Choosing Your Zwift Machine: Apple TV 4K vs Mac Mini M2 Comparison

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  • Опубліковано 4 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 93

  • @joemurphy4489
    @joemurphy4489 Рік тому +10

    ATV all day. Was on PC, but by time the PC would boot up, then for Zwift to loads, and fingers crossed no driver issues (BT or ANT), it was just too frustrating, and I was plagued with drop connections, so annoying. I tried everything, new dongles, new cables etc, but too much hassle. ATV It just works, by thetime I have my shoes on, and clipped in, ATV and Zwift starts. I don't use the ATV Remote, instead I use my iPhone as the remote, and it's much better. Give it a go Tariq if you haven't already. For connections, I use NPE CABLE. The only downside of ATV is the Basic profile. ATV on the right, no shadows, that's the only real giveaway for me. Thanks for the review, very well done. Thanks

    • @FoobsTon
      @FoobsTon 11 місяців тому +2

      This made up my mind for me. I want to cycle, not mess around with flaky tech. ATV it is. And if you're busy looking at graphic resolution, you ain't pedalling hard enough!

    • @joemurphy4489
      @joemurphy4489 11 місяців тому

      @@FoobsTonyou won’t be disappointed. ATV, it just works. Ride ON! 👍🏻🚴‍♂️💨💨

    • @philindeblanc
      @philindeblanc 9 місяців тому

      Depends on your needs. I use the Mac Mini as a Home Theater Pc, so I much prefer the computer (BTW, you can put it in sleep mode and uses barely any power, and boots right up, as my mac mini does) with a browser of my choice, and players of my choice, I have added a remote to it, so I can be across the room if I dont have my Magic wireless KB/Ms. Btw, I am a PC user, and Android user, as I like telling machines how I want to use them...but for something like the TV where users and guests of all levels of understanding how things work, the dumbest device is best, so I went with Mac.

    • @FoobsTon
      @FoobsTon 9 місяців тому +1

      @@philindeblanc
      I can't stand Apple for the reasons you state. But I gotta say, for running Zwift it runs almost perfectly, just as promised in the thread... The remote still is a bit of a ball ache but hey.

  • @dinoaustralia7752
    @dinoaustralia7752 5 місяців тому +10

    As of August 2024, the Mac mini M2 now supports full 4 K ultra settings with a compatible monitor over the Apple TV 4 K. I have both devices and can tell you it's definitely worth upgrading to the Mac mini for the enhanced graphics, including shadows, textures, and frame rate, compared to the Apple TV.

    • @LimeyDude
      @LimeyDude 4 місяці тому

      I'm in the market for a new MBP, but I'm struggling to find more info about your claim. Is this for all M2 MBP's or only PRO or MAX? And how about M1, do you know if any of those MBP's can run 4K Ultra? Thanks 🙂

    • @dinoaustralia7752
      @dinoaustralia7752 4 місяці тому

      @@LimeyDude My MacBook Air M1 can run high 4k settings also. Anything M1 chip and up is a safe bet it will run the game fine now since they optimised the game better for iOS. I just prefer the Mini as I can have it permanently set on my bigger screen.

    • @crand20033
      @crand20033 19 днів тому

      Can I watch Spectrum TV programs on a mac mini and use it as a computer as well? Which one is better for both of those functions. Is Apple tv better?

  • @richardcrane5189
    @richardcrane5189 Рік тому +5

    I've switched from PC to ATV4K just yesterday. My PC is a 11th gen CORE i5 with Integrated Graphics (MS Surface Pro 7), so was not a graphics powerhouse. The reason for the switch however was reliability. PC version froze on at least 50% of my rides over the past 2 months. Value for money on the ATV 4K 2022 was just too hard to deny and two rides in now I've had zero issues! That A15 Bionic is pretty good.

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  Рік тому +2

      For the money, the ATV is a great value. I don’t recall having one ride freeze on me since I started using it. Enjoy!

    • @lastpme
      @lastpme Рік тому

      Why I recently made the switch…my PC kept locking up on me.

