A common trope maintains that the words “Apple” and “less expensive” don’t belong in the same sentence. But, the company could benefit from putting a cheaper Apple TV out into the world.
The industry was reminded this week that cheaper versions of existing streaming TV hardware are possible, when Dish Network’s AirTV revealed an $80 streaming stick that supports 4K viewing and a user experience that integrates free over-the-air TV signals with popular streaming apps like Sling TV and Netflix.
AirTV is just the latest device maker to join the bargain streaming device market – although the AirTV Mini is priced at the high end. It joins the Amazon Fire TV Stick (priced between $35 and $50), the Roku Streaming Stick (priced between $35 and $50), the Google Chromecast (priced between $35 and $70). Many of these companies also have more expensive options for streaming TV devices (like the Fire TV Cube and the Roku Ultra), but even those devices still undercut Apple TV.
Right now, an Apple TV device will run between $150 and $180 depending on how important 4K compatibility is to you. That's more than some Roku smart TVs.
