These devices provide easy access to popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, allowing you to watch your subscription-based service easily and in glorious HD resolution. The two biggest names in the set-top streaming box game are the Apple TV and the Roku 3. Both devices have strong supporters, and rightfully so. Both the Roku and the Apple TV feature sleek interfaces and simple remotes that are easily learned and, once you have configured the appropriate apps on each device with your account login information, watching streaming TV episodes and movies is as simple as locating them within each app. But this article is about the reasons why you should get the Roku 3 instead of the Apple TV, so continue reading below to see 3 of the situations that best dictate going with Roku’s model instead of the Apple TV.
2. You don’t have many (or any) other Apple devices
So if you do not have another Apple device that can take advantage of AirPlay, then you are not going to be able to use one of the best things that the Apple TV has to offer. One of the main reasons to go with the Apple TV is if you are already heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem but, if you are not, then you probably aren’t using iTunes very much either, which leads to the next reason why a Roku 3 might be for you.
3. You don’t have a lot of iTunes content
One of the other best features of the Apple TV is the ability to stream iTunes content from the cloud. Purchasing content on the Apple TV is ridiculously easy, and you can start watching it immediately without needing to download it to your iTunes library. You can also use Home Sharing to sync your Apple TV to your iTunes library over your home network, although that will require the iTunes computer to be on and running. We have previously written about situations where the Apple TV is a better choice than the Roku, so check that article out to get some views from the other side. After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites. His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well. Read his full bio here.
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