    • @rickorwig986
      @rickorwig986 10 місяців тому

      I run on an old windows pc and almost every zwift ride, between 30 and 40 minutes into the ride, my screen freezes which started after a Zwift update a while back. Fortunately minimizing and then restoring gets me going again, sometimes it will recover without intervention but super frustrating. Might have to try out an ATV.

  • @percyveer2355
    @percyveer2355 Рік тому +2

    interesting video thank you. have you done a similar review on other mini pc's for zwift?

  • @mhffox252
    @mhffox252 Рік тому +1

    Hello, I use Zwift with a gammer notebook without problems, it works perfectly.
    But my older brother bought a smart trainer and I have to set it up. For that I need the operation and start-up to be as simple and fast as possible, since he does not understand technology and connections. The idea is to make it as simple as possible. For that reason I thought about doing it through Apple TV 4K since your television has 4K resolution.
    I see that there are Apple TVs of various generations 1, 2 and 3.
    Without a doubt the best is the last one, but I would like to know if it also works well with generation 1 and 2 or what are the possible problems for not choosing generation 3.
    Here in Argentina you can't find all the products and they are very expensive, that's why I'm evaluating options.
    Thank you so much.

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  Рік тому +1

      Not much difference between the generation as Zwift hasn’t taken advantage of the additional processing power particularly in the latest generation. I would get the one with the latest remote control as you will have a much better experience with the new remote.

    • @mhffox252
      @mhffox252 Рік тому

      @@SmartBikeTrainers Thank you very much for the response, how do I recognize which one is the last remote control? What generation brings it?

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  Рік тому

      @@mhffox252 It should be Apple TV 4K 2nd generation. amzn.to/3u5IylA

  • @Mosely2007
    @Mosely2007 Рік тому +2

    I use Apple TV 4th gen and a cheap smart TV. It has awesome graphics. It does a lot of stuff. But mine is dedicated Zwift setup. Nice video. I did add a silicon cover for remote

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  Рік тому +1

      A silicone cover is a nice add. I had one that I use with the old style remote and works nice.

  • @TruthFactsLM57
    @TruthFactsLM57 8 місяців тому

    2021 Apple TV 4K 64GB - Black (2nd generation) I'm waiting for it today , I got on ZWIFT Dec 2023 been using a IPAD AIR to do my workouts, now have a 40 in smart TV . So I love ZWIFT , love riding indoors even more. Been riding indoors since 1987 old school trainer , watch movies, races , listen to music. Now racing on ZWIFT . My outdoor Duathlons on the bike faster at age 67 .

  • @1989Murmel
    @1989Murmel Рік тому

    My setup is an Apple TV (2022) 128G in my garage, i have powerlink network from my house (network through the power grid). Works lite a charm.

  • @paulmorrison30
    @paulmorrison30 Рік тому +1

    Thank you for sharing, this was very informative ✊🏾👍🏾

  • @SayMcGillicuddy
    @SayMcGillicuddy Рік тому +2

    I put up with ATV because it's extremely convenient and I don't care much about the lesser graphics detail, BUT using the remote is def sub-optimal and I find any updates will log me out and reset all my settings to default. Both very frustrating.

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  Рік тому +3

      Hmm… I didn’t experience the issues with the updates you are describing. Interesting!

  • @lastpme
    @lastpme Рік тому +1

    I have the mini 2 but didn’t get the shadow with my rider 😢

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  Рік тому

      Hmm… do you have the latest Zwift app installed? Unless they removed shadows again 🧐 which wouldn’t surprise me

    • @lastpme
      @lastpme 2 місяці тому

      @@SmartBikeTrainersnew to Mac computers…I thought I bought a Mac Mini 2 but I bought a Mac Mini with the Intel chip. I finally bought a Mac Mini 2 and have the shadows.

  • @sigfreed11
    @sigfreed11 7 місяців тому

    What is the best setup for IndieVelo?

  • @davidevans3832
    @davidevans3832 Місяць тому

    How do you listen to the sound without using the TV speakers?

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  Місяць тому

      You can pair headphones if you don’t want to use the tv speakers.

