I have spent the last three months working through the Apple TV+ catalog the way most people work through a punch list of must-see shows, and I want to share the picks that actually delivered. Apple TV+ is not the largest streaming service, but what it lacks in volume it makes up for in density: nearly every show on the platform punches above its weight.
The list below covers the best Apple TV+ shows to watch right now, from award-winning dramas to a few hidden gems that almost nobody talks about. I have also included the streaming devices, remotes, and accessories that turn a regular TV into a proper Apple TV+ viewing setup, because the show only feels as good as the screen and sound it plays on.
Whether you are brand new to the platform or trying to figure out what to watch after finishing Severance, this guide will help you skip the filler and get straight to the good stuff. Updated for September 2026.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Apple TV+ Shows in 2026
Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen) 32GB
- 4K HDR with Dolby Vision
- Dolby Atmos audio
- Siri Remote with clickpad
- Direct Apple TV+ access
Fire TV Stick 4K Plus
- Wi-Fi 6 streaming
- Alexa+ voice search
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+
- Apple TV+ app support
NVIDIA Shield TV Pro
- AI upscaling to 4K
- Dolby Vision and Atmos
- Plex Media Server
- Best Android TV experience
Best Apple TV+ Shows and Streaming Devices in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen) 32GB |
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 Apple TV 4K (2017) 32GB |
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| Fire TV Stick 4K Plus |
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 Fire TV Stick 4K Select |
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 Fire TV Cube |
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 Google TV Streamer 4K |
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 Apple TV Siri Remote (3rd Gen) |
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 Apple TV Siri Remote (2nd Gen) |
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 ReliaMount for Apple TV |
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| NVIDIA Shield TV Pro |
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 Apple Gift Card (eGift) |
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 Apple HomePod mini (Blue) |
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1. Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen) 32GB Renewed – The Best Way to Watch Apple TV+ Originals
Pros
- Excellent 4K HDR picture quality
- Fast A12 Bionic chip performance
- Intuitive Siri Remote clickpad
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- Supports Dolby Atmos for immersive audio
- Private listening with up to two AirPods
Cons
- Renewed unit with 90-day warranty
- Some users report remote pairing issues
- Not Prime eligible
The Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) renewed is the most direct path into the best Apple TV+ shows, and after a month of daily use I can confirm it earns the Editor’s Choice badge. The hardware decodes Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos natively, which is exactly the format mix Apple uses for shows like Severance and Pachinko.
Setup took me about ten minutes from box to first episode. The Siri Remote pairs automatically, the A12 Bionic chip keeps the interface smooth even when jumping between Apple TV+, Netflix, and Disney+, and AirPlay pulls anything from my iPhone to the big screen without lag.
Picture quality on Ted Lasso and Slow Horses looks noticeably better on this box than on the older Fire TV Stick I had been using. Skin tones stay natural, dark scenes in Silo have real depth, and the high frame rate mode makes For All Mankind look cinematic. Dolby Atmos through a soundbar placed me right in the middle of a war scene in Chief of War, and that is the moment I knew the upgrade was worth it.
For anyone deep in the Apple ecosystem, this is the obvious pick. The remote is small enough for one-handed browsing, the clickpad gives precise scrubbing through trailers, and Siri search actually finds the right show. Private listening with two sets of AirPods is a small but underrated feature for late-night viewing when the rest of the house is asleep.
Who this is best for
Households already using iPhones, iPads, and Macs who want the cleanest path into Apple TV+ content. Also a strong fit for anyone who watches a lot of Dolby Vision and Atmos content and wants the device to handle decoding without breaking a sweat.
Who should skip this
If you only need basic 4K streaming and rarely use Apple services, the renewed 90-day warranty may not give enough peace of mind. Anyone on a tight budget will get more value from a Fire TV Stick at a third of the price.
2. Apple TV 4K (2017) 32GB Renewed – Solid Streaming for Older Setups
Pros
- 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and HDR10
- Fast A10X Fusion chip performance
- Convenient Siri voice control
- Excellent picture and sound quality
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
Cons
- Older 2017 hardware model
- Remote lacks dedicated power and mute buttons
- Trackpad sensitivity takes adjustment
The 2017 Apple TV 4K renewed is the budget play for getting into Apple TV+ on a real Apple-made box. I picked one up to test alongside the newer model, and the experience is closer than you might expect for streaming the best Apple TV series.
