After using cable, DTH, and an LG TV for years, I finally bought my first “smart” TV back in 2020. My first impression was nothing but positive, thanks to the familiar Android experience that I was used to on my phone. There was no lack of apps, and the performance was fine, but the cracks began to show within a year. The TV felt like it was struggling to perform basic navigation, and launching & switching between apps became a major snoozefest. Resetting the TV helped a few times, but I soon realized the hardware and software were just too limited. It was time to make a change, and I finally bought the Apple TV 4K in mid-2024. Arguably the best streaming box on the market, it transformed my TV-watching experience. The responsive UI, reliable functionality, and privacy-focused package fit right in with my other Apple devices.