Apple TV for most
The 32GB Apple TV 4K is sufficient for most people if they're in the market for one. It has the same processor and a similar user experience as the model with larger storage, but it costs less. The main downside of this device is that it's no longer available in the Apple Store.
Pros
- Less expensive
- Mostly the same features as the 64GB version
Cons
- Not a lot of storage for larger apps and games
- No longer available in the Apple Store
For more storage
The 64GB version of the Apple TV 4K is a good purchase for those who plan to download many apps, notably games. The fact of the matter is that this is almost the exact same device as the 32GB model except for the box's amount of storage. This one does have a Gigabyte Ethernet port, however, if that's something you need.
Pros
- Twice the storage for apps and games
- Gigabyte ethernet port
Cons
- Expensive
For most people, the Apple TV 4K with 32GB of storage should be plenty of room. However, if you're a serial user who likes to download lots of games, or store lots of movies and TV shows locally, then you might be better off with 64GB for peace of mind. And don't forget – Apple now offers the Apple TV 4K 2022 model, which packs in 128GB in its premium configuration, something that it has never offered before.
Since the 32GB Apple TV 4K is no longer available in the Apple Store, you'll want to purchase it from third-party retailers like Amazon or Walmart. There are still plenty of these on the market, just not from Apple.
Apple TV 32 vs. 64: How this breaks down
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The Apple TV 4K is Apple's streaming box. It streams 4K, HDR10, and Dolby Vision-capable content on compatible TVs and runs Apple's tvOS, a variant of iOS. It supports full-fledged third-party apps, from streaming apps like Netflix to real estate programs like Zillow. It also features full support for Apple Arcade, which is where the memory issue comes in.
Although most games on Apple Arcade do not take up an enormous amount of space, they can build up over time. So if you really love Apple Arcade and plan on downloading tons of games, then the 32GB storage capacity may prove insufficient. The same is true if you want to download many movies and videos, although that would be unnecessary if you have a good internet connection.
As the library of available apps, games, and Apple TV+ programs continues to grow, larger configurations of the Apple TV 4K platform will be necessary. That's why the 128GB model is now available. So while the 32BG model is sufficient for most right now, it may not be in the future. You should definitely take this into consideration before you buy.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Apple TV 4K (32GB) | Apple TV 4K (64GB) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179 | $199 |
| Storage | 32GB | 64GB |
| Max resolution | 2160p (4K) | 2160p (4K) |
| HDR10 | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Vision | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes |
| Voice control | Siri | Siri |
| CPU | Apple A12 Bionic | Apple A12 Bionic |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Gigabyte Ethernet | No | Yes |
The Apple TV 4K is powered by the A15 chip and comes with either 32GB or 64GB of storage. The only other major difference here is the Gigabyte Ethernet port on the 64GB model. In most cases, the average WiFi connection will be more than enough to download and play Apple Arcade or to stream content on Apple TV 4K at full resolution. There may be rare situations in which you want to connect the Apple TV directly to your modem; if that's the case, then the 64GB Apple TV 4K will be the solution. The 32GB Apple TV only functions through WiFi; it does not have an Ethernet port.
Apple TV 32 vs. 64: Which should you buy?
The best Apple TV experience is mostly centered around media, be it from Apple Music, Apple TV+, or streaming apps like Netflix. Most of that media, no matter its origin, is streamed. Therefore, you don't need a lot of storage on your Apple TV 4K if all you're doing is streaming, and thus, you could probably stick with the less-expensive 32GB model.
But if you like to download a lot of media, apps, and games, the Apple TV 4K 64GB model might be for you. Especially if you're an Apple Arcade subscriber who wants to play games on your TV using one of the best controllers, then you'll want to check out the larger model. This is also true if you need to connect your Apple TV directly to the modem to receive wired internet. Your choice will depend on how you plan to use your device.
The Apple TV 4K that you should probably get
Unless you're big into downloads and Apple Arcade games, you could get by with the 32GB Apple TV 4K, as you won't need a lot of space if you're primarily streaming content, even if you stream from many different apps. Keep in mind that you'll need to purchase this unit from a third-party retailer, since it is no longer available in the Apple Store.
Great for Apple Arcade subscribers
Great for those that like to download content, especially games. Consider this model if you're an Apple Arcade subscriber who likes to play on whatever Apple device they can. More expensive than the already-pricey 32GB model. This will also be the solution for those that need to connect the Apple TV directly to wired internet.
