Streaming devices / Compare

Apple TV 4K (2021) vs Roku Express (2022)

A

Product A: Apple

TV 4K (2021)

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B

Product B: Roku

Express (2022)

43 of 97 known

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Only differences

AApple TV 4K (2021)

BRoku Express (2022)

General

6 of 8 differ

Series

Apple TV7Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/101605Read 7 October 2026Apple TV model identification page lists the second-generation Apple TV 4K within the Apple TV family.

Express1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026The live roku.com page for this product no longer exists and now shows another player, so the maker page was read from the Internet Archive capture of 2025-03-04. Product details, model 3960R.

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

A2169, MXGY2LL/A, MXH02LL/A7Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/101605Read 7 October 2026Second-generation Apple TV 4K section explicitly identifies A2169, introduced 2021, in 32 GB and 64 GB capacities.8Maker spec sheet (PDF)apple.com/education/pricelists/pdfs/Apple_US_Education_Institution_Price_List-06-21-2021.pdfRead 7 October 2026Maker US education institution catalogue dated June 21, 2021, Apple TV table: MXGY2LL/A is 32 GB and MXH02LL/A is 64 GB, both introduced April 20, 2021. Only exact product identifiers are taken from this education catalogue, not a standard retail launch price.

3960R1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Model row 3960R. The support setup article names model 3960 and a 3960RS quick start guide. 3960RS is not stored because its relation to 3960R is not stated.

GTIN / EAN

Not available

Not available

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

20 April 20219Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2021/04/apple-unveils-the-next-generation-of-apple-tv-4kRead 7 October 2026Dated April 20, 2021 original announcement of the A12-powered next-generation Apple TV 4K.

12 September 202211Press articletechcrunch.com/2022/09/12/roku-reveals-an-upgraded-roku-express-streaming-player-and-a-smaller-subwooferRead 11 October 2026Article dated 2022-09-12 announces the 2022 Roku Express.

Status

Not available

Discontinued3Maker product pagedeveloper.roku.com/dev/docs/hardwareRead 11 October 2026Roku Express, Rockett, 3960X, 2022 sits in the Updatable list. Roku says it no longer manufactures these products. The maker's product page for it no longer exists.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Apple TV 4K (2017)7Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/101605Read 7 October 2026Apple's identification page lists the 2017 model as the 1st generation and the 2021 model as the 2nd generation of Apple TV 4K.9Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2021/04/apple-unveils-the-next-generation-of-apple-tv-4kRead 7 October 2026Apple's April 2021 release announces the next generation of Apple TV 4K and calls the earlier box the previous-generation Apple TV 4K.

Not available

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Apple TV 4K (2022)7Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/101605Read 7 October 2026Official identification names 2021 as second generation and 2022 as third generation of Apple TV 4K. The link is generation succession, not a sibling configuration.10Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2022/10/apple-introduces-the-powerful-next-generation-apple-tv-4kRead 7 October 2026Maker calls the 2022 A15-powered box the next generation, compared with the previous generation. Official model identification names it third generation after the 2021 second generation.

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$1799Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2021/04/apple-unveils-the-next-generation-of-apple-tv-4kRead 7 October 2026Pricing and Availability: starts at $179 (US). This is the canonical 32 GB launch MSRP excluding tax. The maker release does not state the 64 GB price.

$29.9911Press articletechcrunch.com/2022/09/12/roku-reveals-an-upgraded-roku-express-streaming-player-and-a-smaller-subwooferRead 11 October 2026The new streaming player will cost $29.99. Price excludes sales tax. US launch.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

€19911Press releaseapple.com/de/newsroom/2021/04/apple-unveils-the-next-generation-of-apple-tv-4kRead 7 October 2026Pricing and Availability: starts at 199 Euro including VAT, explicitly available in Germany. This is the canonical 32 GB launch price. No 64 GB price is inferred from review prices.

Not available

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US, DE9Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2021/04/apple-unveils-the-next-generation-of-apple-tv-4kRead 7 October 2026Pricing and Availability explicitly includes the US among the more than 30 initial countries and regions. Only explicitly proved US and German markets are listed.11Press releaseapple.com/de/newsroom/2021/04/apple-unveils-the-next-generation-of-apple-tv-4kRead 7 October 2026Pricing and Availability explicitly states availability in Germany in the second half of May 2021.

US1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026The page is the Roku US site and the model row is the US retail model 3960R.

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Black7Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/101605Read 7 October 2026Second-generation section explicitly lists Color: Black.

