Apple TV interacts with devices via WiFi (and features dual-band Wireless-N capabilities) and Bluetooth. Other ports include an optical audio output port, and an ethernet port for direct connection to a router. Mirroring abilities for local content are a hit-and-miss.Īpple TV connects to a television with an HDMI cable. However, Roku does offer the option of playing media stored on USB drives and Micro SD cards.

All local content can also be mirrored with AirPlay, which further supports services such as Pandora and Spotify.Īlthough Roku can be set up to view already-purchased local content, it requires some effort. The hassle-free setup allows all content, including music, purchased from iTunes to be immediately available on Apple TV. For users who aren't invested in iTunes content, Roku is the clear winner when it comes to online content.Īpple TV was designed with playing local content from iTunes in mind (i.e., content already stored on the phone or computer). Third-party apps that support iTunes content occasionally become available on the Roku, but they are against Roku's terms of use and are quickly removed from the system a few official iOS apps exist and offer limited functionality. The major omission on the Roku is that it does not include content from iTunes. Moreover, the device features a bevy of streaming services, notably Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, YouTube, M-Go, and Vudu. Roku offers far more channels and apps, with the company claiming its device offers over 1,700 apps/channels, which is even more than most premium cable TV packages offer. In late 2013, Apple grew its streaming library by adding channels for Bloomberg, ABC, KORTV, Crackle, PBS, Vevo, HBO GO, and Watch ESPN. The only major omissions are Amazon’s streaming video service, Google's Play content, and Time Warner Cable TV, but Apple TV does work with iTunes content and YouTube. All other Roku boxes can run on almost any TVĪpple TV offers a limited number of entertainment channels (around 30, but promising more) as compared to Roku, but most of the major online streaming services do work on Apple TV, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, and HBO Go.

HDMI, WiFi, USB disc, Micro SD slot, ethernet.

YouTube, iTunes, Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO GO.Īmazon, VUDU, Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO GO. Digital media player incorporating iTunes content and Airplay.ĭigital media player with most online content options.

Mirror roku app for mac