Apple TV vs Roku – Difference and Comparison – AppleTV 4 Jailbreak (appletv4jailbreak.com)
Online Content
Apple 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. 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. In late 2013, Apple grew its streaming library by adding channels for Bloomberg, ABC, KORTV, Crackle, PBS, Vevo, HBO GO, and Watch ESPN.[1]
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. Moreover, the device features a bevy of streaming services, notably Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, YouTube, M-Go, and Vudu. The major omission on the Roku is that it does not include content from iTunes. 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. For users who aren’t invested in iTunes content, Roku is the clear winner when it comes to online content.
Local Content
Apple TV was designed with playing local content from iTunes in mind (i.e., content already stored on the phone or computer). The hassle-free setup allows all content, including music, purchased from iTunes to be immediately available on Apple TV. All local content can also be mirrored with AirPlay, which further supports services such as Pandora and Spotify.
Although Roku can be set up to view already-purchased local content, it requires some effort. However, Roku does offer the option of playing media stored on USB drives and Micro SD cards. Mirroring abilities for local content are a hit-and-miss.
Connectivity
Apple TV connects to a television with an HDMI cable. Other ports include an optical audio output port, and an ethernet port for direct connection to a router. Apple TV interacts with devices via WiFi (and features dual-band Wireless-N capabilities) and Bluetooth.
Roku also connects to television via an HDMI cable and has the same WiFi abilities, but with the added input options of a USB slot and Micro SD slot, allowing for any movies or photos stored on a USB memory stick or digital camera’s Micro SD card to be viewed. Roku does not have Bluetooth or an optical audio out.
Mirroring
One of Apple TV’s distinguishing features is AirPlay mirroring, which allows a user to display any content from their iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer on a television via Apple TV. For instance, a user could display an iPhone game or photo library on their television. This also enables any content pulled up online with a Mac computer or mobile device to be viewed on the television, thus greatly expanding…