Black13Retailer pagequill.com/roku-express-3960r-streaming-media-player-black/cbs/55458925.htmlRead 11 October 2026Retailer listing for the Roku Express 3960R, colour Black. The same listing labels the size axes: height 0.75, width 3, depth 1.5 inches. Its 2 year warranty is not used.

Form factoriA stick plugs straight into the HDMI port. A dongle hangs from its own short fixed HDMI lead. A box stands on its own and connects by a separate cable.

Box15Reviewflatpanelshd.com/review.phpRead 7 October 2026Introduction identifies the second-generation Apple TV 4K as a refreshed box. Enclosure and ports are examined in First impressions.

Box1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026The maker's product images and the quick start guide show a small separate player that connects to the TV with an HDMI cable. It is not a stick or dongle.

Video output

10 of 11 differ

Max output resolutioniHighest published video output resolution. Decoder capability and app streaming quality do not establish the output resolution.

3840 × 2160px12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Ports and Interfaces footnote 4 explicitly states support up to 4K 60-fps HDR video output. The maker format article defines its 4K video resolution as 3840 x 2160.16Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/119599Read 7 October 2026Maker format article defines 4K resolution as 3840 x 2160. Combined with the exact second-generation output claim.

1920 × 1080px1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026TV compatibility row: HD TVs, up to 1080p (1920 x 1080) with up-scaling from 720p. No 4K output.

Max output refresh rateiHighest published output refresh rate. Resolution, HDR and connection conditions belong in the source note. This is not a television panel refresh rate.

60Hz12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Ports and Interfaces footnote 4: up to 4K 60-fps HDR video output. HDMI 2.1 does not establish 120 Hz output.

Not available

Video output modesiPublished video output combinations. A row records support, not a proved maximum at every lower resolution. Keep HDR, chroma and bit depth conditions in source notes.

AApple TV 4K (2021)

Width (px)	Height (px)	Refresh rate (Hz)
3840	2160	60

Source7Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/101605Read 7 October 2026Second-generation A2169 section states HDMI 2.1 output up to 4K60 HDR10 and Dolby Vision. This records a supported output combination, not every lower-resolution maximum. Chroma and bit depth are not stated.16Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/119599Read 7 October 2026Maker format article defines 4K resolution as 3840 x 2160.

BRoku Express (2022)

Width (px)	Height (px)
1920	1080

Source1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026One row from the HD TVs line. No refresh rate is stated, so none is stored.

HDR formats

HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Video Formats explicitly lists HEVC Dolby Vision Profile 5, HDR10 Main 10 and HLG up to 2160p60. Current maker list takes precedence over secondary HDR10+ claims and a secondary HLG-absence claim. No HDR10+ support is inherited from third generation.

Not available

Dolby Vision profilesiPublished supported Dolby Vision profiles and levels. Streaming support does not prove local-file support.

512Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Video Formats explicitly names Dolby Vision Profile 5 up to 2160p at 60 fps. No other local-file profile is inferred.

Not available

HDMI versioniPublished HDMI output revision. A revision does not establish every optional HDMI feature.

2.112Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Ports and Interfaces explicitly states HDMI 2.1. Footnote 4 specifies 4K60 HDR output and ARC/eARC. No 48 Gbps or 4K120 claim is inferred from the revision.

Not available

HDCP version

Not available

Not available

HDMI-CEC

Yes12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Siri Remote Features explicitly states control of TV or receiver via IR or CEC. Footnote 3 names power, input switching, volume and mute.

Not available

Automatic frame rate matchingiCan switch the video output rate to match content. App, operating system and playback restrictions belong in the source note.

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/102277Read 7 October 2026Match Frame Rate switches Apple TV 4K output refresh rate to content. App and television support apply. Current software capability.

Not available

Dynamic range matchingiCan switch the output dynamic range to match SDR or HDR content. App and firmware restrictions belong in the source note.

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/102277Read 7 October 2026Match Dynamic Range switches Apple TV 4K output to the original content dynamic range. Compatible display formats and app support apply.

Not available

UpscalingiNamed video upscaling modes. Record source resolution and output restrictions in source notes.

Not available

720p to 1080p1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026HD TVs line: up-scaling from 720p to 1080p.

Video decoding

4 of 4 differ

Video codecsiExplicitly supported video decoding formats. Use names such as H.264, HEVC, AV1 and VP9. Chip capabilities alone do not prove device playback support.

H.264, HEVC, MPEG-412Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Video Formats explicitly names H.264, HEVC and MPEG-4. Additional software decoders used by specific apps do not become a hardware decoding claim.