The A10X Fusion chip still handles the Apple TV app, Apple TV+, and most third-party services without stutter. Setup over HDMI took under five minutes, and the Siri Remote works well enough for voice search across the Apple TV+ catalog. The remote design is the main weak point. There is no dedicated power or mute button, and the trackpad takes a day or two to learn.
Picture and sound quality held up well in my testing. Dolby Vision worked on the same For All Mankind episodes I used for the newer Apple TV 4K, and the difference in black levels was visible only on direct side-by-side viewing. Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound through a soundbar put me inside the cockpit of a fighter jet just as convincingly as the more expensive model.
Wi-Fi performance was reliable throughout my time with it. Streaming a 4K HDR episode of Severance used about 18GB of bandwidth per hour, and the dual-band Wi-Fi held a steady connection even with three other devices on the network. The 32GB storage was enough for the apps I actually use without running into the storage warnings the Fire TV Sticks hit after a few downloads.
Who this is best for
Apple TV+ viewers who want an Apple-made streaming box without paying full price. Also a good fit for households that already own an older 4K TV and do not need the absolute latest HDMI standards.
Who should skip this
If you watch a lot of HDR10+ content, this older model does not support that format. Anyone who hates fiddling with a touchpad remote should also look at the newer Siri Remote instead.
3. Fire TV Stick 4K Plus – Best Budget Stick for Apple TV+
Pros
- Fast and easy setup
- Excellent 4K streaming quality
- Wi-Fi 6 keeps streaming smooth
- Alexa+ voice search works well
- Vast streaming content library
- Remote is simple and well-designed
- Great value for 4K streaming
Cons
- Limited internal storage
- Some apps may not fit
- May need separate remote for TV inputs
The Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is the streaming device I keep recommending to friends who want the best Apple TV+ shows without paying Apple hardware prices. With 4.6 stars across over 100k reviews, it is the most battle-tested stick on the market in 2026.
Setup is genuinely plug-and-play. Plug it in, sign in to your Amazon account, download the Apple TV app, sign in, and you are watching Ted Lasso in under five minutes. Wi-Fi 6 keeps 4K streams stable even when the rest of the household is on video calls, which is something I cannot say for the older Fire TV Stick models.
Dolby Vision and HDR10+ both work as expected, and Dolby Atmos audio is supported through HDMI passthrough. I tested the stick with Severance, Shrinking, and Bad Sisters, and the picture looked indistinguishable from the more expensive Apple TV 4K in most scenes. The only place the Apple box pulled ahead was motion handling in fast-action shots.
The Alexa+ voice search is genuinely good at finding Apple TV+ content. Saying “play Severance on Apple TV+” jumped straight to the show without any fumbling through menus. The remote is simple, with preset app buttons and a microphone that picks up voice commands from across the room. Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming is a nice bonus if you have a subscription, and the home screen advertises free movies and live TV options I had no idea existed.
Who this is best for
Cord cutters and budget buyers who want a reliable 4K streaming stick with access to every major app including Apple TV+. Strong pick for Prime members who want the best integration with the rest of the Amazon ecosystem.
Who should skip this
Power users who need more than 16GB of storage for apps will hit limits fast. Anyone who hates home screen ads or who relies on a Plex or media server setup should consider the NVIDIA Shield instead.
4. Fire TV Stick 4K Select – Most Affordable Way to Stream Apple TV+
Pros
- Excellent value for 4K streaming
- Easy plug-and-play setup
- Intuitive Alexa voice control
- Transforms older TVs into smart TVs
- Wide app support available
- Reliable on new Vega OS
Cons
- Vega OS blocks sideloading apps
- Limited codec support for media servers
- Wi-Fi 5 only
- 8GB storage fills quickly
The Fire TV Stick 4K Select is the cheapest way I have found to start streaming Apple TV+ on a 4K television. At the budget price point, it is hard to argue with what you get for the money, especially for casual viewing of the best Apple TV+ shows.
The new Vega OS in 2026 is a different animal than the older Fire TV interface. It is fast, clean, and the home screen loads in about two seconds. The Apple TV app is front and center in the app store, and the Apple TV+ content shows up alongside Prime Video and Netflix in search results.
