Apple TV Siri Remote 3rd Gen Review: Worth Buying?
The most surprising finding from community discussions is that, despite Apple’s reputation for premium engineering, the Apple TV Siri Remote (3rd Generation) earns an impressive 8.2/10 average sentiment while simultaneously showing a documented pattern of hardware failure in the clickpad after about a year. This paradox—high satisfaction with daily use but frustration with longevity—sets the tone for the investigation.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — worth buying for improved design and Siri integration, but longevity concerns mean heavy daily users should consider extended warranty coverage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long-lasting rechargeable battery via USB-C | Documented double-click hardware issue after ~12mo |
| Improved design with mute button | Touchpad sensitivity inconsistent for some users |
| Premium aluminum build | Symmetrical design makes button orientation tricky |
| Effective Siri integration | Rolls easily if placed on smooth surfaces |
| Seamless TV integration via HDMI-CEC | High price relative to remotes with similar basics |
| Lighter than older models | No audible locator function |
Claims vs Reality
Apple markets the Siri Remote (3rd Gen) as a “precise control” device with a touch-enabled clickpad, circular gesture controls, and months-long battery life. On paper, these align with what power users expect for streaming ease. In reality, the precision claim has been challenged.
A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “The touch pad is either far too sensitive or not sensitive enough,” echoing a common complaint found on Reddit threads. Some learned to work around it, with Reddit user comments explaining that tapping on the clickpad edges like a D-pad improved control reliability.
Similarly, while Apple touts “months of battery life on a single charge,” this claim holds up under most use cases. The Trustpilot-verified Fakespot analysis cited glowing feedback: “The rechargeable battery lasts a long time between charges… love being able to use the USB-C cable we charge our phone with.” However, in contrast, a small number of users reported needing to charge more often when using the voice features heavily.
Finally, Apple positions the clickpad and Siri voice integration as major product differentiators. This largely reflects in user experience—Siri search is acknowledged as surprisingly effective. As one Reddit user wrote: “Siri search… unexpectedly good at finding what I want, especially for obscure titles in multiple apps.” Yet persistent double-press registration issues cast doubt on the hardware’s long-term precision, especially given the €60+ replacement cost.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Reddit, and Trustpilot summaries, battery performance garners near-unanimous praise. The ability to recharge via USB-C is valued beyond convenience: home entertainment enthusiasts who share charging cables between devices save desk clutter. One verified buyer commented, “I can just grab the same cable I use for my phone—no hunting for a proprietary one at 11 PM.”
Design improvements over the first-generation Siri remote are a recurring highlight. The inclusion of a dedicated mute button drew positive attention from those who rarely use Siri. A Trustpilot-verified review praised, “The mute button… much appreciated,” enabling quick audio control without fumbling through menus during live broadcasts.
For owners invested in Apple’s ecosystem, seamless integration with Apple TV and TV volume control through HDMI-CEC is a workflow upgrade. A Reddit user explained, “The volume button magically controls my TV… swiping is way easier than using a D-pad.”
Common Complaints
The double-click hardware issue is the most widespread critical point. An electronics engineer on Apple’s support forum detailed: “One physical press generates two electrical events… both my 3rd-gen remotes failed after 10-12 months of daily use.” Multiple Reddit threads corroborate this, especially on lateral clickpad inputs. This affects everyday navigation, from skipping a single item in a menu to overshooting playback positions.
Touchpad sensitivity remains contentious: some users adapt and even enjoy it, while others call it “the most poorly designed product Apple makes” in terms of control feel. This disparity suggests variability in user tolerance rather than outright malfunction.
Several noted ergonomic quirks due to the perfectly symmetrical aluminum frame, which can lead to confusion about button orientation in low light. A Reddit poster admitted, “Other than the volume rocker and menu button, I can’t feel what the other buttons are.” Trustpilot patterns also point to accidental remote roll-off incidents: the curved back reportedly allows the remote to roll on couch arms or tables.
Divisive Features
The Siri functionality splits opinion sharply. For some, voice control is transformative; for others, it’s unused waste. One Reddit comment wished for “the ability to change the Siri button to a mute button since I never use Siri.”
Aesthetic minimalism also invites mixed reactions—a sleek, button-light surface appeals to Apple purists but frustrates gamers and multi-device households wishing for universal remote capabilities.
Trust & Reliability
Fakespot’s analysis shows over 90% high-quality reviews but notes potential counterfeit sales through certain listings, along with 5,417 reviews altered or removed by Amazon. This underlines the importance of buying from vetted sellers. On durability, Reddit and Apple Community posts strongly indicate a clickpad wear vulnerability around the one-year mark for heavy users.
One engineer’s diagnosis points to “carbon dome/contact wear,” suggesting a design flaw in mechanical resilience. Interestingly, remotes that saw little use in bedrooms often remained fault-free, highlighting usage intensity as a reliability factor.
Alternatives
Although direct named competitors weren’t widely discussed, several Reddit and Trustpilot users replaced faulty remotes with inexpensive silicone cases from Amazon to extend surface grip and reduce drops—an indirect alternative to dealing with accidental inputs. Some temporarily switched to Roku streaming sticks or third-party universal remotes when the Apple remote failed, though these sacrifice deep Siri integration and Apple TV menu fluidity.
Price & Value
At official retail, the Siri Remote 3rd Gen sits between $59–$89 USD depending on market. eBay listings show active resale prices around NZD 77–79 for new units and NZD 57 for lightly used ones. This stable resale value reflects sustained demand, especially among owners upgrading from older Lightning-charged models.
Community buying tips include watching for open-box deals, as with the $45 USD eBay offering carrying full accessories, and always checking seller authenticity. Users caution against cheaper “OEM” units due to potential counterfeit risk flagged in Fakespot patterns.
FAQ
Q: Does the Apple TV Siri Remote (3rd Gen) work with older Apple TV models?
A: Yes, it’s compatible with Apple TV 4K (1st–3rd gen) and Apple TV HD, provided tvOS 15.4 or later is installed.
Q: How long does the battery last between charges?
A: Most users report months between charges under typical daily streaming, though frequent Siri use may shorten intervals.
Q: Can I use the Siri Remote to control my TV volume?
A: Yes, via the IR transmitter and HDMI-CEC integration, many TVs and receivers respond directly to the built-in volume buttons.
Q: Is there a fix for the double-click issue?
A: No official fix exists; some users attempt cleaning or internal switch replacement, but results aren’t consistently lasting.
Q: Does it have a find-my-remote feature?
A: No audible locator is included, meaning its slim profile can make it easy to misplace.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re an Apple TV user seeking improved ergonomics over the 1st-gen remote and value Siri integration, especially for volume and playback shortcuts. Avoid if you use the remote intensively daily without willingness to replace after a year, as multiple owners report clickpad failure. Pro tip from community: invest in a silicone case to reduce drops and orientation confusion.