H.2648Owner's manualsupport.roku.com/article/share-media-over-usb-or-networkRead 11 October 2026Roku Media Player lists H.264/AVC for all devices. HEVC, VP9 and AV1 are listed for 4K video only, so they are not stored for this HD player. This player has no USB port, so the network media-server route applies.

Video decode limitsiPublished supported decoding limits. Profiles, levels and playback route matter. Output resolution and service support are separate.

AApple TV 4K (2021)

Codec	Profile	Level	Width (px)	Height (px)	Max frame rate (fps)
H.264	Not available	Not available	3840	2160	60
HEVC	Main	Not available	3840	2160	60
HEVC	Main 10	Not available	3840	2160	60
H.264	Baseline	3.0	Not available	Not available	Not available
MPEG-4	Simple	Not available	640	480	30

Source12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Video Formats: H.264/HEVC SDR up to 2160p60, HEVC Dolby Vision/HDR10/HLG up to 2160p60, H.264 Baseline level 3.0 or lower, MPEG-4 Simple 640 x 480 at 30 fps. Main/Main 10 names are stored only on HEVC rows. Bit depth is not inferred. Baseline resolution and rate are unknown.16Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/119599Read 7 October 2026Maker format article defines the 4K video frame as 3840 x 2160, qualifying the 2160p rows only.

BRoku Express (2022)

Not available

Video containersiExplicitly supported local playback containers. App requirements belong in the source note.

M4V, MP4, MOV12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Video Formats lists .m4v, .mp4 and .mov for H.264 Baseline and MPEG-4 Simple playback. This is not every codec in each container.

MKV, MP4, MOV8Owner's manualsupport.roku.com/article/share-media-over-usb-or-networkRead 11 October 2026AVC in MKV, MP4 and MOV. Network media-server route. App, firmware and file capabilities apply.

DRM systemsiNamed supported DRM systems and security levels. DRM certification does not prove a particular service streams at 4K.

FairPlay Streaming2Maker product pagedeveloper.apple.com/library/archive/technotes/tn2454/_index.htmlRead 7 October 2026Debugging FairPlay Streaming Overview explicitly identifies Apple TV as a supported client for encrypted content. No security level is inferred.

Widevine L1, PlayReady9Maker product pagedeveloper.roku.com/dev/docs/content-protectionRead 11 October 2026Widevine security-level table lists Rockett, the Roku Express 3960 code name, under L1 Players. The page documents PlayReady for Roku OS and lists no exclusion for this code name. App DRM libraries and valid licenses are required.

Audio

5 of 8 differ

Audio formatsiPublished supported audio formats. Decoder, output and passthrough roles are qualified in source notes.

HE-AAC v1, AAC, Protected AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, Apple Lossless, FLAC, AIFF, WAV, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Audio Formats lists these formats. AC-3 is Dolby Digital 5.1 and E-AC-3 is Dolby Digital Plus 7.1. Decoding support is distinct from unchanged compressed passthrough.

Digital stereo, DTS Digital Surround, Dolby-encoded audio, MP3, FLAC, PCM, ALAC, Vorbis, AAC1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Maker lines: digital stereo over HDMI, DTS Digital Surround pass through over HDMI, pass-through of Dolby-encoded audio over HDMI. MP3, FLAC, PCM, ALAC, Vorbis and AAC come from the Roku Media Player page and apply to the network media-server route.

Audio passthrough formatsiCompressed formats explicitly passed to external audio equipment without decoding. Dolby Atmos support alone does not establish TrueHD passthrough.

Not available

DTS Digital Surround, Dolby-encoded audio1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Literal maker lines. Dolby codecs stay generic because the page does not name Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus or Atmos.

Dolby AtmosiExplicit device support for Dolby Atmos. Codec, service, app and output requirements belong in the source note.

Yes12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Audio Formats explicitly includes Dolby Atmos. Compatible content and downstream equipment are required.

Not available

Audio channel configurationsiPublished output configurations, such as 2.0, 5.1 or 7.1. Keep PCM and compressed audio routes separate in source notes. Dolby Atmos support alone does not establish a channel configuration.

2.0, 5.13Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/tv/change-audio-settings-atvba773c3c9/tvosRead 7 October 2026Audio Format settings explicitly sends uncompressed two-channel PCM in Stereo Only mode and re-encodes compressed Dolby Digital 5.1 in Convert to Dolby Digital 5.1 mode. These are output modes. A 7.1 decoder-format listing alone is not used as proof of a 7.1 output configuration.

2.01Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Digital stereo over HDMI. No numeric multichannel layout is stated.