In daily use, the stick handled everything I threw at it. Shrinking, Slow Horses, and The Morning Show all streamed in 4K HDR with HDR10+ support. The HDR10+ format actually beats Dolby Vision on certain Samsung TVs, and for the price the picture quality was impressive.
The big caveats are about the new Vega OS. There is no sideloading apps anymore, so if you relied on unofficial apps for media playback or VPN access, those are gone. Codec support is also limited. No TrueHD, no DTS-HD MA, and some Dolby Vision profiles do not work. For most people streaming Apple TV+, Netflix, and Disney+, none of that matters. Power users with local media libraries will want a different device.
Who this is best for
Anyone with an older 4K TV who wants to add smart features and Apple TV+ access for the lowest possible price. Also a strong secondary stick for a guest room or kitchen TV that does not need heavy lifting.
Who should skip this
Plex and media server users, anyone who needs sideloading, and households already on Wi-Fi 6 routers who will benefit from a newer stick with Wi-Fi 6 support.
5. Fire TV Cube – Hands-Free Apple TV+ Streaming Powerhouse
Pros
- Fastest Fire TV processor available
- Excellent 4K upscaling
- Wi-Fi 6E for reliable streaming
- Hands-free Alexa from across the room
- Replaces streaming device and Echo speaker
- Built-in Ethernet port
Cons
- Some audio output quirks
- Equipment control can be unreliable
- Occasional display resolution resets
- Premium price compared to Fire TV Sticks
The Fire TV Cube is what happens when Amazon takes the Fire TV Stick formula and adds a real computer inside. The octa-core processor is twice as fast as the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and the difference is obvious the moment you open the Apple TV app to browse the best Apple TV+ shows.
What sold me on the Cube was the hands-free Alexa. I have a small home gym setup, and being able to say “Alexa, play Severance on Apple TV+” without picking up a remote is a quality-of-life upgrade I did not know I needed. The far-field microphones pick up commands from across the room, even with the TV playing at a normal volume.
Picture quality is excellent. Dolby Vision and HDR10+ both work as expected, and the Super Resolution upscaling is the best I have seen on any streaming device. Older 1080p content looks close to native 4K, which is great for shows that predate the 4K era. The built-in Ethernet port also makes a noticeable difference for stable 4K streams, especially in homes where Wi-Fi is congested.
The Cube doubles as an HDMI input hub, so I plugged in a Nintendo Switch and a Blu-ray player. Audio output through my soundbar worked fine, though I had to fiddle with the Dolby settings once or twice after switching inputs. The built-in Echo speaker is a nice backup for music when the TV is off, and the privacy microphone off button is right on top for peace of mind.
Who this is best for
Smart home enthusiasts who want a streaming device that doubles as an Echo speaker. Also great for anyone who wants the fastest Fire TV experience and values the wired Ethernet option for buffer-free 4K streaming.
Who should skip this
Anyone who already has a soundbar and an Echo in the same room will be paying for overlap. The premium price over the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus only makes sense if you actually use the hands-free features.
6. Google TV Streamer 4K – Best Apple TV+ on a Non-Apple Box
Pros
- Fast and smooth app performance
- Crisp and vibrant 4K HDR picture
- Plenty of storage for apps and games
- Voice search works seamlessly
- Smart home integration with Gemini built-in
- Beats Fire Stick on storage and speed
Cons
- Requires separate HDMI cable
- Voice control can be hard to disable
- Remote lacks branding identification
The Google TV Streamer 4K is the best non-Apple device I have used for streaming the best Apple TV+ shows. The interface is the cleanest of the bunch, the search results actually aggregate across all your streaming services, and the 32GB of storage solves the chronic problem of running out of space on Fire TV Sticks.
Setup took about ten minutes. Sign in with a Google account, link the Apple TV app, and you are ready to watch. The 4GB of RAM keeps the interface snappy even when jumping between Apple TV+, YouTube TV, and Netflix in quick succession. The remote is slim, the voice button is positioned well, and the backlight on the buttons makes it usable in a dark room.
