Apple TV 4K, priced at $130. faces criticism for still missing a key feature in 2025: audio passthrough. The omission forces users’ sound systems to rely on the device’s limited audio processing, sparking frustration among home theater enthusiasts.

Owners of surround-sound setups report issues like mismatched audio formats labeled as “Multi In” on receivers. “My receiver tries to fix it, but it’s clunky,” said one user who streams movies via Apple TV 4K. “My $80 Roku Ultra handles this seamlessly.”

While Apple TV supports Dolby Atmos and standard formats, it struggles with niche audio codecs. Competitors like Roku and Amazon Fire TV offer full passthrough, letting receivers decode audio directly. Apple’s refusal to add the feature has users questioning loyalty. “Why pay more for half-baked tech?” asked a Reddit thread comparing devices.

The Apple TV 4K’s ecosystem lock-in adds to grievances. Features like finding a lost remote require an iPhone—a hurdle for non-Apple users. Roku’s $100 Ultra, meanwhile, includes a physical remote-finder button and Ethernet port, absent on Apple’s base model.

“I’m done waiting,” said a reviewer who owns both devices. “Switching to Roku gives me Google Home compatibility and saves $30.” Others cite Apple’s ad-free interface and speed as perks but argue they’re not worth the trade-offs.

With no word on an upgrade, analysts warn Apple risks losing budget-conscious buyers. As streaming wars heat up, the pressure’s on for a 4th-gen model—or users may hit “eject” for good.