Max audio sample rateiHighest published audio output sample rate. Keep playback route and format in source notes.

Not available

Not available

Max audio bit depthiHighest published audio output bit depth. Keep playback route and format in source notes.

Not available

Not available

Bluetooth audio output

Yes4Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/tv/connect-bluetooth-devices-atvbbf148994/tvosRead 7 October 2026Current manual explicitly lists headphones among Bluetooth accessories that can connect to Apple TV 4K. Bluetooth version alone is not used as proof.

No7Owner's manualsupport.roku.com/en-us/article/how-to-use-bluetooth-headphone-modeRead 11 October 2026Roku Express is listed among the streaming devices that do not support Headphone Mode. A Bluetooth radio version is not published.

Bluetooth audio codecsiExplicitly supported codecs for audio sent to Bluetooth headphones or speakers. Bluetooth version alone is not proof.

Not available

Not available

Processor and memory

5 of 11 differ

System on chip

Apple A12 Bionic12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Processor explicitly names A12 Bionic with 64-bit architecture. Core names, counts and clocks are not inherited from iPhone.

Not available

CPU

Not available

ARM Cortex-A553Maker product pagedeveloper.roku.com/dev/docs/hardwareRead 11 October 2026Roku Express 3960X row: ARM Cortex A55. The core count is not stated.

CPU cores

Not available

Not available

Max CPU clockiHighest explicitly published processor clock for this device. Generic chipset limits are not device evidence.

Not available

Not available

GPU

Not available

Not available

RAMiKeep published GB values as stated. Convert a source explicitly labelled MB using 1000 MB per GB and preserve its original figure and unit in the note. Do not assume MB means MiB. Convert explicit MiB or GiB to decimal GB through their byte definitions, recording the conversion in the note. This normalization does not establish an exact physical byte count.

3GB15Reviewflatpanelshd.com/review.phpRead 7 October 2026Specification list states 3 GB RAM. Game console section says FlatpanelsHD confirmed 3 GB in A12 Apple TV 4K. Review explicitly has both 32 GB and 64 GB units.17Reviewifixit.com/Teardown/Apple+TV+4K+2021+Teardown/142845Read 7 October 2026Teardown step 6 identifies Micron MT53D384M64D4SB-046 XT:E 3 GB mobile SDRAM on the A12 package in the tested 32 GB A2169. Reviewer independently confirms 3 GB for the family.

512MB3Maker product pagedeveloper.roku.com/dev/docs/hardwareRead 11 October 2026Roku Express 3960X row publishes 512 MB. Stored 0.512 GB uses MB-to-GB normalization at 1000 MB per GB. RAM type is not stated.

RAM type

Not available

Not available

StorageiMarketed built-in storage capacity in decimal GB. Free space after the operating system is separate.

32, 64GB12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Capacity section lists 32 GB and 64 GB. Decimal GB, actual formatted capacity less. Canonical body and launch starting prices are the 32 GB configuration. Only storage capacity differs in the represented options, so no unproved variant price rows are created.

Not available

Storage type

NVMe SSD15Reviewflatpanelshd.com/review.phpRead 7 October 2026Specification list explicitly says NVMe SSD: 32 GB or 64 GB storage. iFixit step 7 identifies NAND flash on its 32 GB unit. NAND is the flash medium, not an alternative claim about the NVMe interface.

Not available

Expandable storageiCan use added removable or external storage to store installed apps or play media directly. Copying files through a USB data connection alone does not qualify. The source note states whether apps, media or both are supported and names the connection and limitations. Storage must be attached to the streaming device. Cloud and network streaming do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Storage expansion methodsiPublished methods for adding app or media storage. USB support alone does not prove app installation on external storage.

Not available

Not available

Connectivity

6 of 7 differ

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 612Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Ports and Interfaces explicitly names 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 with MIMO.

Wi-Fi 41Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Networking row: 802.11b/g/n dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz). 802.11n is Wi-Fi 4.

Wi-Fi bands

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Ports and Interfaces explicitly names simultaneous dual band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Networking row: 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz.

Wi-Fi MIMOiWritten as 2x2 MIMO when the maker gives the stream count, or MIMO when it does not. 2T2R counts as 2x2. MU-MIMO support alone does not show more than one stream, so it is not stored. Band wording goes in the source note.

MIMO12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Ports and Interfaces states MIMO without an antenna-stream count. No 2x2 figure is inherited from third generation.

Not available

Built-in Ethernet speediRated speed of a built-in Ethernet port. An optional USB Ethernet adapter does not count.

