> It’s expensive, but is there a better option?

Honestly? A 2nd-hand Apple TV. That’s the competitor for this. I’ve had mine for what feels like it must be >5 years, they survived two years in a suitcase as a digital nomad, as far as I can tell they’re indestructible. My local 2nd hand site is full of them, too.

Yes, this is what happens with market leaders - their biggest competitor is the previous version of their own product. Hence silly vanity features to drive the upgrade treadmill.