Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

Apple TV costs $12.99 per month in the U.S. Apple currently advertises a seven-day free trial for eligible new subscribers. The subscription includes Apple Originals and, in the U.S., Apple-promoted sports such as Formula 1, MLS, and Friday Night Baseball. You do not need an Apple device: the Apple TV app works on many smart TVs, streaming devices, game consoles, and supported browsers.

One subscription can be shared with up to five other family members through Apple Family Sharing. However, the subscription does not include Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Prime Video, every title shown in the Apple TV app, or rentals and purchases displayed there.

Apple TV+ at a glance

Question Current answer
U.S. price $12.99 per month
Standard trial Seven days free for eligible subscribers
Advertising Apple presents one subscription tier rather than an ad-supported plan
Sharing Up to five other family members through Family Sharing
Downloads Supported on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, subject to title and account restrictions
Access Apple devices, many smart TVs, streaming players, consoles, AirPlay setups, and the web
U.S. sports promoted by Apple Formula 1, MLS, and Friday Night Baseball, subject to rights and regional restrictions
Apple One Apple TV is included in Apple One

Prices and availability can vary by country, region, taxes, billing provider, device, and operating-system version. The U.S. price above is the one listed on Apple’s consumer page as of August 16, 2026.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What is Apple TV+?

Apple TV+—which Apple increasingly labels simply Apple TV—is Apple’s subscription streaming service. It primarily provides Apple Original television series, films, documentaries, and children’s programming.

#1 Best Overall
Apple TV 4K 32GB Streaming Media Player (2017), Model A1842, Siri Remote, HDMI, HDR10, Dolby Vision, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Black, MQD22LL/A (Renewed)
  • 4K High Dynamic Range (Dolby Vision and HDR10) for stunning picture quality
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound
  • A10X Fusion chip for ultra-fast graphics and performance
  • Voice search by asking the Siri Remote

There are three similarly named products:

  • Apple TV+ or the Apple TV subscription: The paid streaming service.
  • Apple TV app: The app used to watch Apple Originals and to browse rentals, purchases, channels, sports, and supported third-party services.
  • Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD: Separate Apple streaming hardware connected to a television.

Buying an Apple TV 4K is not required to subscribe. If your television, streaming player, console, or browser supports the Apple TV app, you can watch without Apple-branded hardware.

How much does Apple TV cost?

Apple’s U.S. consumer page currently lists the subscription at $12.99 per month after a seven-day free trial for eligible subscribers. Applicable taxes may affect the final charge.

Apple’s cited U.S. pages present a single subscription option and do not list a separate ad-supported tier or premium tier. This describes the Apple subscription catalog—not every screen or service accessible through the wider Apple TV app. Third-party services may have their own advertising and subscription rules.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Do not assume an annual plan is available or use an old annual price from another article. Confirm Apple’s current offer on the official Apple TV page before subscribing.

Can Apple TV be cheaper through Apple One?

Yes. Apple TV is included in Apple One, alongside other Apple services. Apple One can make sense if your household already pays for services such as Apple Music, iCloud+, or Apple Arcade and would use the bundle. It is not automatically cheaper if you want only Apple TV.

Apple One pricing and plan availability vary by country. A separate subscription may also be affected when you join a bundle, so review the billing details before confirming.

Is Apple TV included with the Apple Music student plan?

Apple’s U.S. Apple TV page says students receive access to Apple TV with the Apple Music Student Plan. Eligibility, verification, renewal, and regional terms apply, so check the offer displayed for your Apple Account.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #2
Sale
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus (newest model) with AI-powered Fire TV Search, Wi-Fi 6, stream hundreds of thousands of movies and shows, free & live TV, find shows faster with Alexa+
  • Advanced 4K streaming - Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance optimized for 4K TVs.
  • The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
  • Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
  • Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
  • Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.

What does an Apple TV subscription include?

The subscription includes Apple Original series and films, documentaries, children’s programming, comedies, dramas, science fiction, and other Apple-produced or commissioned programming.

