Full Details on Every Generation of the Apple TV

Most models of the Apple TV look confusingly similar: they're pocket-sized devices that resemble extra-large, square hockey pucks. Sure, the Apple TV 4K is about twice as tall as the third-generation model, but that's a pretty subtle difference.

The relatively similar outsides actually conceal a lot of difference. The things that separate the 2nd and 5th generation Apple TV models, for instance, are huge. The newest model — the Apple TV 4K, which is the 5th generation — has a number of obvious differences and is a revolutionary improvement over earlier Apple TV models. On the other hand, a quick glance at the chart below may cause the 2nd and 3rd generation models to appear identical.

Illustration of a person comparing the Pros and Cons of different Apple TV models — Bailey Mariner / Lifewire

This chart helps you understand how the models are different by comparing the features, benefits, and specifications of each Apple TV generation. The easy to read and compare chart is designed to help you understand how the Apple TV has evolved over the years and to make the right purchase.

To learn more about these Apple TV models, check out:

Apple TV 4K details
4th generation Apple TV details
3rd generation Apple TV review
2nd generation Apple TV review
1st generation Apple TV review

Apple TV Comparison Chart

	Apple TV 4K	4th Gen. Apple TV	3rd Gen. Apple TV	2nd Gen. Apple TV	1st Gen. Apple TV
Model Number	A1842	A1625	A1427 A1469	A1378	A1218
Processor	Apple A10 Fusion	1.4 Ghz Apple A8	Apple A5	Apple A4	1 GHz Intel Crofton Pentium M
Video Storage	up to 32GB 64GB	up to 32GB 64GB	N/A	N/A	40GB 160GB
Music Storage	up to 32GB 64GB	up to 32GB 64GB	N/A	N/A	40GB 160GB
Photo Storage	up to 32GB 64GB	up to 32GB 64GB	N/A	N/A	40GB 160GB
App Store	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Games	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Siri	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Universal Voice Search	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Bluetooth	5.0	4.0	Yes	Yes	No
Supported Audio & Video Formats	H.264 up to 2160p, Dolby Vision, AAC, MPEG-4, MP3	H.264 up to 1080p, AAC, MPEG-4, MP3	H.264 up to 1080p, AAC, MPEG-4, MP3	H.264 up to 720p, AAC, MPEG-4, MP3	H.264, AAC, MPEG-4
Dolby 5.1	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Dolby 7.1	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Dolby Atmos	Yes	No	No	No	No
Netflix Streaming	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Max. HDTV Format	4K	1080p	1080p	720p	720p
HDR10	Yes	No	No	No	No
Interfaces	HDMI 2.0, Ethernet, IR Receiver	HDMI, Ethernet, IR Receiver	HDMI, Ethernet, Optical Audio, IR Receiver	HDMI, Ethernet, Optical Audio, IR Receiver	HDMI, Component A/V, Optical Audio, Analog Audio, Ethernet, IR Receiver
Networking	Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0	10/100 Base-T Ethernet, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0	10/100 Base-T Ethernet, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi	10/100 Base-T Ethernet, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi	10/100 Base-T Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
USB	No	USB-C	Micro-USB	Micro-USB	USB 2.0
HomeKit Hub	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Remote Control	Siri Remote (touchpad & mic); black	Siri Remote (touchpad & mic); black	Apple Remote; aluminum	Apple Remote; aluminum	Apple Remote; white
Remote Can Control TV	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Use Apple Watch as Remote	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Weight**	0.94	0.94	0.6	0.6	2.4
Size*	3.9 x 3.9 x 1.4	3.9 x 3.9 x 1.3	3.9 x 3.9 x 0.9	3.9 x 3.9 x 0.9	7.7 x 7.7 x 1.1
Price	US$179 $199	US$149 $199	$99	$99	$329 $229

* in inches
** in pounds

Another Key Difference: Jailbreaking

If you like to push the envelope with your technology, there's another aspect of the Apple TV that may be important to you: which models can be jailbroken. Jailbreaking removes the restrictions and controls Apple applies to its products and lets you install your own software and make all kinds of customizations.

The Apple TV models that can be jailbroken are:

Apple TV 4K.
4th Gen. Apple TV.
2nd Gen. Apple TV.

As always, it bears noting that jailbreaking requires technical skills that the average person doesn't have and can damage your device and void your warranty if done incorrectly. If you try it, you're pretty much on your own.

Which Apple TV Model Should You Buy?

So, after all this, which Apple TV generation should you buy? For almost all people, the answer is the Apple TV 4K.

It's the latest model, offers the most advanced features, should maintain compatibility with other home theater hardware and video technology the longest. The 4th gen. model is a little cheaper, but not much. Saving $20 or $30 for a lesser product really isn't worth it. Buy the best device you can and you'll be happy with it the longest.

Both 1st generation models, the 2nd generation, and 3rd generation Apple TV are no longer available from Apple, but they can still be found used. While they were good models when they debuted, we no longer recommend them, as they don't support the most recent technologies.

What You Need to Know Before Buying an Apple TV

Comparing Apple TV to Other Streaming Options

The Apple TV isn't the only device that plugs into your TV and lets you stream video, play games, and more. Curious to know how the Apple TV stacks up against those other devices? Check out: