WIth its easy-to-use wireless setup process, the Apple TV is a great choice thanks to its tight integration with iTunes, iCloud, Apple Music, and Apple TV+. Here are a few things you should consider buying for your Apple TV to ensure you’re getting the best experience.
The Apple TV Necessities
Apple TV: The obvious, basic purchase. Even if you can get an earlier model for a little less money, don’t bother. The latest version—in this case, the Apple TV 4K—will always deliver the best, most up-to-date features and fastest hardware. If you don’t have a 4K TV and don’t expect to get one soon, the 4th Generation Apple TV is a good option, but don’t buy anything older than that. HDMI Cable: The box you get when you buy an Apple TV includes the device itself, the Siri Remote, and a power cable. Conspicuously absent is the HDMI cable that connects the Apple TV to your HDTV and/or receiver. Don’t forget to buy one—nothing will work without it.
The Luxuries
Remote Case: While some people think that the slim Siri Remote control that comes with the Apple TV is great, others find it slippery, hard to orient, and generally annoying. At least some of these problems can be solved with a case. Like an iPhone case, Apple TV remote cases wrap around the remote and make it easier to hold and orient. Plus, they’re pretty cheap (usually $20 or less).
iTunes Money: While streaming the content in your iCloud account or from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to the Apple TV is fun, the device is even better when you use it to rent or buy movies and TV shows from the iTunes Store or the TV app directly from your couch. To do this, you need a free Apple ID and some money to spend.
Apple TV+: For just $6.99 a month (or $69 annually), you can subscribe to Apple’s streaming TV and movies platform, Apple TV+. The service is relatively new, but it’s worth checking out (especially if you got a free year’s subscription with the purchase of an Apple device). Learn more in What Is Apple TV+ And How Does it Work?
Apple Arcade: If you prefer to play video games, try Apple’s $4.99/month Apple Arcade service. It’s packed with great games you can’t get anywhere else. Learn more in What Is Apple Arcade and How Does it Work?
Streaming Service Subscriptions: Netflix might be the biggest name in streaming, but it’s far from the only useful service out there. Consider adding on subscriptions to Netflix or Hulu (for TV), HBO (for TV and movies), sports packages such as NBA League Pass or NFL Sunday Ticket, and many more.
The Options
Extended Warranty: When it comes to most technology and electronics purchases, it’s often a good idea to buy a (reasonably priced) extended warranty. With the Apple TV, it’s hard to imagine the device failing soon, given that there are essentially no moving parts. With the likelihood of failure being low, and the price of the Apple TV itself being pretty low, too, it’s probably safe to skip the AppleCare extended warranty in this case.
Bottom Line
When buying an iPhone, the final price tag exceeds just the cost of the device because you need at least a few accessories to get the most out of your purchase. That’s not true with the Apple TV. Buy it and a video cable and you’re good to go. But, you’ll get more out of the experience if add on to your Apple TV.