1,000Mbps12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Ports and Interfaces explicitly names Gigabit Ethernet. Rated Ethernet link speed is 1000 Mbps, not measured throughput.

Not available

Optional Ethernet adapter supportiExplicit support for an external Ethernet adapter. Required adapter and connection belong in the source note.

Not available

Yes6Owner's manualsupport.roku.com/article/connect-to-a-wired-network-with-usbRead 11 October 2026Roku Express (3960, 3960RS) is in the compatible device table. It needs a micro USB Ethernet adapter, 10/100 Mbps only, with an AX8877X or SMSC95XX chipset. The adapter is powered separately. This is not built-in Ethernet or storage expansion.

Bluetooth versioniPublished device Bluetooth version. The remote can use a different Bluetooth version.

5.012Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Device Ports and Interfaces states Bluetooth 5.0. Remote Features separately states Bluetooth 5.0. A teardown chip capability of Bluetooth 5.2 does not override the maker device claim.

Not available

PortsiPhysical device connectors, including a fixed HDMI plug and power-only USB. Excludes connectors on the remote and optional adapters. Count identical connectors in each row.

AApple TV 4K (2021)

Connector	Count	Version	Role	Data speed (Gbps)
HDMI	1	2.1	Video and audio output with ARC/eARC	Not available
Ethernet	1	Not available	Network	1
AC power	1	Not available	Power input	Not available

Source12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Ports and Interfaces and its image identify one HDMI, one Gigabit Ethernet and one mains input. Remote Lightning is not a device port.17Reviewifixit.com/Teardown/Apple+TV+4K+2021+Teardown/142845Read 7 October 2026Step 2 explicitly says the Apple TV 4K only carries power, HDMI and Ethernet, with no hidden service port in the Ethernet socket.

BRoku Express (2022)

Connector	Count	Role
HDMI	1	Video and audio output
Micro USB	1	Power input and compatible optional Ethernet adapter connection

Source1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Ports row lists HDMI, Micro USB for power and a Reset button. The reset button is not a connector and is not stored. The HDMI revision is not stated. The Ethernet adapter role comes from the Roku wired network support article.

Smart home

3 of 3 differ

Thread border router

Yes12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Ports and Interfaces explicitly includes Thread. Footnote 5 qualifies HomeKit or Matter Thread accessories and a Thread-enabled home hub.18Reviewflatpanelshd.com/review.phpRead 7 October 2026Home hub section explicitly identifies Apple TV 4K (2021) as a Thread border router. Exact-generation maker specifications independently list Thread networking.

Not available

Matter controlleriCan commission and control Matter accessories. Acting as a Matter accessory alone does not qualify.

Yes19Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/102557Read 7 October 2026Current maker Home hub and Matter article requires a home hub to add Matter accessories and explains Apple TV becomes a home hub after assigning a room. Supported current software and Apple Home setup are required.

Not available

Smart home platforms

Apple Home, Matter19Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/102557Read 7 October 2026Current maker article identifies Apple TV home-hub setup and Matter accessory support. This is later supported software, not a 2021 launch Matter promise.

Roku Smart Home, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Compatibility rows: works with Roku Smart Home, Apple AirPlay and HomeKit, Google Home and Alexa. This does not establish Matter or Thread.

Remote control

9 of 9 differ

Remote model

Siri Remote (2nd generation)12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Exact specification section identifies supplied second-generation Siri Remote. Apple TV Remote is its regional name where Siri is not supported. Later third-generation remote is not substituted.

Roku Simple Remote4Owner's manualsupport.roku.com/article/225735828Read 11 October 2026Roku Express model 3960 supports up to 1080p Full HD and ships with a Roku Simple Remote.

Remote connectioniEvery wireless link the included remote uses, to the device or to other equipment. An infrared transmitter that controls the TV counts as infrared.

Bluetooth, Infrared20Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/103233Read 7 October 2026Second-generation remote Connectivity states Bluetooth 5.0 and IR transmitter. Bluetooth communicates with Apple TV. IR controls other equipment.

Infrared1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Remote control row: Roku standard IR remote with channel shortcut buttons. The player has an IR receiver.

Remote microphone

Yes21Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1636170-REG/apple_tv_4k_32gb_2021.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact 32 GB 2021 product overview explicitly says the included rechargeable Siri Remote is equipped with a microphone enabling direct speech to Siri. No microphone count is inferred. Public web source text was readable.

