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Entertainment · head to head

Apple TV+ vs Roku

Apple TV+ logo

Apple TV+

Entertainment

Original stories from the most creative minds

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Roku logo

Roku

Entertainment

Streaming made simple

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Apple TV+ bundle offering states no free trial, discounted offers, or annual plans available at launch; Roku roku takes a 20 percent cut of all revenue channel publishers receive through Roku Pay (purchases, subscriptions, ads), paying out the remaining 80 percent no later than 60 days after the end of the month the payment was received, with non-US partners restricted to PayPal or wire transfer (ACH/direct deposit is US-only) and bank fees applying to wire and ACH payouts (archived developer documentation, 2 May 2021)
  • They diverge on capability: Apple TV+ covers Apple Originals, Roku covers Streaming aggregation.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apple TV+ and Roku actually diverge.

Attributes where Apple TV+ and Roku differ
AttributeApple TV+Roku
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium
PlatformsIos, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, WebRoku-devices, Smart-tv, Ios, Android
Founded20192002

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Entertainment).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apple TV+

  • Apple Originals
  • 4K HDR
  • Dolby Atmos
  • Family sharing
  • Downloads
  • Apple devices
  • Smart TVs
  • Gaming consoles

Only in Roku

  • Streaming aggregation
  • Free content
  • Voice search
  • Private listening
  • All major streaming apps
  • Smart home
  • PIN protection
  • Parental controls

Both cover

  • Ios support
  • Smart-tv support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apple TV+

  • Streaming exclusive TV shows and moviesnot Roku
  • Sports viewing (Friday Night Baseball, upcoming MLS and Formula 1 content)not Roku
  • Ad-free entertainmentnot Roku

Roku

  • TV streamingnot Apple TV+
  • Content discoverynot Apple TV+
  • Free entertainmentnot Apple TV+

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apple TV+

  • Bundle offering states no free trial, discounted offers, or annual plans available at launch
  • Only 3 months free with Apple TV 4K hardware purchase, not a standalone free option

Roku

  • Roku takes a 20 percent cut of all revenue channel publishers receive through Roku Pay (purchases, subscriptions, ads), paying out the remaining 80 percent no later than 60 days after the end of the month the payment was received, with non-US partners restricted to PayPal or wire transfer (ACH/direct deposit is US-only) and bank fees applying to wire and ACH payouts (archived developer documentation, 2 May 2021)

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple TV+

Free
  • Standard$12.99/month
    • 7-day free trial
    • Hundreds of exclusive shows and movies
    • New releases every week
  • Apple TV Plus with Peacock Bundle$14.99/month
    • Apple TV Plus (Premium tier)
    • Peacock Premium or Premium Plus
    • Save over 30% vs individual subscriptions

Roku

Free
  • FreeFree
    • The Roku Channel
    • Free content
    • Ad-supported

Which should you pick?

Choose Apple TV+ if

  • You need apple originals.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Ios, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Web.
  • You also want 4k hdr.
Apple TV+ review

Choose Roku if

  • You need streaming aggregation.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Roku-devices, Smart-tv, Ios, Android.
  • You also want free content.
Roku review

Questions people ask

Is Apple TV+ or Roku better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple TV+ starts at Free and Roku at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apple TV+ or Roku?
Apple TV+ starts at Free and Roku at Free.
Does Apple TV+ or Roku run on more platforms?
Apple TV+ runs on Ios, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Web. Roku runs on Roku-devices, Smart-tv, Ios, Android.
Can I use Apple TV+ for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Apple TV+ best used for?
Apple TV+ is most often used for streaming exclusive tv shows and movies, sports viewing (friday night baseball, upcoming mls and formula 1 content), ad-free entertainment. Of those, streaming exclusive tv shows and movies and sports viewing (friday night baseball, upcoming mls and formula 1 content) are not what Roku is typically brought in for.
What can Apple TV+ do that Roku cannot?
Apple TV+ covers Apple Originals, 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos, Family sharing. Roku covers Streaming aggregation, Free content, Voice search, Private listening. Both handle Ios support, Smart-tv support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Apple TV+: How much does Apple TV Plus cost?

Apple TV Plus costs $12.99 per month after a 7-day free trial. The bundle with Peacock starts at $14.99 per month for combined access, saving over 30% compared to individual subscriptions.

Source
Apple TV+: Does Apple TV Plus offer a free trial?

Yes, Apple TV Plus includes a 7-day free trial before the $12.99 monthly subscription begins. The trial does not require a credit card. The bundle with Peacock offers no free trial or discounted introductory offers.

Source
Apple TV+: Can I share my Apple TV Plus subscription with family members?

Yes, Apple TV Plus lets you share your subscription with up to five family members for free through Apple's family sharing feature, allowing multiple household members to watch on different devices simultaneously.

Source
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