The 4K HDR picture quality with Dolby Vision looked great on my LG C-class OLED. Watching Pluribus and For All Mankind, the colors popped, the blacks were deep, and the motion handling was smooth. The HDR tone mapping seemed a bit more conservative than the Apple TV 4K, but the difference was visible only on direct comparison.
Smart home integration with Gemini is a genuine differentiator. Asking the remote for weather, controlling my living room lights, and pulling up a camera feed all worked without leaving the TV interface. The biggest annoyance is that the remote is sold without an HDMI cable in the box, so make sure you have one lying around or grab a 4K-certified cable with the streamer.
Who this is best for
Anyone who wants more storage than a Fire TV Stick offers and a cleaner interface than Amazon’s home screen. Also a strong fit for Google Home users who want one remote that does it all.
Who should skip this
If you already have a recent Chromecast with Google TV, the upgrade is marginal. Anyone sensitive to always-on voice control should look at the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus instead.
7. Apple TV Siri Remote (3rd Generation) – Best Upgrade for an Aging Apple TV
Pros
- Premium aluminum build quality
- Precise touch-enabled clickpad navigation
- USB-C charging port
- Siri voice control for content search
- Easy to pair with Apple TV
Cons
- No Find My support
- No backlight for dark room use
- No motion sensors for gaming
- Some users report counterfeit units
If you already own an Apple TV and the original Siri Remote has finally died, the 3rd generation Siri Remote is the upgrade that makes browsing the best Apple TV+ shows feel new again. The aluminum body feels solid in the hand, and the clickpad is far more accurate than the glass trackpad on the first-generation remote.
The USB-C charging port is the headline change. Anyone who has had to dig out a Lightning cable at 11pm while trying to start the next episode of Severance will appreciate this small but meaningful upgrade. A single USB-C cable charges the remote in about two hours, and the battery lasts roughly a month of daily use.
The clickpad supports both touch swipes and directional presses, which makes scrubbing through trailers and timeline navigation much more accurate. The Siri button sits on the side rather than the front, which takes a day to get used to but ultimately feels more natural. The remote pairs instantly with any Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD I tested it with.
The two missing features are the ones that keep this from being perfect. There is no Find My support, so when the remote disappears into couch cushions you are on your own with the Apple TV Remote app on your iPhone. There is also no backlight on the buttons, which is a small annoyance in a dark home theater. I keep a small flashlight by the couch, but a backlight would have been a smart addition at this price.
Who this is best for
Apple TV 4K owners who have been nursing an aging Siri Remote. Also a great backup remote for households where the original one tends to walk away.
Who should skip this
Anyone who has not upgraded to a recent Apple TV does not need this. Make sure you buy from a reputable seller because counterfeit units are reportedly circulating in the marketplace.
8. Apple TV Siri Remote (2nd Generation) – Still the Best Apple Remote for Most People
Pros
- Big upgrade over original glass remote
- Premium aluminum construction
- Intuitive touch clickpad with directional buttons
- Power button included
- Easy pairing with Apple TV
- Durable for family use
Cons
- Lightning port instead of newer USB-C
- No Find My support
- Voice input can be flaky at times
- Side-positioned Siri button less convenient
The 2nd generation Apple TV Siri Remote is the most popular Apple TV remote ever made, and after a few weeks of testing it is easy to see why. With 4.7 stars across nearly 6,000 reviews, it has the highest user satisfaction of any remote in this roundup, and it remains the best pick for most Apple TV owners in 2026.
The clickpad supports circular gesture navigation, which is the killer feature. Swiping around the edge of the clickpad scrubs through a video timeline, jumps between Apple TV+ episodes, and pulls up the on-screen keyboard far faster than directional button presses. The aluminum body feels premium and has held up well to daily use by my family for the past year.
Battery life is a real strength. I get about a month of use per charge, and the included Lightning cable tops it up in under two hours. The dedicated power button is one of those small features that you only appreciate once you have it. The original Siri Remote forced you to use the Apple TV Remote app on your iPhone just to turn the TV on, and that has been fixed here.
The two main drawbacks are minor. The Lightning charging port means another cable to keep around, since most of my other devices have moved to USB-C. The lack of Find My is a small annoyance. Neither is a deal-breaker, and at the current price the 2nd generation Siri Remote is still a better value than the 3rd generation for most people.
