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Apple TV and Android TV are two popular streaming platforms preferred by people worldwide. Android tvOS is running on various devices and is widely used. At the same time, Apple tvOS is exclusively made for Apple-developed streaming devices. If you are looking for a streaming device, there is a high chance that you might be confused about which one to use. If that is the case with you, the following section will help you pick the best one with the comparison of Apple TV vs Android TV.
What is Apple TV?
Apple tvOS, the name itself suggests that it is a TV operating system from Apple for their streaming devices. The Apple TV has been in existence for the past 15 years, and we have different six models till now. The latest version is Apple TV 4K (2nd generation). It runs on tvOS 14, and it can stream videos at 4K. You can install apps from a built-in App Store like the iOS devices. Apple TV comes with a stylish Siri remote, which you can use to control the device via voice commands.
What is Android TV?
Android TV is an Android-based TV operating system developed by Google. It has been in use on multiple Google-based devices for the past years. We have Smart TVs and Android TV boxes running on this operating system. Android TV has a built-in Google Play Store from which you can download applications. You can find a lot of popular apps like Hulu, Philo, YouTube, Disney+, Paramount+, and HBO Max on your Android TV platform. Android TV does have a remote to perform basic functions on it.
Apple TV vs Android TV: Voice support
When it comes to voice support, we have Google Assistant support on Android TV and Siri support on Apple TV. Android TV lets you give voice commands with a dedicated Google Assistant button on the remote. Similarly, the Siri remote of the Apple TV lets you give voice commands as needed. Therefore, using both Apple TV and Android TV with voice support is easy for anyone. So, depending on your comfort, you can choose the device for you. For example, if you have a Google Home, it is better to choose Android TV and choose Apple TV if you have a Homepod.
Apple TV vs Android TV: Interface
The Apple TV interface is elegant and user-friendly. You can navigate the Apple TV interface to find apps and access the functions easily. The interface focuses on streaming content from streaming services like Apple TV+. You can easily find a content recommendation from services that you might be interested in.
Android TV interface is very simple and user-friendly. The primary focus of the Android TV interface is mainly the apps you have on your device. Following that, you will get a few recommendations for shows based on your interest. Additionally, you can search for apps from the home screen and find them.
Apple TV vs Android TV: Apps
Apple TV has a lot of different apps that you can download from the App Store. You can Sign in to your Apple TV by using your Apple ID. Like Apple TV, Android TV has a massive collection of apps that you can add and stream on your device. You can use your Google Account credentials to sign in to your Android TV. In addition, Android TV has built-in Chromecast support and gives you access to more apps. In a similar pattern, we have the AirPlay support on your Apple TV.
Apple Music and Apple TV+ are natively unavailable on the Android TV Platform. So, you can’t access movies that you have on iTunes. So, if you wish to use those apps on your TV, you need to go for Apple TV. However, you can access Google Play Movies on your Apple TV with the help of the YouTube app.
Apple TV vs Android TV: Chromecast and AirPlay
As we said before, we have Chromecast support on Android TV and AirPlay support on Apple TV. AirPlay is an exclusive feature for your Apple TV devices like Macs, iPads, and iPhones. It clearly shows that you can’t cast on Apple TV from Android devices. However, Chromecast is flexible in comparison to AirPlay. The majority of the apps on iOS devices support Chromecast.
Conclusion
Both Apple TV and Android TV have contrasting features that make one better than the other. So pick the one which suits your requirement. Hope you get to choose a suitable device based on the details we have shared above.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is better: Apple TV or Android TV?
As we said earlier, both had some advantages and disadvantages. So you have to choose the better on according to your requirement.
2. Will Google TV replace Android TV?
Google TV is a rebranded version of Android TV added to newer Smart TVs. Sooner or later, the Google TV will replace the Android tvOS in most of the existing Smart TVs.