For the U.S. market, Apple currently promotes Formula 1, Major League Soccer, and Friday Night Baseball as included with Apple TV. Sports availability is not universal: country, event rights, scheduling, regional restrictions, blackout rules, and device support may affect what you can watch. Do not treat the U.S. sports lineup as a worldwide guarantee.

What is not included?

The Apple TV app is also an aggregator, storefront, and gateway to other services. A title appearing in the app does not mean it is included in the Apple TV subscription.

An Apple TV subscription does not automatically include:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Prime Video, or other third-party subscriptions.
  • Every film or series listed in the Apple TV app.
  • Movies offered for separate rental or purchase.
  • Premium Apple TV Channels unless you subscribe to them separately.

When a title shows a rental or purchase price, that charge is separate. Check for inclusion language or the subscription badge rather than assuming that the app’s search results are part of your plan. See Apple’s Apple TV app overview for the distinction between subscription content and the wider app.

Which devices support Apple TV?

Apple TV is available through the Apple TV app on Apple devices including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV hardware, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple also supports the app on many smart TVs, streaming devices, game consoles, and AirPlay-enabled devices.

Device category What to know
iPhone and iPad Use the Apple TV app. Downloads are supported on these devices.
Mac Use the Apple TV app; downloads are supported.
Apple TV hardware Use the Apple TV app on supported Apple TV models.
Smart TVs Many Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, and other televisions support the app, but model, software, and region matter.
Streaming players Many Roku and Fire TV-type devices support the app. Check the device’s current app store.
Game consoles Supported PlayStation and Xbox models may offer the app; model availability can change.
Web browsers Try tv.apple.com if a native app is unavailable. Features may differ by browser and operating system.
AirPlay A compatible Apple device and AirPlay-enabled receiving setup can provide another viewing route.

Brand names alone are not a compatibility guarantee. Search for the Apple TV app in your television or streaming device’s app store, update the device software, and check Apple’s current supported-device information. Android, Windows, and Android TV support should not be generalized across every model; the web version may be the practical fallback.

Rank #3
Sale
Roku Streaming Stick HD with Voice Remote
  • HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
  • Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
  • No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
  • Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
  • TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.

Can you watch without an Apple device?

Yes. An Apple device is not required if you have a compatible smart TV, streaming player, game console, supported browser, or AirPlay setup. The Apple TV app can be downloaded from the relevant device app store where available.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

If you cannot find the app, update the device, check its country or region, try tv.apple.com, or use a supported streaming device. Buying an Apple TV 4K is an option—not a prerequisite.

How many people can share Apple TV?

Apple says one subscription can be shared with up to five other family members, for a maximum of six people, through Apple Family Sharing.

This is Apple’s Family Sharing system, not unrestricted password sharing. Family members must belong to the relevant Apple family group, which has its own organizer and account rules. Apple’s verified guidance establishes the family-sharing limit; it does not establish a universal simultaneous-stream number. Therefore, do not interpret “six family members” as “six people can always watch six different streams at once.”

If someone already has an individual subscription and joins a family group that provides Apple TV, Apple says the individual subscription is not renewed at the next billing date and the person uses the group subscription instead.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

How does the free trial work?

Apple’s U.S. page currently advertises a seven-day free trial for eligible subscribers. Eligibility is not universal, and promotional trials offered with qualifying Apple hardware can have different conditions.

Before accepting an offer:

  1. Check the exact trial length and renewal price.
  2. Note the date on which paid billing begins.
  3. Review whether the offer has a claim deadline or operating-system requirement.
  4. Confirm whether it is limited to one offer per Apple Account or family.
  5. Check which company will bill you if you subscribe through a third party.

Trials generally renew into a paid subscription unless canceled under the applicable terms. Apple’s promotional terms can change, so read the offer screen and the relevant promotion terms.

Rank #4
Google TV Streamer 4K - Fast Streaming Entertainment on Your Device with Voice Search Remote - Watch Movies, Shows, Live, and Netflix in HDR - Smart Home Control - 32 GB of Storage - Hazel
  • The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
  • HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
  • See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
  • Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
  • Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound

Can you download Apple TV shows for offline viewing?