  • @LarsTore
    @LarsTore 11 місяців тому

    Thanks for another great video! Anyone tried the Mac Mini M2 8gb/256gb running Zwift, Trainerroad and Netflix (or UA-cam) at the same time? I normally use Trainerroad to control the trainer and Zwift since I am a sucker for XPs and on longer rides I watch Netflix of UA-cam. Considering getting the M2 dedicated for the pain cave instead of using my Macbook Pro

  • @_Zane__
    @_Zane__ Рік тому

    I just use zwift on my years old Ipad Pro, works ok.. I'd rather use PC but don't really have the desk or layout to keep it setup where I want it. Connects fine to my tacx neo bike and tickr perfectly fine..

  • @pinoycarnbikeguy8888
    @pinoycarnbikeguy8888 Рік тому

    The ‘Menu’ icon to the left of Back to Me button in the video on the right vs. the Up-and-Left arrow to the left of the same button in the video on the left also gave away which video was which…lol.

  • @iang7007
    @iang7007 Рік тому

    Good discussion :) we had a kickr v5 and used an apple tv 4k. but we're switching now to easily moving the bike around: kickr snap, elite nero rollers, outside... without having to take the wheel off and put it on.... i know good skill to have but it evades me and the disc brake just makes it harder :( so this good discussion helped us decide to go Mac Mini M2 :) because we have been really challenged with kickr snap and elite nero to have enough bluetooth connections on atv for FulGaz and we use another application called Velocity for our coaching group that can run through the Chrome browser. either way we can HDMI out to the big tv and suddenly all that little data detail that was on the iPad turns into big legible stuff. Thanks be to God :) took awhile to figure this out ... picturing split screen with multiple apps open... thanks for your help!

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  Рік тому +1

      Glad to hear that you found this video helpful to get your set up dialed in. Enjoy 👍

  • @MrJmccoy4
    @MrJmccoy4 Рік тому

    I have ATV4K and I have to manually update. Is there a setting I need to change to have updates run in the background?

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  Рік тому

      Open Settings on Apple TV. Go to Apps, then turn on automatic updates. And you should be set 👍

  • @spirro78
    @spirro78 Рік тому

    Any chance of a comparison between a Windows pc and a Mac?

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  Рік тому

      Here you go:
      Zwift on Mac Mini M2 vs PC: What You Need to Know
      ua-cam.com/video/ZN4kRFQW2qo/v-deo.html

  • @spirro78
    @spirro78 Рік тому

    Can you do two screens with the Apple TV, one with Zwift and the other watching a TV show perhaps?

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  Рік тому +1

      The Apple TV app allows for pic-n-pic. But you can’t do it with other apps such as Netflix or UA-cam.

  • @stephenbetley9596
    @stephenbetley9596 Рік тому

    Another thought. You run a Windows PC setup? What are your thoughts / recommendations / testing on the increasing range of mini desktop PCs? Certainly in terms of equivalence with the Mac Mini M2. How would the graphics performance compare? Haven't really seen much in the way of testing these.

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  Рік тому +1

      Mini desktop PCs tend to have integrated graphic cards which you want to avoid. I haven’t seen anything in the PC world that beats the Mini in terms of performance. You will have to go down the eBay route or custom build to find a decent deal.

  • @bennyayaya
    @bennyayaya Рік тому

    Is there a chart somewhere that tells you what level of graphics your device runs? I'm thinking about buying gear second hand but would like to know what I can expect when I run Zwift.

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  Рік тому +2

      Take a look at the Zwiftalizer benchmark. Search for the device you are interested and should gives you what to expect based on other users who use a similar device.
      zwiftalizer.com/

  • @jareou
    @jareou Рік тому

    As far as the devices to run Zwift. I have the Apple TV 4K, but I get better graphics and full experience using my HP, detail, shadows, no lags etc. When Zwift update their program to the potential of the Apple TV and the Mac, I'll stay with the HP..

  • @mister_ray
    @mister_ray Рік тому +2

    The Mac version is not native to the Apple Silicon. It is only Intel so that means Rosetta translation must be used to run it on the newer Macs. Where as the Apple TV is native to the processor.

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  Рік тому +3

      Right, it’s been a two years? Still no native silicon support but zwift did change all Apple devices to Metal which impact the graphics performance directly. Moving over to silicon will only give you only a slight performance boost if any.

