When it comes to streaming devices, Apple TV is widely regarded as one of the best. After spending a week with it, I was almost convinced to ditch my Chromecast and Fire Stick entirely. However, over time, I’ve realized that Apple TV isn’t the most Android-friendly option. Here are five reasons why it might not be the best choice for Android users.
Apple TV doesn’t support Google Cast
You’re stuck with Apple AirPlay
Apple prefers a closed ecosystem, and the Apple TV is no exception. While you can cast TV shows and movies from any Android phone to a Google Cast-supported streaming device (formerly Chromecast), Apple TV doesn’t support Google Cast. This means you can’t stream content from an Android phone to Apple TV as seamlessly as on an Android TV.
Setting up Apple TV without an iPhone is a pain
It’s not as seamless for non-Apple users
Apple TV is designed with iPhone users in mind, and it shows — especially during setup. If you have an iPhone, the setup is a breeze. Just bring your phone near the Apple TV, and it’ll configure everything automatically with minimal effort. However, without an iPhone, you must manually enter your Apple ID, Wi-Fi details, and other settings using the remote, which is far from intuitive.
While Roku and Amazon Fire TV let you complete setup via a browser or mobile app, Apple TV makes the process unnecessarily tedious for non-Apple users. If you’re deep in the Android ecosystem, expect a few extra steps before you can start streaming.
Siri and HomeKit are not Android-friendly
Apple’s ecosystem makes things harder for Android users
Siri is the default voice assistant on Apple TV, and there’s no native support for Google Assistant or Alexa. Siri on Apple TV only works through the Siri Remote, and there’s no official way to control the device using an Android phone. This means if you rely on Google Assistant or Alexa to control your smart TV or smart home devices, Apple TV won’t fit seamlessly into your setup.
Similarly, HomeKit, Apple’s smart home platform, doesn’t support Android, meaning you can’t use Apple TV as a hub unless you’re all-in on Apple products. Other platforms, like Google TV and Fire TV, offer dedicated smart home control pages and wider device compatibility. Apple TV, however, only supports HomeKit, with no Google Home or Alexa app available.
Apple TV is expensive compared to alternatives
Other streaming devices offer better value
Apple TV delivers a premium streaming experience, but it comes at a hefty price. The Apple TV 4K starts at $129, and the higher-end model with Ethernet, Thread support, and 128GB storage costs $149. Meanwhile, Roku and Fire TV Stick devices start at just $30–$50, offering a similar experience at a fraction of the cost.Sure, Apple TV’s software is faster, but if your goal is just to stream content, and you don’t mind the occasional lag, a budget streaming device might be a better fit. If you still want high-end performance, Google’s top-tier streaming device, the Google TV Streamer, costs just $100 and delivers a premium experience while still being cheaper than Apple TV.
Some Android TV apps are missing on Apple TV
Not every app you use will be available here
Apple TV has a solid App Store, but if you’re coming from Android TV or Google TV, you’ll notice some apps are missing. Unlike Android TV, where you can install custom launchers, file managers, and game emulators, Apple TV keeps things locked down.
There’s no way to change the home screen layout apart from creating app folders, no native file manager for offline video transfers or app sideloading, and no emulator support for retro gaming. While Apple TV excels at streaming, it lacks the customization Android users are accustomed to.
Apple TV is great, but not the best choice for Android users
There’s no denying that Apple TV is one of the best streaming devices out there, but it’s clear that it’s built with Apple users in mind. If you’re fully invested in Apple’s ecosystem, it’s an easy recommendation. But for Android users, there’s a good chance you’ll find a more familiar and budget-friendly streaming device that better suits your needs.