Honestly, walking into an Apple Store or scrolling through Amazon to find an Apple TV is a bit of a trip. You see these little black pucks that look identical, yet one costs $129 and the other hits $149—or maybe you’re looking at a "deal" on an older model for $90. You might think, "It’s just for Netflix, right? How much could it really matter?"
It matters a lot. Especially if you care about your smart home or your Wi-Fi not acting up.
🔗 Read more: The Fast Way to dl ig profile pic Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Privacy)
When we talk about highest to lowest Apple TV models, we’re mostly looking at the current 3rd Generation 4K lineup, but the used market is flooded with older "deals" that are actually traps. As of early 2026, the hierarchy has shifted slightly because we are right on the cusp of the rumored A17 Pro refresh. But for what you can actually put in your living room today, there is a very clear "best" and a very clear "don't touch this with a ten-foot pole."
The King of the Hill: Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) 128GB + Ethernet
This is the top tier. Period.
If you want the best possible experience, you buy this one. It’s the only model in the current lineup that gives you everything. Most people look at the 128GB of storage and think they’ll never use it. They're probably right! Streaming apps are tiny. You could fit every streaming app in the world on the 64GB model and still have room for a few games.
But you aren't buying this for the storage. You're buying it for the Gigabit Ethernet port and Thread support.
Wireless interference is real. If you live in an apartment complex where thirty different Wi-Fi signals are screaming at each other, your 4K stream is going to stutter eventually. Hardwiring your TV box is the "pro move" that eliminates buffering forever. Plus, if you have smart lights or plugs, this model acts as a "Thread Border Router." Basically, it makes your smart home faster and more reliable without clogging up your Wi-Fi. It’s $20 more than the base model. Just pay the twenty bucks.
The Middle Ground: Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) 64GB Wi-Fi
This is basically the "budget" flagship. It has the same A15 Bionic chip as the big brother, so the menus feel buttery smooth. Flicking through posters in the TV app is instant.
However, Apple pulled a sneaky move here. They didn't just remove the Ethernet port; they removed the Thread radio.
If you don't care about smart home stuff and your router is literally three feet away from your TV, this model is fine. It’s fast. It supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. It’s got the USB-C Siri Remote. It’s a great device, but it feels slightly "hollowed out" compared to the 128GB version. You're saving $20 but losing the ability to hardwire your internet and future-proof your smart home.
Quick Comparison: The 2022/2026 Split
- Best Performance: 128GB (Ethernet + Thread) - ~$149
- Solid Value: 64GB (Wi-Fi only) - ~$129
- The "Wait for It": Rumored 2026 Model (A17 Pro, Apple Intelligence) - Est. $159
The "Still Great" Runner Up: Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen, 2021)
You’ll find these on eBay or in the back of a Best Buy for maybe $80 or $90. Should you buy one?
Actually, yeah. Kinda.
✨ Don't miss: The First Step on the Moon: What Really Happened at Tranquility Base
The 2nd Gen model uses the A12 Bionic chip. It’s older, but it’s still faster than almost every "Smart TV" built-in interface. It still supports high-frame-rate HDR and comes with the silver Siri Remote (though it uses Lightning to charge, not USB-C). Interestingly, even the base storage version of this generation had an Ethernet port.
If you find a used one for cheap, it’s a killer bedroom TV box. It just won't be quite as "snappy" as the A15 models, and it's missing HDR10+ support, which matters if you have a Samsung TV.
The Bottom of the Barrel: Apple TV HD and Older
This is where things get messy. The Apple TV HD (released in 2015!) was actually still being sold by Apple until fairly recently. It is 1080p only. It is slow. The A8 chip inside is wheezing trying to run modern versions of tvOS.
Unless someone is giving this to you for free, do not buy it.
Even lower on the list are the 3rd Gen (non-4K) and 2nd Gen boxes from 2010-2012. These don't even have an App Store. They are basically paperweights in 2026. If you see an Apple TV for $20 at a garage sale and it has a silver, thin remote, leave it there. It won't run Netflix properly anymore.
Why the A17 Pro Rumors Change the Hierarchy
We have to talk about what’s coming. Leaks suggest a new model is dropping in early 2026 that moves us from the A15 to the A17 Pro.
Why does a TV box need a pro-level phone chip? Two words: Apple Intelligence.
Current Apple TVs are great at playing video, but they aren't great at "thinking." The upcoming model is expected to handle AI-driven Siri, which might actually be able to understand "Find that movie where the guy goes to space and there's a robot but it's not Interstellar."
Also, gaming. The A17 Pro can do hardware-accelerated ray tracing. We're talking about Resident Evil and Assassin's Creed running directly on your TV box. If that happens, the highest to lowest Apple TV list gets a new king that makes the current ones look like toys.
Real World Advice for the Buyer
Look, if you want a box right now, go to the store and grab the 128GB Apple TV 4K. Don't overthink it. The Ethernet port alone is worth the price of a couple of burritos.
🔗 Read more: Why the Blue Origin space suit actually matters for the future of lunar missions
If you are a hardcore gamer or an AI nerd, wait until the Spring 2026 Apple event. If the A17 Pro version launches, the current models will likely drop in price, or you can splurge on the new one to get the "console quality" gaming experience.
Your Actionable Checklist:
- Check your TV: If you have a Samsung, get the 3rd Gen 4K (it’s the only one with HDR10+).
- Check your Router: If it’s in a different room, you need the Ethernet model and a long cable for 4K stability.
- Check your Smart Home: If you use "Matter" or "HomeKit" devices, only the 128GB model has the Thread radio you want.
- Avoid the "HD" model: It’s a trap for people who don't know any better.
Check your current Wi-Fi signal strength at your TV using a speed test app on your phone; if you’re getting less than 50Mbps, prioritize the 128GB Ethernet model to avoid 4K buffering.