Apple is now selling certified refurbished third-generation Apple TV 4K units directly through its own store, giving buyers a lower-cost route into the company’s streaming hardware at a time when new Apple devices have become more expensive. The 64GB model is priced at $169, while the 128GB version with Ethernet costs $209. Compared with their new retail prices of $199 and $249, those figures represent savings of $30 and $40.
The timing is notable. Hardware prices across Apple’s laptop, tablet and smart device lines rose in 2026, making refurbished stock a practical way to offset the higher cost of new equipment. Because these units come directly from Apple rather than a third-party reseller, buyers get the company‘s own refurbishment process, a one-year warranty, and hardware that Apple describes as close to like-new condition. Each refurbished Apple TV 4K also ships with a Siri Remote.
Two Storage Tiers, Two Different Feature Sets
The two refurbished configurations are not identical beyond storage. The 64GB model lacks an Ethernet port and does not support Thread, the low-power networking protocol used in some smart home setups. The 128GB model includes both Ethernet and Thread, which makes it the more capable option for buyers who want a wired network connection or plan to build out a Thread-based smart home.
Both versions can serve as a HomeKit hub, allowing the Apple TV 4K to act as a central point for compatible smart home accessories. That role does not depend on the Ethernet port, so even the cheaper 64GB unit can anchor a HomeKit setup.
What the Third-Generation Apple TV 4K Offers
Apple introduced the third-generation Apple TV 4K in 2022, and the device has since been reviewed positively for its performance and streaming integration. It supports Dolby Vision and HDR10 Plus, two high-dynamic-range formats that can improve quality on compatible televisions. Siri voice search is built in, letting viewers find content by speaking rather than navigating menus with the remote.
Streaming on the Apple TV 4K remains app-driven. Many major services still rely on dedicated apps rather than a single unified interface, so the device functions as a hub for those individual apps. That approach can be an advantage for users who want a consistent platform across services, though it also means the experience depends on each provider’s own app.
Beyond Streaming: Games and Smart Home Control
The Apple TV 4K is not limited to video. It can run Apple Arcade games, effectively turning the set-top box into a small gaming console. Bluetooth controllers, including the PlayStation 5 DualSense, can connect to the device, so buyers who already own a compatible gamepad can use it without additional hardware.
For smart home users, the HomeKit hub capability is a meaningful part of the package. The 128GB model’s Thread support adds another layer, since Thread is designed for low-power devices and can improve reliability in some home automation networks. The 64GB model does not include Thread, so anyone planning around that protocol should choose the larger configuration.
Why Refurbished Makes Sense Right Now
The case for buying refurbished has strengthened as new hardware prices have climbed. A $30 or $40 discount may not sound dramatic on its own, but it comes with the same one-year warranty and the same direct-from-Apple backing as a new purchase. For buyers who want the Apple TV 4K’s streaming features, gaming support, and smart home integration without paying full retail, the refurbished route narrows the gap between the two storage tiers.
It is also worth noting what the Apple TV 4K does not solve. Built-in TV speakers are often unimpressive, and the Apple TV 4K does not replace them. Some streaming services still require their own dedicated apps, so the device does not eliminate app fragmentation. And the 64GB model’s lack of Ethernet and Thread means buyers who need those features must step up to the 128GB version.
How the Two Models Compare
At $169, the refurbished 64GB Apple TV 4K undercuts the new model by $30. It covers the core streaming experience, Siri voice search, Dolby Vision and HDR10 Plus support, Apple Arcade gaming, and HomeKit hub duties. It does not include Ethernet or Thread.
At $209, the refurbished 128GB Apple TV 4K with Ethernet saves $40 versus new. It adds a wired network connection and Thread support on top of the same core features. For buyers who want the most capable version of the third-generation Apple TV 4K, this is the configuration to consider.
Both models are sold directly by Apple, include a one-year warranty, and arrive in close to like-new condition with a Siri Remote in the box. For anyone comparing Apple TV 4K prices or looking for a refurbished Apple TV 4K deal, the current listings offer a straightforward way to save while staying within Apple’s own refurbished program.
