IPTV boxes and devices: what works best
Almost any modern streaming stick, box or smart TV can play IPTV. Here's how the main options compare and what to look for.
IPTV devices: all guides
Fire TV Stick
The Fire TV Stick is one of the most popular ways to watch IPTV in the UK. Here's which model to pick and how to set it up.
Android TV boxes
Android TV and Google TV boxes run the widest range of IPTV apps. Here's what to look for, and which boxes to avoid.
Samsung smart TVs
Samsung TVs can play IPTV through apps in the Samsung store, though the choice is limited. Here's how to set it up and when a stick is better.
LG smart TVs
LG TVs run webOS, which has its own small selection of IPTV players. Here's how to find one, set it up and get good playback.
Apple TV
Apple TV 4K is fast and reliable for IPTV once you pick the right App Store player. Here's how to choose one and tune the settings.
MAG boxes
MAG boxes are dedicated IPTV set-top boxes that connect to a provider's portal instead of using apps. Here's how they work.
Sky Glass
Sky Glass only runs apps from Sky's own selection, so IPTV players can't be installed on it. A streaming stick in its HDMI port is the way round it.
Chromecast and Google TV
Google TV devices run IPTV apps directly; older Chromecasts can only receive video cast from a phone. Here's how each works.
Do you need a new device at all?
Possibly not. Any device that can run an IPTV player app can play your subscription: a smart TV, a streaming stick, a set-top box, a computer, a phone or a tablet. Before buying anything, check whether a suitable player is available on what you already own.
A dedicated streaming device is still worth considering. They tend to get app updates for longer than TVs, offer a wider choice of players, and are easy to replace without changing your TV.
The main options compared
| Device | Where apps come from | 4K | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Fire TV Stick | Amazon Appstore; sideloading on Fire OS models | 4K and 4K Max models | Low cost, easy set-up on any HDMI TV |
| Android TV / Google TV box | Google Play, including TiviMate | Most current models | The widest choice of IPTV apps |
| Google TV Streamer / Chromecast | Google Play | Yes, on 4K models | A simple, well-supported Google TV device |
| Apple TV 4K | App Store players | Yes | Apple households, smooth performance |
| Samsung smart TV | Samsung Apps (limited choice) | On 4K TVs | No extra box, if a suitable app is available |
| LG smart TV | LG Content Store (limited choice) | On 4K TVs | No extra box, if a suitable app is available |
| MAG box | Built-in portal (no app store) | On 4K models | A dedicated, remote-friendly IPTV box |
What to look for in an IPTV device
The apps you want
App availability decides more than any specification. Android TV and Google TV devices run the widest range of players, including TiviMate. Samsung and LG TVs and Apple TV each have their own, smaller app stores.
4K and HEVC, if you want 4K
For 4K Premium, the device must output 4K and decode HEVC (H.265). HDR support is a bonus where content offers it.
Memory and storage
IPTV apps keep large channel lists and TV guides in memory. Around 2 GB of RAM or more and 8 GB or more of storage keeps things responsive; cheaper sticks with less can become sluggish over time.
A good network connection
An Ethernet port, or support for an Ethernet adapter, is the single best upgrade for stable streaming. If you rely on Wi-Fi, look for Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or newer and use the 5 GHz band.
Updates and support
Mainstream brands provide security updates and keep app stores working. Unbranded “Android boxes” often run old, unsupported software.
Guides for each device
Each guide below explains how to install a player and sign in on that device. Also see Sky Glass and IPTV, our comparison of Fire TV Stick alternatives and Google TV vs Android TV.
Common questions
Do I need a special IPTV box?
Should I buy a box that comes 'fully loaded'?
Can I use Roku for IPTV?
Related guides
IPTV players and apps
An IPTV player is the app that turns your login into channels, a TV guide and on-demand menus. Here's how to pick the right one for your device.
Fire Stick alternatives
If your Fire Stick is slow, or you want more app choice or a wired connection, these are the alternatives worth considering for IPTV.
Google TV vs Android TV
Google TV is built on top of Android TV. Here's what that means in practice, and whether it makes any difference for IPTV.
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