    • @dpmccutcheon
      @dpmccutcheon Рік тому

      Great idea!

  • @Olmud
    @Olmud Рік тому

    Is there anyway to "swipe away" the Zwifters near me (right hand side) or the leaderboard in group rides on Apple TV? This is the only reason I don't use the Apple TV (since I can easily swipe away on iPad). As a person with disabilities seeing my position as normally always last shouldn't bother me but it does (very much). Thanks for the content.

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  Рік тому +1

      Unfortunately not in the ATV. However you can hide the HUD all together and that will remove the near by screen as well as segments, power, and all your metrics.

    • @Olmud
      @Olmud Рік тому

      I think that may be the ticket. I really only care about my HR but I can just set my zones on the AWU and that should work. Thanks for the reply very much.

  • @GlennCarton
    @GlennCarton Рік тому +1

    The video on the right showed the "menu" button from the apple tv remote. Easy 😂

  • @donwinston
    @donwinston Рік тому

    I used to use my iPad Pro for Zwift. But recently I wanted to see it on my TV so I got the Apple TV device. I no longer have any use for my iPad. Probably should sell it before it becomes obsolete.

  • @PopGoesTheWorld2023
    @PopGoesTheWorld2023 Рік тому

    Anyone tried ot with a Mac Pro late 2013?

  • @chrisstrider
    @chrisstrider Рік тому +1

    I use Apple TV it’s simple and works well and unbeatable value

  • @wakeywarrior
    @wakeywarrior Рік тому

    On my MacBook Pro M1 it’s running very smooth at 1440

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  Рік тому +1

      It’s crazy how Zwift assigned the M1 better graphics 🤷🏻‍♂️

    • @wakeywarrior
      @wakeywarrior Рік тому

      @@SmartBikeTrainers yes I tried it out but I don’t use it as it’s in my office plugged into a monitor and the family use the MacBook. I use my iPad Air (last gen) but it’s a bit small so I’m thinking of buying a 24 inch monitor and new Apple TV. I hear they are meant to be optimising the graphics for that some time this year.

  • @nalissa77
    @nalissa77 Рік тому

    Thanks for doing that. I've been looking at the Mac mini for Zwift! Your review helped a lot!

  • @CN-re5ut
    @CN-re5ut Рік тому

    Can someone explain to me why you need Apple TV? I just plug my laptop into my tv? Is it a graphics thing?

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  Рік тому

      The Laptop works just fine. The Apple TV is just ab alternative that runs Zwift and very simple to setup. Many prefer to use it as a dedicated setup for Zwift.

  • @ibe966
    @ibe966 Рік тому +2

    I'd go for the M2 Mac mini, the reason being future proofing. Zwift is heavily reliant on single-core performance, and the M2 smokes the A13 in that regard. Single core performance is especially important when riding in demanding/crowded worlds. The A13 will handle most scenarios well, but when things get busy it will struggle. The M2 will be able to hold a constant frame-rate regardless of crowdedness and/or which world you ride in. Looking 3-4 years into the future, I believe the M2 will keep performing well, whereas the A13 will start to show its age. I also think that when Zwift has had time to test the M2 properly, they'll up the graphics profile to 'High', or maybe even 'Ultra' and the max resolution will follow suit.

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  Рік тому

      I have no doubt the M2 will handle high or ultra profile with ultra or even 4 k resolution. The M2 was set at Ultra resolution not too long ago but Zwift decided to take it down. Hopefully they will pump it back up in the near future.

    • @ibe966
      @ibe966 Рік тому +2

      @@SmartBikeTrainers I was thinking about replacing my old iMac that I use as a dedicated Zwift setup with a Windows PC as my iMac was starting to struggle. I'm glad I didn't do that. Zwift has started to support Metal, and the performance of Zwift on my iMac has increased drastically. ZwiftAppMetal is still an x86_64 binary though, which means it runs through Rosetta on M processors. But even with this, the performance is much better than before. Once they release a dedicated arm64 binary, the performance on Apple silicon devices will be even better. Good times!

