After one week with Apple TV, I am able to ditch my Chromecast and Fireplace Stick

On the subject of the very best streaming gadgets, most individuals go for budget-friendly choices just like the Chromecast or Amazon Fireplace TV Stick — and for good purpose. These choices have been strong performers, and I’ve relied on them for over a decade. Nevertheless, I just lately switched to an Apple TV for the primary time, and after spending only one week with it, my previous gadgets are already gathering mud. Here is why I am making the everlasting change.

The Apple TV simply works

It is flawless from the second you flip it on

Like the remainder of Apple’s {hardware} lineup, the Apple TV is designed to maximise the Apple ecosystem’s potential. Whereas different streaming gadgets just like the Chromecast are simple to arrange with an Android cellphone, Apple TV takes it additional. Not solely is setup seamless utilizing an iPhone, however as soon as related to Wi-Fi, a distant shortcut is added to your iPhone’s Management Heart. Plus, profiles for members of the family linked to your Apple ID are immediately configured.

As soon as arrange, Apple TV presents a well-known interface, with UI parts that mirror these in your iPhone. You will additionally discover a number of preinstalled Apple apps like Apple Music, Podcasts, and Photographs — which, by the best way, makes me surprise why Google TV nonetheless lacks a Photographs app. Viewing your journey pictures on the massive display is so significantly better. Take the trace, Google!

As for the distant, it is simply the very best I’ve ever used with a sensible TV or streaming gadget. Navigating the Apple TV is extremely easy, due to the touchpad, which allows you to get the place you need immediately with a easy swipe, as a substitute of repeatedly clicking to maneuver throughout the display. This characteristic is particularly helpful when streaming exhibits, permitting you to skip ahead or again with only a gesture.

Apple TV’s interface feels extra intuitive and polished

Quicker and smoother than each the Chromecast and Fireplace Stick

Diving deeper into the interface, each Google and Amazon have made quite a few optimizations to their platforms, however their residence screens can really feel cluttered. You will see your apps, content material suggestions, and, most annoyingly, advertisements unfold all through the interface.

In distinction, the Apple TV retains issues easy and streamlined. The house display consists of your apps, together with your favorites on the prime and extra apps beneath. Whereas there are content material suggestions, there are not any advertisements, which is a large win — particularly because you’re already paying quite a bit for the {hardware}. You additionally get Apple’s suite of apps, and like Google TV, you may obtain your favorites from the Apple App Retailer.

Now, it is value mentioning that the efficiency of Android or Google TV usually is dependent upon the {hardware} and worth vary. Android TVs come at quite a lot of worth factors, starting from a pair hundred {dollars} to costly fashions that price over $10,000. However let’s be trustworthy: we have all skilled lag or hiccups on an Android TV, regardless of the mannequin.

With Apple TV, that is merely not the case. All the pieces runs easily proper from the beginning. In my week with the gadget, I have never encountered a single occasion of sluggishness. App launches are considerably sooner in comparison with different streaming gadgets, and the near-instant load instances make a world of distinction, particularly while you’re speeding to catch the ultimate moments of a dwell sports activities recreation.

That is largely due to the A15 Bionic chip — the identical one used within the iPhone 13 — that powers the Apple TV, making certain that all the things is quick and easy. Plus, Apple recurrently provides new options through tvOS updates, one thing sorely missing on Google TV. Whereas manufacturers like Samsung and LG have dedicated to longer replace cycles, the identical cannot be mentioned for a lot of Android and Google TVs.

I purchased a high-end Xiaomi TV again in 2021, anticipating a premium sensible TV expertise without having an exterior streaming gadget. Sadly, it hasn’t obtained a single replace in over two years. That is one space the place Apple TV actually stands out — it receives well timed updates alongside different Apple gadgets, making certain it stays present and feature-rich for years to come back, whereas most Chromecast and Google TVs lag behind on this side.

Constructed to final with premium {hardware}

Apple TV’s {hardware} makes it definitely worth the funding for years to come back

I am certain many individuals, like myself, deal with Chromecast and Fireplace Sticks like Bluetooth earphones — we use them for a few years till the {hardware} begins to decelerate, then we transfer on. This often means investing in a brand new streaming gadget each three years or so. That alone is why the $129 price ticket for the Apple TV is value it.

With its highly effective A15 Bionic chipset, the Apple TV should not decelerate anytime quickly, and seems like a streaming gadget I can depend on for years. Whereas it is a bigger upfront funding, the mixture of robust {hardware}, easy software program expertise, and long-term assist justifies the associated fee — one thing I’ve by no means skilled with my Chromecast or Fireplace Stick.