Apple TV 4K

Pros

• Extremely fast and responsive navigation compared to most smart TV interfaces
• High-quality streaming performance for major apps like Netflix and HBO
• Seamless integration with high-end home theater components including OLED TVs and projectors
• Reliable video quality that users find comparable to physical media in basic setups
• Effective at 'breathing new life' into older TVs with lagging built-in software

Cons

• Lack of audio pass-through support for lossless formats in Plex
• Basic upscaling for SD and HD content compared to high-end TV processors
• Some users report better playback control (pausing/skipping) on native TV apps for specific local files
• HDR settings can require manual adjustment (e.g., switching to 4K SDR) to avoid visual artifacts in some setups

Caveats

• The speed advantage over the newest high-end smart TVs is narrowing according to some users
• Home theater enthusiasts often pair it with a dedicated Blu-ray player for physical media to bypass audio limitations

Best for

• Users primarily consuming content through streaming services
• Owners of TVs with slow or cluttered built-in operating systems
• Individuals already invested in the Apple ecosystem

Avoid if

• You require full audio pass-through (TrueHD/DTS:X) for a high-end Plex media server setup
• You primarily watch low-resolution legacy content and want the best possible upscaling