  • @templink
    @templink Рік тому

    Good review and it created a question for apple product, can you run Zwift on iPad air with the M1 chip thru a 4k tv

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  Рік тому

      You can through AirPlay but your aspect ratio will be 4:3.

  • @_Zane__
    @_Zane__ Рік тому

    The apple TV has a bit of hitching (frame drops) that are pretty obvious, the Mac mini frame rate seems way more consistent

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  Рік тому +1

      Right, ATV runs at 30fps vs 60fps on the MacMini. Pretty significant and noticeable.

  • @ItimDave
    @ItimDave Рік тому +1

    I don't know why everyone doesn't just use a PC. You can build a PC from second hand parts that runs on the highest settings (ultra profile) for about $100.

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  Рік тому +1

      Can you show me or direct me to where I can build a PC for $100?

    • @ItimDave
      @ItimDave Рік тому +2

      @@SmartBikeTrainers sure. I got parts from eBay. An HP ProDesk 400 G1 MT for $45, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti for $60, bluetooth dongle $5, wireless keyboard and mouse $10. Slightly over $100 all in, but I could have got things cheaper if I'd taken my time with the auctions.

  • @dr_taka
    @dr_taka Рік тому

    You miss one thing that I want to get away from Apple TV because I want a M1+ chip to get video capture.
    That when I cross the line and win an event there is a 15 sec clip that I crossed the line. Apple TV cannot do that LOL
    And the graphic is so different on the M2 mini. I set it in ultra mode on display setting and my old Apple TV is nowhere near that

    • @dr_taka
      @dr_taka Рік тому +1

      BTW - the definition of Mini M2 is above 1080p for me now … I use ultra 1440 at the moment

  • @AndrewTSq
    @AndrewTSq 10 місяців тому

    Zwifts graphic looks like a 20 year old console game, so its wierd it does not run on any modern hardware without problems. With everything on max it should run like 200 fps without problem.

  • @ericfevre
    @ericfevre Рік тому

    Apple TV on right side

  • @stephenbetley9596
    @stephenbetley9596 Рік тому

    Have wondered about this. I'd love to see an Apple TV Pro with an Mx chipset, or even an Apple TV where they've migratred away from the Ax series. Happily pay a $100-150 premium for an AppleTV Pro M-series.

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  Рік тому

      It’s been rumored for years that Apple might make something like that and get into the gaming space. These rumors have quited down and haven’t heard much for the past year or two.

  • @philindeblanc
    @philindeblanc 9 місяців тому

    Actually everything is sharper on the Mini, and each time you pause it, you can see more blur on the ATV, and the resolution is a touch smaller or more native to the resolution, as the ATV is zooming more. The M1 is not as capable as the M2, but will do better than the ATV. Shame on Zwift for bottlenecking the M2!

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  9 місяців тому +1

      It is much better now and run natively on metal

    • @bertdinkle3540
      @bertdinkle3540 9 місяців тому

      @@SmartBikeTrainers 10:55 ​​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠ 10:55 When you write that “it is much better now and run natively on metal”, can you elaborate a little on what ‘it’ is? I’m very unfamiliar with apple product (beyond the iPhone) and would like to understand more. I just got a new smart trainer and am researching the various options for using it with Zwift. I’m a bit more familiar with Windows systems (but not that much at the hardware level.) The idea (that I’ve seen in these comments and also on a few other UA-cam videos) of building a sort of gaming pc is intriguing. I like the idea of having the best Zwift graphics experience that I can find. Thanks for your videos - they are very informative. 😊

  • @pokerbarloahavia
    @pokerbarloahavia Рік тому +3

    just get a cheap pc with the entry level rtx graphics card so you can get 4k resolution

    • @unclefreddy2009
      @unclefreddy2009 Рік тому

      Exactly what I have for three years now, got a refurb pc mini tower ($200) with a decent card and all done, works great with a tv for zwift, netflix, browsing etc while I ride. A Mac mini refurb would be great too if you don’t want to mess around

  • @Officialyidk
    @Officialyidk 6 місяців тому

    Huh?

  • @donwinston
    @donwinston Рік тому

    Good grief, I can't tell the difference.