart move right now is the 3rd gen model. It's rare to get better specs at a lower price, and the A15 processor should keep it relevant for years to come. For home theater enthusiasts, just make sure your Wi-Fi signal is strong in your viewing room, or consider the pricier Ethernet version if it isn't.
Remember: both are excellent streaming boxes that will serve you well for years. Don't stress too much about the decision - either way, you're getting one of the best streaming experiences available.
| Apple TV 4K 32GB 2nd Gen ($152.99) | Apple TV 4K 64GB 3rd Gen Wi-Fi ($129) |
|---|---|
| Processor - Determines overall speed and future-proofing | |
| A12 Bionic (2018 chip) | A15 Bionic (2021 chip, 50% faster) |
| Storage - Important for apps, games, and preventing buffering | |
| 32GB (adequate for streaming) | 64GB (better for gaming/multiple apps) |
| Price - Value consideration | |
| $152.99 (often discounted) | $129 (better value despite newer model) |
| Ethernet Port - Critical if Wi-Fi signal is weak | |
| Included | Not included (requires more expensive model) |
| HDR Support - Affects picture quality on compatible TVs | |
| Dolby Vision, HDR10 | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ |
| Remote Charging - Convenience factor | |
| Lightning port | USB-C (more universal compatibility) |
| Smart Home Support - Future compatibility | |
| HomeKit only | HomeKit and Matter support |
| Power Efficiency - Affects heat and power usage | |
| Higher power draw | More efficient, runs cooler |
| Size/Weight - If space is tight | |
| 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.4 inches, 15oz | 3.7 x 3.7 x 1.2 inches, 7.5oz |
For home theater use, both the Apple TV 4K 2nd Gen ($152.99) and Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen ($129) perform excellently. The 3rd gen offers better processing power and HDR10+ support, but consider the 2nd gen if you need Ethernet for stable 4K streaming in your theater room.
If you're buying new, the 3rd gen Apple TV 4K is actually cheaper and offers better performance than the 2nd gen. With 50% faster processing, double the storage, and HDR10+ support, it's the better choice unless you specifically need Ethernet connectivity.
The 2nd gen Apple TV 4K includes Ethernet, while the base 3rd gen is Wi-Fi only. For 4K streaming, you need at least 25Mbps internet speed. If your Wi-Fi is stable, you won't need Ethernet, but it provides the most reliable connection for home theaters.
Both models support 4K resolution and Dolby Vision, but the 3rd gen Apple TV 4K adds HDR10+ support. For most users, the picture quality will be identical, as both models handle 4K HDR content beautifully.
The 3rd gen Apple TV 4K has 30% better graphics performance than the 2nd gen, making it the better choice for Apple Arcade gaming. The extra storage (64GB vs 32GB) is also beneficial for installing multiple games.
Both models have the redesigned Siri Remote, but the 3rd gen version uses USB-C charging instead of Lightning. The functionality is identical, but USB-C is more convenient if you've moved away from Lightning cables.
While both work as HomeKit hubs, the 3rd gen Apple TV 4K adds Matter support, making it more future-proof for smart home integration than the 2nd gen.
If you already own the 2nd gen Apple TV 4K, the performance improvement of the 3rd gen probably isn't worth upgrading unless you need more storage or want Matter support.
The 3rd gen Apple TV 4K at $129 offers better value with more storage and better performance compared to the 2nd gen at $152.99, unless you specifically need Ethernet connectivity.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: bestbuy.com - costco.com - target.com - discussions.apple.com - whathifi.com - sellyourmac.com - support.apple.com - youtube.com - sellyourmac.com - bestbuy.com - sellyourmac.com - en.wikipedia.org - support.apple.com - support.apple.com - appleosophy.com - costco.com - slashgear.com - apple.com - ucsandiegobookstore.com - bestbuy.com - sellyourmac.com - youtube.com - apple.com - talk.tidbits.com - apple.com - abt.com
