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7 ways Apple TV beats Roku

7 ways Apple TV beats Roku

Apple's set-top box offers serious advantages.

Lewis Wallace
March 30, 2024

The first time I saw a Roku device, I was blown away by this exotic new way to watch TV shows and movies. So easy! So intuitive! So innovative!

Streaming has come a long way since then, though. These days, nearly every TV set comes with Roku or something similar baked in. But there are still reasons to invest in an Apple TV, from big-screen FaceTime to novel control methods.

This weekend’s new buying guide makes the case for choosing Apple’s set-top box over Roku, despite the fact that Apple TV costs more than the competition.

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

Mark your calendar for June 10. That’s the day Apple kicks off WWDC24 with a keynote that will be must-see viewing for Apple fans like us.
A new feature in Safari makes it simple to translate foreign webpages into something you can read. Here’s how to use it.
If you’re interested in learning languages, jump on this all-time-low price on a lifetime subscription to Babbel. (We’ve also got deals on other great software, like Microsoft Office for Mac and MacPilot.)
Did you catch that Constellation season finale? And did it satisfy your sci-fi cravings?
The Apple Vision Pro might seem radical, but it actually has a lot in common with the first Macintosh computer. Here’s a little historical perspective on the matter.

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

Buying guide

7 reasons to get an Apple TV instead of a Roku

Comparing the Apple TV vs. Roku vs. other smart TV products, there are many good reasons to stick with Apple’s set-top box — even though it’s more expensive.

How-tos

How to translate an entire website to English directly from Safari

If you stumble across a webpage or link in a different language, you can instantly translate the website to English directly from Safari.

How to tweak your iPhone's Home Screen

Want to manage and customize your iPhone Home screen to increase its usefulness and keep it clean? Follow this guide.

What to do if your iPhone won’t install an update

If your phone refuses to update, there are a few things you can try if you want to keep it safe and secure.

News

Apple sets WWDC24 kickoff date for June 10

WWDC24, this year’s big Apple developer conference, will start with a live-streamed event on June 10, with a rumored focus on AI.

New iPads won’t arrive until May and we can’t stop crying

A release date for the highly anticipated 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air will come in early May, leaving fans hanging … again.

Plus, more Apple rumors:

macOS patch fixes vexing bugs with USB hubs and more

Mac users should install macOS Sonoma 14.4.1, which fixes a bug that affected USB hubs (as well as other problems).

'Presto,' your new iPhone comes out of box with fresh software update

Apple's new Presto iOS updates mean new iPhone buyers won't necessarily have to worry about refreshing software first-thing.

Vision Pro vs. Macintosh: A historical perspective

A look back at the original Macintosh puts the Vision Pro AR headset in perspective, and helps reveal what it means for Apple's future.

Plus, more on Vision Pro:

iMessage getting RCS for better cross-platform texting in fall 2024

Google lets slip that Apple will fulfill its promise to add Rich Communication Services to iPhone "in the fall of 2024."

Apple TV+ content rates highest for quality

Among the major streamers, Apple TV+ offers the best content (including 4K titles), but it can't compete on value.

Deals

Grab JBL noise-canceling earbuds for less than $60

JBL Tune Buds offer advanced features similar to AirPods Pro. But you can buy these JBL noise-canceling earbuds for just $59.99.

Plus, more hardware from Cult of Mac Deals:

Shop big bargains on Mac, MacBook and iPad while they last

The new Woot! sale on Macs and iPads brings some bargain-basement deals on older gear you won't want to miss.

Lock in lifetime access to Babbel language learning at the lowest price ever

Gain lifetime access to all 14 of the languages offered in the Babbel app with this unbeatable limited-time deal.

Get Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac, just $29.97

Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office Home and Business 2019 for Mac, with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote and Teams Classic.

Plus, more software from Cult of Mac Deals:

Apply for up to 150 jobs a day with just one click

LazyApply saves you time by letting you apply for jobs with just a click -- hundreds of them. Get a lifetime sub now for just $59.97.

Reviews and recommendations

Sleek power bank is your iPhone’s backup battery [Review] ★★★★½

Torras Ostand Power Bank's high capacity -- and its sleek and lightweight design -- make it perfect for on-the-go charging.

Can dimension-shifting ‘Constellation’ nail its season finale? [Updated]

On the Apple TV+ sci-fi show, you should never believe what you think is reality. Will "Constellation" season finale wrap up its loose ends?

Magnets make this slick silicone Apple Watch band awesome

This magnetic Apple Watch band looks great and is easy to use: SwitchEasy's Skin Silicone Magnetic Apple Watch Band is a jack-of-all-trades.

Baseus laptop power bank proves that thin is in [Review] ★★★★★

Baseus Blade 2 Ultra-Thin Laptop Power Bank is loaded with great features, but is slim enough to go easily into bags designed for MacBooks.

Setups

Badass Mac Studio drives dual Studio Displays

In some ways, an M2 Ultra Mac Studio driving dual Studio Displays is an ideal computer setup -- even with base specs.

User's first Mac workstation is a doozy

Apple's smallest desktop computer is anything but meek. This M2 Mac mini setup is the user's first Apple rig, and it's impressive.

Anker dock handles MacBook Pro and PC laptop

This setup easily swaps in a Windows laptop and connects to suitable displays and peripherals.