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

#AppleTV4K #MacMiniM2 #Zwift
Discover the best Zwift experience in our in-depth comparison of Apple TV 4K and Mac Mini M2. In this video, we'll break down the pros and cons of each device, discuss setup processes, graphics, frame rates, and Bluetooth connectivity. Find out which option delivers the most bang for your buck, and join the conversation in the comments! Don't miss this ultimate showdown to make the most informed decision for your Zwifting needs.
- Buy The Apple TV 4K: amzn.to/3Om0Jtc
- Buy The Mac Mini M2 (Amazon): amzn.to/42qDg0r
-- Chapters --
00:00 Intro
01:24 Setup
02:34 Zwift App
04:36 Bluetooth and Pairing
05:52 Menu Navigation
07:27 Graphic Resolution
09:12 Picture Comparison
11:01 Final Thoughts
-- GEAR I USE --
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[@paulmorrison30]

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

[@percyveer2355]

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

[@1989Murmel]

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.

[@joemurphy4489]

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]

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]

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

[@philindeblanc]

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]

@@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.

[@_Zane__]

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..

[@richardcrane5189]

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]

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]

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

[@rickorwig986]

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.

[@Mosely2007]

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]

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

[@jareou]

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..

[@loulew07]

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 .

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

That’s awesome. Keep on going 👍

[@iang7007]

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]

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

[@nalissa77]

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

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Glad you found it helpful 🙌🏼

[@LarsTore]

Thanks for another great video! Anyone tried the Mac Mini M2 8gb/256gb running Zwift, Trainerroad and Netflix (or KZbin) 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 KZbin. Considering getting the M2 dedicated for the pain cave instead of using my Macbook Pro

[@sigfreed11]

What is the best setup for IndieVelo?

[@pinoycarnbikeguy8888]

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.

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Didn’t notice that 😂 Good eyes 🙌🏼

[@PopGoesTheWorld2023]

Anyone tried ot with a Mac Pro late 2013?

[@donwinston]

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.

[@bennyayaya]

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]

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/

[@SayMcGillicuddy]

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]

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

[@stephenbetley9596]

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]

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.

[@stephenbetley9596]

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]

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.

[@MrJmccoy4]

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]

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

[@GlennCarton]

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

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

👍😆

[@spirro78]

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

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

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

[@chrisstrider]

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

[@templink]

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]

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

[@lastpme]

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

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

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

[@Olmud]

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]

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]

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.

[@spirro78]

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

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Here you go: Zwift on Mac Mini M2 vs PC: What You Need to Know kzbin.info/www/bejne/kH-XnIV8hrxlp9E

[@mhffox252]

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]

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]

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

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

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

[@AndrewTSq]

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.

[@wakeywarrior]

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

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

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

[@wakeywarrior]

@@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.

[@mister_ray]

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]

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]

Great idea!

[@CN-re5ut]

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

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

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.

[@_Zane__]

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

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

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

[@ericfevre]

Apple TV on right side

[@dr_taka]

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]

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

[@ibe966]

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]

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]

@@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!

[@ItimDave]

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]

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

[@ItimDave]

@@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.

[@Officialyidk]

Huh?

[@pokerbarloahavia]

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

[@unclefreddy2009]

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

[@philindeblanc]

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]

It is much better now and run natively on metal

[@bertdinkle3540]

@@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 KZbin 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. 😊

[@donwinston]

Good grief, I can't tell the difference.