No5Owner's manualsupport.roku.com/article/fix-your-roku-remote-simple-or-voiceRead 11 October 2026A simple remote has no voice or microphone button and uses infrared. The supplied remote is the Roku Simple Remote.

Remote voice assistantsiVoice assistants usable from the supplied remote. Region, language, app and firmware restrictions belong in the source note.

Siri9Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2021/04/apple-unveils-the-next-generation-of-apple-tv-4kRead 7 October 2026All-New Siri Remote section describes Siri for playback and search. Supported country, region and language are required.

Not available

Remote TV controliSupported TV controls, such as power, volume and input. Infrared and HDMI-CEC routes are qualified in source notes.

Power, Volume, Mute, Input switching12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Siri Remote Features and footnote 3 identify IR or CEC control of TV or receiver: power, input switching to Apple TV, volume and mute. Device compatibility applies.

Not available

Remote finder

Yes22Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108371Read 7 October 2026Find your Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote (2nd generation) and later: requires iOS 17 or later and tvOS 17 or later. Later proximity-finding software, not a launch feature or a remote speaker.

Not available

Remote backlight

No23Reviewtheverge.com/22446699/apple-tv-4k-hd-siri-remote-review-features-priceRead 7 October 2026Review of the redesigned 2021 supplied Siri Remote explicitly says buttons are not backlit. No third-party replacement remote is included.

Not available

Remote poweriPublished batteries or rechargeable battery arrangement for the supplied remote.

Built-in rechargeable battery20Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/103233Read 7 October 2026Second-generation Battery section states internal, non-user-replaceable rechargeable battery. Its cell capacity is not a streaming-device schema field.

2 AAA batteries1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026What's in the box: two AAA batteries.2Owner's manualimage.roku.com/c3VwcG9ydC1B/Express-QSG-US-Fall2022.pdfRead 11 October 2026What's included page: two AAA batteries. The page does not say they are pre-installed.

Remote charging port

Lightning12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Siri Remote Features explicitly states Lightning connector for charging.

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Software

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Operating systemiPlatform name. The launch version is stored separately from later firmware support.

tvOS9Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2021/04/apple-unveils-the-next-generation-of-apple-tv-4kRead 7 October 2026Original announcement identifies tvOS as the operating system.

Roku OS3Maker product pagedeveloper.roku.com/dev/docs/hardwareRead 11 October 2026Hardware table is the Roku OS developer reference. The player runs Roku OS.

Operating system at launch

tvOS 14.515Reviewflatpanelshd.com/review.phpRead 7 October 2026Exact-generation specification list states tvOS 14.5. Android Authority describes its launch-period review unit running tvOS 14.5. Later current software is not relabelled as the launch version.

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App store

App Store9Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2021/04/apple-unveils-the-next-generation-of-apple-tv-4kRead 7 October 2026Original announcement describes Apple TV apps in the App Store.

Roku Streaming Store4Owner's manualsupport.roku.com/article/225735828Read 11 October 2026How to set up your Roku Express: add new streaming apps from the Streaming Store.

Casting protocolsiPublished casting or screen mirroring protocols. AirPlay and Google Cast are distinct. App-only playback support does not prove system-wide mirroring.

AirPlay 215Reviewflatpanelshd.com/review.phpRead 7 October 2026Specification list and Media player discussion explicitly identify AirPlay 2 output and current protocol support. AirPlay 2 is distinct from Google Cast.

Apple AirPlay1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Compatibility row: works with Apple AirPlay and HomeKit. The AirPlay version is not stated, and Roku's AirPlay 2 device tables do not list model 3960.

Voice assistantsiVoice assistants supported by the device. A remote microphone and hands-free activation are separate features.

Siri9Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2021/04/apple-unveils-the-next-generation-of-apple-tv-4kRead 7 October 2026Original announcement names Siri support on the new Siri Remote. Supported region, language and app conditions apply.

Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Compatibility rows: works with Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit. The supplied remote has no microphone, so these assistants run on other devices. Hands-free control is not claimed.

Hands-free voice controliControl the streaming device by voice without pressing a button. This may use built-in microphones or a compatible linked smart speaker, phone or headset. The source note names the required device, connection, software and supported commands. A microphone on a press-to-talk remote alone does not qualify.

Yes24Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/tv/siri-devices-control-apple-tv-4k-atvb8f6c5cdb/tvosRead 7 October 2026Current tvOS 27 guide permits Siri on a linked HomePod, iPhone or iPad to play items or open apps on Apple TV 4K. Example commands include Play Ted Lasso on the TV and Open HBO Max on the TV. Compatible linked device, Apple Home room setup and supported current software are required. The box does not have a built-in far-field microphone. Press-to-talk remote alone does not qualify.

