# Apple Apple TV 4K Wi-Fi + Ethernet (3rd generation) Apple TV 4K Wi-Fi + Ethernet is the Apple Home hub to buy when you want Thread support and a wired media box in the same purchase. It is the wrong Apple TV choice only if you buy the Wi-Fi-only model expecting Thread. Canonical page: https://matterhome.io/devices/apple-tv-4k-wifi-ethernet-3rd-gen Markdown page: https://matterhome.io/devices/apple-tv-4k-wifi-ethernet-3rd-gen.md Author: Matterhome Editorial Team Author profile: https://matterhome.io/authors/matterhome-editorial-team Edited and fact-checked by: JC Martinez Editor profile: https://matterhome.io/authors/jc-martinez ## Device Facts - Brand: Apple - Model: Apple TV 4K Wi-Fi + Ethernet (3rd generation) - Product type: Matter Controller and Thread Border Router - Category: Matter controllers - Connection: Matter over Thread - Matter status: Apple lists Thread networking technology on the Apple TV 4K Wi-Fi + Ethernet model and says Apple TV becomes a home hub when added to a room in the Home app. - Launch date: 2022 - Thread border router required: No - Brand hub required: No - Typical price range: $149 - Markets: Global - Review status: Compatibility guide - Product image: https://matterhome.io/content-assets/devices/apple-tv-4k-wifi-ethernet-3rd-gen/product.webp - Product image alt text: Apple TV 4K Wi-Fi plus Ethernet - Product image source: https://www.apple.com/v/apple-tv-4k/am/images/specs/apple_tv__c58t6fz8g54y_large.jpg ## Ecosystem Support - Apple Home: Supported - Google Home: Not listed - Alexa: Not listed - SmartThings: Not listed - Home Assistant: Not listed ## Best For - Apple Home users who already want an Apple TV 4K - Homes with Ethernet near the TV or media cabinet - Buyers who want one always-on box for streaming, remote access, Matter, and Thread ## Skip If - You are buying the Wi-Fi-only Apple TV 4K and need Thread - Your TV location is far from the Thread devices that need coverage - Your primary ecosystem is not Apple Home ## Setup Notes - Choose the Apple TV 4K Wi-Fi + Ethernet model when Thread support is part of the reason for buying. - Add Apple TV to a room in the Home app so it becomes a home hub. - Use Ethernet when possible if the Apple TV sits near the router or a wired network drop. ## Known Limitations - The Wi-Fi-only Apple TV 4K is not the Thread pick. - Apple TV 4K is Apple Home infrastructure, not a Matter controller that other ecosystems add directly. - A media cabinet or TV wall may not be the strongest Thread location for locks, sensors, or shades elsewhere in the home. ## Pros - Apple Home hub for Matter accessories - Thread networking technology on the Wi-Fi + Ethernet model - Gigabit Ethernet can make it a more stable always-on hub - Also works as the main Apple TV streaming box ## Cons - Only the Wi-Fi + Ethernet model has Thread in the current Apple TV 4K line - Usually placed near a TV, which may not be the best Thread mesh location - Apple Home only as the smart home controller ## Sources - https://www.apple.com/apple-tv-4k/ - https://www.apple.com/apple-tv-4k/specs/ - https://support.apple.com/en-us/102557 - https://support.apple.com/en-us/102078 - https://www.apple.com/v/apple-tv-4k/am/images/specs/apple_tv__c58t6fz8g54y_large.jpg ## Buy the Ethernet model if Thread matters Apple TV 4K is a useful Apple Home hub, but the model matters. Apple's current specs list Thread networking technology on the Wi-Fi + Ethernet model, not on the Wi-Fi-only model. If Thread support is part of the reason for buying Apple TV, choose the Wi-Fi + Ethernet version. That makes this the Apple TV card for a Matter ecosystem guide. It can be a streaming box, a wired network device, and Apple Home infrastructure at the same time. ## What it fixes Apple TV 4K Wi-Fi + Ethernet gives Apple Home an always-on home hub with Thread. Apple says Apple TV becomes a home hub when you add it to a room in the Home app, and Thread-enabled Matter accessories require a Thread-enabled home hub or supported third-party border router. This is especially useful if the Apple TV can sit on Ethernet. A stable wired backhaul does not guarantee perfect Thread coverage, but it removes one variable from the hub side of the setup. ## Placement matters The strongest argument for Apple TV 4K Wi-Fi + Ethernet is reliability. It can sit near a TV, stay powered, and use Ethernet instead of depending only on Wi-Fi. The tradeoff is location. TVs often live against exterior walls, inside cabinets, or far from the door, hallway, or window where Thread devices need help. If the Apple TV is not close enough to the devices it should support, HomePod mini or HomePod may be easier to place. ## Where it is the wrong buy Skip the Wi-Fi-only Apple TV 4K if Thread support is the reason for buying. It can still be useful as an Apple TV and Matter controller, but it is not the Thread pick in the current Apple TV 4K line. Also skip Apple TV as the hub if the home is centered on Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings, or Home Assistant. In that case, buy the controller and Thread border router for that ecosystem instead.