Apple Support says subscribers can download content for offline viewing on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Downloads are not automatically available on every smart TV, streaming stick, browser, or game console.

Individual titles may have download, storage, expiration, licensing, or account restrictions. Picture quality and download options can also depend on the device and app version.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Does Apple TV support 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos?

Do not assume every title and device supports every format. Apple’s app listing warns that HDR playback may not be available for all content or on all devices.

Your actual picture and sound depend on the title, television, streaming device, internet connection, app version, and audio equipment. A subscription alone does not guarantee 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, or Dolby Atmos on every setup.

How to subscribe

  1. Open the Apple TV app or visit tv.apple.com.
  2. Sign in with your Apple Account.
  3. Select the subscription or trial offer shown for your account.
  4. Review the price, trial period, billing date, and terms.
  5. Confirm the subscription.

Button names and menus vary by device and operating system. If you subscribe through Google Play or another provider, that provider may control billing and cancellation.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How to cancel Apple TV

On an iPhone, Apple’s documented route is:

  1. Open the Apple TV app.
  2. Tap Home.
  3. Tap your profile picture or initials.
  4. Tap Manage Subscriptions.
  5. Follow the cancellation instructions.

If you subscribed through Google Play, cancel in the Apple TV app on an Android device or through Google Play. A subscription billed by a cable company, mobile provider, app store, or other third party may need to be canceled with that provider. Check Manage Subscriptions immediately after starting a trial so you know who bills you and when renewal occurs.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Is Apple TV worth it?

Apple TV is a strong fit if you specifically want Apple Originals, prefer one subscription tier, want the U.S. sports Apple currently promotes, or can share the cost through Family Sharing. It is also more compelling when Apple TV is already part of an Apple One bundle you would otherwise buy.

Best Value
Sale
Amazon Fire TV Cube, with AI-powered Fire TV Search, Hands-free streaming device, find shows faster with Alexa+, Wi-Fi 6E, 4K Ultra HD
  • Our fastest-ever streaming media player - Brings lightning-fast app starts with an octa-core processor and is 2X as powerful as Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
  • The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
  • Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
  • Hands-free Alexa with built-in mic and speakers - Control your compatible TV, soundbar, and receivers with your voice, even from across the room.
  • Seamlessly navigate between your entertainment - Connect compatible devices and easily go from streaming to your cable box, game console, or webcam.

It may be a poor fit if you want the largest possible back catalog, live television, broad local programming, a cheap ad-supported plan, or downloads on a television or streaming stick. It also may not justify year-round billing if you only want one show.

A practical value test

  1. Estimate how many Apple TV shows or films your household will watch each month.
  2. Check whether Family Sharing or Apple One changes the effective cost.
  3. Decide whether the included U.S. sports matter to you.
  4. Compare Apple TV’s focused original programming with the broader catalog offered by services such as Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, or Prime Video.
  5. Consider subscribing for a month or two, then canceling until new programming you want arrives.

Apple TV’s value is concentrated in its original programming and selected sports, not in offering the broadest catalog. The right choice depends on what your household actually watches.

Common problems and fixes

The Apple TV app is missing

Check the device’s app store, install software updates, and confirm the device’s country or region. If the app is unsupported, try tv.apple.com, AirPlay, a supported console, or a newer streaming device.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

A feature or sports event is unavailable

Apple services and sports rights vary by country and region. Use the Apple information for your market rather than relying on a U.S. page. Event schedules, blackouts, and local rights can also affect access.

You see a rental price for a film

The Apple TV app includes a storefront. A rental or purchase price means that title is being offered separately; it is not automatically included with the Apple TV subscription.

You were charged after a trial

Open Manage Subscriptions and check the billing date and provider. If the subscription was billed through Google Play or another third party, cancel through that original billing platform.

Family members cannot access the subscription

Confirm that they are in the correct Apple Family Sharing group and that the subscription is being shared by the family organizer. Family Sharing is different from giving the account password to unrelated people.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.