Who this is best for
Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD owners who want a high-quality replacement remote without paying top dollar. The best fit for households that share a single Apple TV and need a remote that can survive daily handling.
Who should skip this
Anyone who has standardized on USB-C cables should pay the premium for the 3rd generation. People who lose remotes often will miss the Find My support on newer Apple devices.
9. ReliaMount Premium Mount for Apple TV – Cleanest Setup for the Best Apple TV+ Shows
Pros
- Compatible with every Apple TV generation
- Easy hole-free adhesive installation
- Optional hardware mounting included
- Designed and made in USA
- Includes all mounting hardware
- Heat-resistant adhesive for TV backs
Cons
- Adhesive may not hold on certain surfaces
- Some users needed wall anchors instead
- Removal can damage drywall
The ReliaMount Premium Mount is a small accessory that solves a surprisingly annoying problem: where to put the Apple TV 4K. After moving mine behind the TV, the setup looked cleaner and the airflow was better. With 4.6 stars across more than 6,000 reviews, it is the most trusted mount of its kind on Amazon.
Installation took about five minutes. The adhesive strip is heat resistant, which is important because the back of a 4K TV gets warm during long viewing sessions of Apple TV+ content like Severance. The mount holds the Apple TV securely, and the included hardware option is there for people who want a more permanent installation.
What I appreciate most is the universal fit. The same mount works on the Apple TV HD, Apple TV 4K (1st generation), Apple TV 4K (2nd generation), and Apple TV 4K (3rd generation). That means when I upgrade the box, the mount can stay put. The black glossy finish blends in with both the Apple TV and the back of a typical TV.
The adhesive is strong but not invincible. On a smooth plastic TV back, it held firm for over a month of use. On a textured surface, I would recommend the included hardware screws. The instructions are clear, and the design is well thought out. The mount is made in the USA, which is a small but appreciated detail.
Who this is best for
Anyone who wants to hide the Apple TV behind the TV for a cleaner home theater look. Also a great fit for wall-mounted TVs where the Apple TV would otherwise need its own shelf.
Who should skip this
If your TV sits on a stand with a media shelf, you do not need this. People with textured or fabric TV backings should plan to use the hardware mount option instead of the adhesive.
10. NVIDIA Shield TV Pro – Best Premium Streaming for the Best Apple TV+ Shows
Pros
- Best-in-class 4K HDR streaming
- Excellent Dolby Atmos audio support
- AI upscaling for HD to 4K
- Fast and responsive performance
- Two USB 3.0 ports for expansion
- Built-in Plex Media Server
Cons
- Higher price point than competitors
- Setup experience feels dated
- Remote and UI look dated
- Home screen shows ads
- Google account setup can be cumbersome
The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is the streaming device I recommend to anyone who treats their TV like a serious home theater. The combination of AI upscaling, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and Plex Media Server support makes it the most capable box in this roundup for getting the most out of the best Apple TV+ shows.
What separates the Shield from every other device on this list is the AI upscaling. Watching older HD content like early episodes of Defending Jacob, the Shield cleans up the image in real time to look closer to native 4K. The result is a noticeable improvement on a 65-inch screen, and it makes a 75-inch screen look much sharper than the source material should allow.
Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos both work as expected, and the Shield passes through lossless audio formats that other streamers cannot handle. Watching Pachinko with the original Korean audio track and Atmos sound was a treat. The Apple TV+ app ran smoothly, and the GeForce Now cloud gaming option is a nice bonus for the gaming-curious crowd.
The 3GB of RAM keeps everything snappy, and the two USB 3.0 ports let me plug in an external hard drive for local media. The Plex Media Server runs natively, which is a real differentiator for anyone with a media library. The downsides are real: the remote looks and feels dated, the home screen shows ads, and the initial Google account setup is more cumbersome than Fire TV or Roku. For pure streaming of Apple TV+ content, you pay a premium for the upscaling and codec support.
Who this is best for
Home theater enthusiasts and Plex users who want the most powerful streamer on the market. Also a strong fit for anyone with a large TV who wants AI upscaling to make older HD content look its best.
Who should skip this
Casual viewers who only watch Apple TV+, Netflix, and Disney+ are overpaying for features they will not use. The Fire TV Cube or Apple TV 4K will serve them just as well at a lower price.
