Apple TV Review: Is It Still Worth the Money in 2025?

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Apple TV (previously called Apple TV+) is Apple's exclusive streaming service, dedicated to original movies and shows. Since its debut in 2019, the platform has grown from a modest launch into a real contender in the streaming world, thanks to Apple's deep investment in prestige content. Though it doesn't offer the massive back catalog you'll find on some competitors, the platform makes up for it with bold storytelling and A-list talent. If you're reading this Apple TV review to see if it's finally time to subscribe, learn about why it might be one of the best streaming service options for you below.

In 2025, the lineup is stronger than ever. The Studio recently won 13 Emmy awards and Severance wrapped its long-anticipated Season 2 earlier in 2025 — and yes, it was well worth the wait. Meanwhile, shows with cult followings that were once thought to be over, like Ted Lasso, are officially coming back. Season 4 is on its way, which is a continuation we didn't expect to get.

What Is Apple TV?

Apple TV is all about original programming. With your Apple TV subscription, you can share access with up to five family members through Family Sharing. Everyone gets their own preferences and profiles, which makes juggling multiple shows a whole lot easier.

The platform supports 4K HDR with Dolby Vision, so for anyone with the right hardware, the picture quality is top-tier. Add in Dolby Atmos support for sound, and you've got a solid cinematic experience right at home.

Naturally, Apple TV integrates seamlessly across iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more, so you don't need to be an Apple loyalist to use it. The app is available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation, Xbox, and most smart TVs. You can even subscribe through Prime Video now, which is perfect if you want to streamline your streaming life without hopping between apps.

How Much Does Apple TV Cost?

Here's the issue with Apple TV — its price raised for the third time in August of 2025. A standalone Apple TV subscription now costs $12.99/month. While it's most recent price ($9.99/month) placed this service at one of the most affordable in the market, that's no longer the case. Apple TV costs around the same price as other premium streaming services, such as Paramount+ Premium.

Apple TV is also part of the Apple One bundle, which starts at $19.95/month for the Individual plan. It includes Apple Music, iCloud+, and Apple Arcade, which is a good value if you're already using other Apple services. The Family and Premier bundles offer even more features and are great for households with multiple users.

Does Apple TV Have a Free Trial?

Here's where things get interesting. Apple offers several options if you want to test-drive the service before committing to a full Apple TV subscription:

1. Seven-Day Free Trial: Available to anyone signing up for Apple TV directly or through Prime Video.
2. One-Month Free Trial with Apple One: Subscribe to any Apple One plan and get your first month free — including Apple TV.
3. Three-Month Free Trial: Buy a new Apple device (like an iPhone, iPad, or Mac) and you'll unlock three free months of Apple TV. You must redeem it within 90 days of activation.

All of these options make it easy to enjoy free Apple TV before deciding if it deserves a permanent spot in your streaming rotation.

TV Series on Apple TV

Apple TV may not churn out dozens of new titles every week, but what it does release is usually worth your time. The service has firmly leaned into high-end, buzzworthy series that people actually talk about.

Highlights include:

• Your Friends & Neighbors
• Chief of War
• Foundation
• Invasion
• Shrinking
• Severance
• The Studio
• Smoke
• Ted Lasso
• Silo
• For All Mankind
• Slow Horses

That's just scratching the surface. Apple TV also regularly debuts limited series and one-off dramas that often become Emmy contenders. It's a tight, quality-driven catalog — not an endless scroll.

Movies on Apple TV

Yes, there are movies — and good ones. Films like CODA (which won Best Picture at the Oscars a few years back), Finch, and Fly Me to the Moon have all made waves on the platform.

Apple also lets you rent or buy films directly through the Apple TV app, much like Prime Video. That means you can access major theatrical releases even while they're still in cinemas, and you'll own the content forever.

If you're someone who likes early digital access to blockbuster movies, the Apple TV experience covers that too — even though those purchases are technically separate from your Apple TV subscription.

Does Apple TV Have Live TV?

Not exactly. You won't find live news or general broadcast channels here. But there are some live sports. Apple TV is the home of Friday Night Baseball, offering weekly live games during the MLB season. It's not a full-blown live TV service, but it gives fans another reason to stick around, especially during baseball season.

Apple TV Compared to Other Streaming Services

At $12.99/month, Apple TV isn't as affordable as it once used to be, but it's still a pretty solid price for ad-free content. Netflix and Peacock both offer cheaper ad-supported tiers now, but if you want commercial-free content, Apple's pricing is hard to beat.

You won't find bundles like the Disney Bundle, which offers Disney+, Hulu, and either ESPN Unlimited (for $29.99/month) or HBO Max (for $16.99/month), but Apple One helps close that gap for anyone already living in the Apple ecosystem.

What Apple TV really nails is prestige. While it doesn't have the volume of Hulu or HBO Max, its original shows like Ted Lasso, Silo, and Severance are consistently among the best-reviewed across the streaming landscape. And when Apple drops a new series, it's usually a conversation starter, like it has been for Chief of War and Smoke.

Is Apple TV Worth It?

Short answer: Yes.

At $12.99/month, Apple TV is still a standout option for anyone who values great storytelling, sleek production, and a curated library of originals. It's not trying to compete with any other streaming service's larger libraries, and that's the point. It's selective, sharp, and polished.

With Severance back in the spotlight, Ted Lasso surprising fans with a Season 4, and newcomers like Chief of War and Smoke turning heads, this might be the best time to give Apple TV a shot. Especially if you're looking to trim the fat and focus on fewer, better things in your streaming life.

And with so many ways to try free Apple TV, you really have nothing to lose.

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