Where to buy Apple TV devices and subscriptions

You can buy Apple TV hardware from Apple directly, from major electronics retailers like Best Buy and Amazon, and from carriers like Verizon and AT&T. The Apple TV app itself — which streams shows and movies — is built into most modern televisions, iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers at no cost. If you want to watch content through the app, you pay only for the shows, movies, or subscriptions you choose; the app itself is free. If you want a dedicated Apple TV box to connect to an older television, you buy the hardware once and own it.

The choice between buying from Apple, a retailer, or a carrier depends on what you need, whether you want a warranty, and what payment options work for you. Some retailers offer financing; some carriers bundle Apple TV boxes with service plans. This guide walks you through each option so you can find the right place to buy.

Key Takeaways

  • The Apple TV app is free on most phones, tablets, computers, and newer televisions — you pay only for content you watch.
  • Apple TV hardware boxes (the physical device you connect to a TV) cost between $99 and $199 depending on storage and model, and you can buy them from Apple, Best Buy, Amazon, or your phone carrier.
  • Buying directly from Apple includes a one-year warranty and the option to set up AppleCare+ for extended coverage.
  • Retailers like Best Buy and Amazon often have the same prices as Apple but may offer faster shipping, financing options, or price matching.
  • Carriers like Verizon and AT&T sometimes bundle Apple TV boxes with phone or internet plans at a discount.

Buying Apple TV hardware from Apple

Apple sells Apple TV boxes directly through apple.com. You can order online and choose standard shipping or expedited delivery. Every device comes with a one-year limited warranty that covers hardware defects. If you want protection beyond one year, you can add AppleCare+ at the time of purchase, which extends coverage to three years and includes accidental damage protection.

Buying from Apple also means you get the device exactly as configured — you choose the storage size (64GB or 128GB on current models) and pay the listed price with no markup. You can return or exchange within 14 days if the device does not work for you. If you have questions about setup or compatibility with your television, Apple's online support is available during business hours.

Buying from Best Buy and Amazon

Best Buy and Amazon stock Apple TV boxes at the same manufacturer's suggested retail price as Apple. Best Buy often has units in stock for same-day or next-day pickup at local stores, which is useful if you need the device quickly. Amazon offers free two-day shipping with Prime membership and sometimes runs sales or discounts on older models when new ones launch.

Both retailers accept returns within their standard windows — Best Buy allows 15 days, Amazon allows 30 days. Best Buy offers Geek Squad setup service for a fee if you want help connecting the device to your television and network. Amazon does not offer setup, but the device is straightforward to unbox and connect yourself. Neither retailer includes AppleCare+, but you can purchase it separately from Apple after you buy the device.

Buying through your phone or internet carrier

Verizon, AT&T, and some regional carriers occasionally bundle Apple TV boxes with phone or internet plans. These bundles sometimes offer the device at a discount or even free if you commit to a service contract. The trade-off is that you are locked into the carrier's terms, and the device may take longer to arrive because it ships through the carrier's fulfillment system rather than Apple's.

If your carrier offers a bundle, ask whether the device is unlocked (meaning it works with any network and any television) or locked to the carrier's ecosystem. Most modern Apple TV boxes are unlocked, but confirm before you buy. Warranty and return policies vary by carrier, so read the terms carefully.

Understanding the difference between the app and the hardware

The Apple TV app is the software you use to watch content. It is free and comes preinstalled on iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, and most televisions made in the last three to four years (Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, and others). If your television is older or does not have the app built in, you buy an Apple TV hardware box — a small device that plugs into your television's HDMI port and connects to your Wi-Fi network.

You do not need to buy hardware if your television already has the app. You only pay for the shows, movies, or subscriptions you watch through the app. If you do buy hardware, you own the device outright and can use it on any television in your home.

Comparing prices and current models

Apple TV hardware comes in two current models: the standard Apple TV 4K and the Apple TV 4K with higher-end specifications. Prices range from $99 to $199 depending on storage capacity and features. All retailers — Apple, Best Buy, Amazon — sell at the same base price, though sales and discounts appear occasionally at Best Buy and Amazon.

Older models sometimes drop in price when new hardware launches. If you do not need the latest features, waiting for a sale or buying a previous generation can save money. Check the specifications to make sure the model supports the features you want, such as Dolby Vision or high frame rate video.

What to check before you buy

Before ordering, confirm that your television has an HDMI port and that your home Wi-Fi network is strong enough to stream video. Apple TV requires a 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection for 4K video; older 2.4 GHz networks will work but may buffer. If your television is very old, check whether it supports HDMI at all — some televisions from the early 2000s do not.

Also decide whether you want to pay for AppleCare+ coverage. It costs extra but covers accidental damage and hardware failures beyond the standard one-year warranty. If you buy from Apple, you can add it at checkout. If you buy from a retailer, you can purchase it separately from Apple within 60 days of your device purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to buy Apple TV hardware if I want to watch Apple TV shows?

No. If your television, phone, tablet, or computer already has the Apple TV app, you can watch when ready without buying anything. You pay only for the content you choose to watch. You only buy hardware if your television is too old to have the app built in.

Can I return an Apple TV box if I change my mind?

Yes. Apple allows returns within 14 days of purchase. Best Buy allows 15 days. Amazon allows 30 days. The device must be in its original condition with all parts and packaging. Return policies vary by carrier if you buy through a phone or internet provider, so check their terms first.

Is AppleCare+ worth buying for an Apple TV box?

AppleCare+ extends your coverage from one year to three years and covers accidental damage like drops or spills. If you plan to keep the device for several years and want protection beyond manufacturer defects, it may be worth the cost. If you replace devices frequently or are careful with electronics, the standard warranty may be enough.

Can I use an Apple TV box with any television?

Yes, as long as your television has an HDMI port. Apple TV boxes work with any brand of television — Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, and others. The device connects via HDMI and does not require any special setup or compatibility software.

What is the difference between buying from Apple versus Best Buy or Amazon?

The device and price are the same. The main differences are shipping speed, return windows, and extra services. Apple offers AppleCare+ at purchase and one-year warranty. Best Buy offers same-day pickup and Geek Squad setup. Amazon offers 30-day returns and Prime shipping. Choose based on what matters most to you.