11. Apple Gift Card (eGift) – The Best Way to Fund an Apple TV+ Subscription
Pros
- Instant email delivery
- Redeemable across all Apple services
- Great for birthdays and holidays
- Can optimize credit card cashback
- Safe alternative to linking a credit card
- Works at any Apple Store or app
Cons
- Not valid outside Apple ecosystem
- No returns or refunds
- Some users report email delivery issues
- Potential scam risk if PIN is shared
An Apple Gift Card is the cleanest way to pay for an Apple TV+ subscription, the Apple TV app purchases, and any of the shows or movies you want to buy outright. After a few months of using gift cards instead of a credit card on file, I have stopped worrying about forgotten subscriptions and unexpected charges.
Email delivery is genuinely instant. Within a minute of purchase, the code lands in my inbox ready to redeem. The redemption process is straightforward: enter the code in the App Store, and the balance is available across App Store purchases, Apple Music, Apple TV+, iCloud+, Apple Arcade, and the rest of the Apple ecosystem.
The denomination range of $15 to $500 covers everything from a month of Apple TV+ to a year of Apple One. Buying a $100 gift card on Amazon with a rewards credit card and applying it to an Apple TV+ annual subscription is one of the easiest ways to extract extra value from credit card points. The card works at any Apple Store, the Apple website, and inside any Apple app, which is more flexibility than most gift cards offer.
The main downsides are about the gift card category in general. There is no returns or refunds once the code is delivered, and Apple does not replace lost codes. Scam awareness is important. Apple will never call asking for a gift card PIN, and any such call is a scam. I keep the email with the code in a password manager so the balance is easy to track.
Who this is best for
Apple TV+ subscribers who want a clean way to prepay for several months of service. Also a great gift option for friends and family who already use iPhones, iPads, or Macs and can pick the subscription or product they actually want.
Who should skip this
Anyone outside the Apple ecosystem will get little value from this card. If you only watch Apple TV+ on a Fire TV Stick or Roku, a gift card to that platform is a better fit.
12. Apple HomePod mini – Best Smart Speaker Pairing for Apple TV+
Pros
- Rich 360-degree sound with deep bass
- Crisp high frequencies
- Siri voice assistant for hands-free control
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- Compact and stylish design
- Privacy and security features
Cons
- Amazon Renewed refurbished unit
- Some units pre-linked to previous owners
- Packaging may not be original Apple
- Siri can activate unexpectedly
- Limited advanced alarm features
Pairing an Apple HomePod mini with an Apple TV 4K turns the living room into a real home theater. The HomePod mini acts as the default speaker for Apple TV+ content, and the 360-degree sound fills a small to medium-sized room with surprising depth. After testing it for a few weeks, I now default to the HomePod for late-night viewing of shows like Shrinking and Slow Horses.
Setup is the easiest of any smart speaker I have used. Hold the iPhone near the HomePod, accept the pairing prompt, and the speaker is ready. Once linked to the Apple TV, the HomePod mini becomes the audio output for any content playing on the TV, including Apple TV+ shows and movies.
Sound quality is far better than the speaker built into a typical TV. Listening to the Atmos mix on For All Mankind, the launch sequences had real weight, dialogue was clear even at low volumes, and music from the soundtrack had texture. The compact design fits on a side table or shelf without taking up space, and the blue color adds a small pop of personality to the room.
The Amazon Renewed status is the main caveat. This is a refurbished unit, and the listing does not always make that obvious. My unit arrived in generic packaging rather than the original Apple box, and I had to reset the device to clear the previous owner’s pairing. The 3.9-star average rating reflects that some buyers had a worse experience with their specific unit. Once set up properly, the HomePod mini is a great addition to an Apple TV+ setup.
Who this is best for
Apple TV+ viewers who want better sound than their TV speakers without buying a full soundbar. Also a strong fit for anyone already using HomeKit devices and the Apple smart home ecosystem.
Who should skip this
Anyone outside the Apple ecosystem will not get full value from this speaker. If you are not comfortable buying a refurbished unit, look for new HomePod mini listings elsewhere or wait for a deal.
How to Pick the Right Setup for the Best Apple TV+ Shows?
Choosing the right streaming device comes down to three things: what you already own, what kind of TV you have, and how much polish you want from the experience. The Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) is the obvious pick for anyone in the Apple ecosystem, and the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is the strongest value option for everyone else.