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Mobile remote platforms

iOS5Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/tv/iphone-ipad-apple-watch-a-remote-atvb701cadc1/tvosRead 7 October 2026Manual explicitly supports iPhone and iPad remote control. iOS enum covers Apple mobile remote control, including iPadOS. Apple Watch support is documented but not a separate platform enum here.

Android, iOS10Owner's manualsupport.roku.com/article/roku-remote-on-your-phoneRead 11 October 2026The free Roku mobile app for iOS and Android controls Roku streaming devices as a remote. The article does not name model 3960.

Accessibility features

VoiceOver, Zoom, Increase Contrast, Reduce Motion, Closed Caption and SDH Support, Audio Descriptions, Siri and Dictation, Type to Siri, Switch Control12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Accessibility Features include list for exact second-generation hardware. Current software support is not a statement that every named feature was present at launch.

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Gaming

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Game servicesiPublished native or cloud gaming services. Service availability is time-sensitive. Record software and region requirements in source notes.

Apple Arcade9Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2021/04/apple-unveils-the-next-generation-of-apple-tv-4kRead 7 October 2026Original announcement explicitly identifies Apple Arcade. Subscription and regional service availability apply.

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Game controller supportiExplicitly supported controllers or connection methods. Bluetooth alone does not establish game controller support.

Sony DualShock 4, Sony DualSense, Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, Xbox Adaptive Controller, MFi-compatible game controllers6Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/tv/use-a-game-controller-atvbc9f8f810/tvosRead 7 October 2026Current manual opening paragraph explicitly lists these supported controllers. Current firmware, app and controller-specific requirements apply. Bluetooth alone is not proof.

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Power

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Power supply

Internal AC12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Ports and Interfaces explicitly states built-in power supply. In the Box includes a mains power cord, not an external box adapter.

USB2Owner's manualimage.roku.com/c3VwcG9ydC1B/Express-QSG-US-Fall2022.pdfRead 11 October 2026Step 2 powers the player through the included USB power cable and a standard USB adaptor that is not included, or from a TV USB port. Power input is micro USB.

Rated power inputiDevice input rating, as published. An external adapter output rating is separate.

100 to 240 V AC, 50 to 60 Hz, 1 A, 15 W25Reviewguide-images.cdn.ifixit.com/igi/vVGLys3T2tPH2Opy.hugeRead 7 October 2026iFixit step 2 image 2 shows exact maker-printed A2169 bottom label. It clearly reads 100-240 V AC, 50-60 Hz, 1 A, 15 W. This is the rated input text. The 15 W label is not treated as tested maximum consumption.

5 V, 1 A1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Power input row: 5V - 1A.

Included adapter outputiRated output of the included power adapter. This is not device power consumption.

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Max power consumption (claimed)iMaker-published maximum device power consumption. Adapter rating is not proof.

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Not available

Standby power (claimed)iMaker-published device standby consumption under the source conditions.

0.47W26Maker spec sheet (PDF)apple.com/environment/pdf/products/appletv/Apple_TV_4K_PER_apr2021.pdfRead 7 October 2026Product Environmental Report page 9 power table: Sleep/Network standby at 230 V is 0.47 W. ENERGY STAR set-top box method. All energy values assume Wi-Fi. Default sleep after 15 minutes or manual sleep/power button. Network ports remain active unless power is removed. Maker claim, not reviewer measurement.

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Measured

None of 4 known

Video playback power (measured)iReviewer-measured device consumption. Video format, app, resolution, power measurement point and equipment belong in source notes.

Not available

Not available

Idle power (measured)iReviewer-measured device consumption when idle. Firmware, measurement point and conditions belong in source notes.

Not available

Not available

Standby power (measured)iReviewer-measured device consumption in standby. Network state, firmware and measurement point belong in source notes.

Not available

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Boot time (measured)iReviewer-measured time from power-on to usable home screen. Cold boot and standby wake are different. Record timing method and firmware.

Not available

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Dimensions and weight

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DimensionsiDevice body without remote, cables or adapter. Width is left-to-right in normal use, height is bottom-to-top and depth is front-to-back. For a stick, include the fixed plug only when the source does. A stick's length from the plug to its end is depth and its thickness is height. A puck that lies flat has its thickness as height.

Width98Height35Depth98mm(3.9 × 1.4 × 3.9 in)12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Size and Weight: width 98 mm, height 35 mm, depth 98 mm. Device body only. Both published storage capacities share the maker dimensions.

Width76.2Height19.05Depth38.1mm(3 × 0.8 × 1.5 in)1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Size row publishes '.75 x 3.0 x 1.5 inches' with no axis labels. The Quill retailer listing labels them height 0.75, width 3 and depth 1.5 inches. Stored values are exact inch-to-mm conversions of those figures.

WeightiDevice only, without remote, cable or power adapter. Included fixed cable or plug conditions belong in source notes.

425g(15 oz)12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Size and Weight: 425 g for the box. Maker notes configuration and manufacturing variation. Remote is separately weighed.

31.1g(1.1 oz)1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Weight row: 1.1 ounces (31.1 g). Player only.

Remote dimensionsiSupplied remote body. Height is its length along the buttons, width is across the buttons and depth is front-to-back.

Width35Height136Depth9.25mm(1.4 × 5.4 × 0.4 in)12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Siri Remote Size and Weight: width 35 mm, height 136 mm and depth 9.25 mm.

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Remote weightiSupplied remote weight. State whether replaceable batteries are included.

63g(2.2 oz)12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Siri Remote Size and Weight: 63 g for supplied second-generation remote with its internal battery. Do not substitute the 66 g third-generation remote.

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Certifications

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FCC ID

BCGA216927Regulatory filingfccid.io/BCGA2169/Letter/Application-letter-5200751Read 7 October 2026Public application-letter record, Document 5200751, explicitly identifies FCC ID BCGA2169 and Product Code A2169, Apple Digital Media Receiver, original equipment application dated April 20, 2021. The FCC.report PDF was blocked during independent verification. This readable record replaces that unavailable URL as evidence.

Not available

Other certifications

ENERGY STAR12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Apple TV and the Environment, Energy efficient explicitly states ENERGY STAR certified. This is a certification statement, not inferred only from low consumption.

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In the box

2 of 2 differ

In the box

Apple TV 4K, Siri Remote (2nd generation), Power cord, Lightning to USB cable, Documentation12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Exact US In the Box list includes Lightning to USB cable. This differs from the 2022 box, which omits its USB-C charging cable.

Roku Express streaming player, Remote with pre-set app shortcut buttons, 2 AAA batteries, USB power cable, High Speed HDMI cable, Removable adhesive strip for mounting (optional)1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026What's in the box list. The quick start guide shows no power adaptor.

HDMI cable includediA separate HDMI cable supplied in the box. A fixed HDMI plug or captive lead does not count. A short HDMI extender supplied with a stick counts, and the source note says it is an extender.

No12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026System Requirements explicitly says HDMI cable sold separately. No separate HDMI cable appears in In the Box.

Yes2Owner's manualimage.roku.com/c3VwcG9ydC1B/Express-QSG-US-Fall2022.pdfRead 11 October 2026What's included page shows a separate High Speed HDMI cable. Step 1 connects the player to the TV with the included cable.

Links

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Product page

support.apple.com/en-us/11192212Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Exact second-generation maker technical product page. No current third-generation sales page is used for old hardware.

web.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-express1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20250304113439/https://www.roku.com/products/players/roku-expressRead 11 October 2026Internet Archive capture of the maker's product page, because the live page no longer shows this player.

Spec sheet

support.apple.com/en-us/11192212Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111922Read 7 October 2026Maker second-generation HTML technical specification sheet.

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Manual

support.apple.com/guide/tv/welcome/tvos13Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/tv/welcome/tvosRead 7 October 2026Current Apple TV 4K User Guide. Second-generation 2021 hardware supports current tvOS. Software capabilities below are current support, not all launch promises.

image.roku.com/c3VwcG9ydC1B/Express-QSG-US-Fall2022.pdf2Owner's manualimage.roku.com/c3VwcG9ydC1B/Express-QSG-US-Fall2022.pdfRead 11 October 2026US quick start guide for model 3960, linked from the maker's setup article.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

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Warranty

0 of 1 differ

Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

1year14Maker product pageimages.apple.com/ph/support/products/appletvRead 7 October 2026Philippines maker Apple TV service page states every Apple TV comes with a one-year limited warranty. Optional three-year protection and statutory rights are excluded.

1year14Maker spec sheet (PDF)images.thdstatic.com/catalog/pdfImages/5b/5b125123-9613-4138-9e94-2095d9c4cb30.pdfRead 11 October 2026Roku Limited Warranty page 1: one year for Roku streaming players and included remotes bought by an end user in the United States. A retailer listing states 2 years, which the maker document does not support.

Both are also in the API. Back to all streaming devices.