The single biggest upgrade you can make for picture and sound quality is a device that supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, since most of the best Apple TV+ shows in 2026 are mixed in those formats. The Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, Apple TV 4K, and NVIDIA Shield all support both, and any of them will turn a regular 4K TV into a much more cinematic experience.
Remote replacement is a smaller but worthwhile upgrade if your current Apple TV remote is acting up. The 2nd generation Siri Remote is the best value, and the 3rd generation adds USB-C charging for households that have already moved to USB-C cables.
For audio, pairing an Apple TV 4K with a HomePod mini gives surprisingly good sound without the bulk of a soundbar. For a real home theater, a soundbar plus a Shield or Apple TV 4K with Dolby Atmos passthrough is the way to go. If your TV is older and lacks 4K HDR, a Fire TV Stick 4K Plus will modernize it for less than the cost of a new television.
One last thing worth mentioning: the free trial and account sharing. Most new Apple device purchases come with a 3-month Apple TV+ trial, and Apple One bundles Apple TV+ with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and iCloud+ for one combined price. Sharing an Apple TV+ account through Apple Family Sharing is a popular way to split the cost, which several Reddit users in r/television have called out as the best value move in streaming right now.
For more on how to optimize your home setup, check out our guides on the best gaming monitors for Xbox Series X and best Xbox Series X SSDs if you want to round out the entertainment experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 10 series on Apple TV+?
The top 10 Apple TV+ series right now are Severance, Ted Lasso, Slow Horses, Silo, Pachinko, The Morning Show, Shrinking, For All Mankind, Bad Sisters, and Pluribus. Severance is widely considered the flagship series, while Ted Lasso remains the most-watched comedy on the platform.
What are some must-watch series on Apple TV+?
Must-watch series on Apple TV+ include Severance (sci-fi thriller), Ted Lasso (comedy-drama), Slow Horses (espionage), Silo (post-apocalyptic sci-fi), Pachinko (historical drama), and Shrinking (comedy). These six shows cover the major genres and are the most consistently recommended by critics and viewers.
What are some hidden gems on Apple TV+?
Hidden gems on Apple TV+ include Pluribus, Widow’s Bay, Disclaimer, Bad Sisters, Dark Matter, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, and The Essex Serpent. These shows received strong reviews but did not get the same mainstream attention as Severance and Ted Lasso.
What is the highest rated show on Apple TV+?
Severance is the highest rated show on Apple TV+, with a 97 percent critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 9.0 on IMDb. Ted Lasso holds a 91 percent critic score, and Slow Horses sits at 97 percent critic score as well, making all three top contenders for the platform’s best.
Is Apple TV+ worth the subscription?
Yes, Apple TV+ is worth the subscription for viewers who value high-quality original content. At under $10 per month, it is one of the most affordable streaming services, and new Apple device buyers get a 3-month free trial. Apple One bundles Apple TV+ with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and iCloud+ for a discounted combined price, which is the best value for Apple ecosystem users.
What is the best streaming device for Apple TV+ shows?
The Apple TV 4K is the best streaming device for Apple TV+ shows because it is the only device that runs the Apple TV app natively with full Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support. The Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is the best value option for budget buyers, and the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is the best premium choice for home theater enthusiasts who want AI upscaling.
Final Verdict: The Best Apple TV+ Shows and How to Watch Them in 2026
The best Apple TV+ shows in 2026 are Severance, Ted Lasso, Slow Horses, Silo, Pachinko, The Morning Show, Shrinking, For All Mankind, and Pluribus. Pair any of those with the Apple TV 4K for the cleanest experience, the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus for the best value, or the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro for the most premium home theater setup.
If you have not subscribed to Apple TV+ yet, start with the 3-month free trial that comes with most new Apple device purchases, then use Apple Family Sharing to split the cost with up to five other people. You will get access to every show on this list, and you will be hard-pressed to find a better dollar-per-quality-of-content ratio in streaming today.
There are people who love playing video games, and then there are enthusiasts who devote their lives to gaming.
Corey has been playing games since The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy III were still young.
Today, he blends his passion and experience to write reviews that can help others choose the best components in the gaming arena.