Best device for IPTV: Smart TV, stick or box?

Smart TV app: nothing extra to buy

• Good for: recent Samsung and LG TVs.
• Pros: no extra box or remote, one input to switch to.
• Cons: TV processors age faster than streaming sticks, and older models have fewer compatible apps.

• Samsung setup
• LG setup

Streaming stick: the easy all-rounder

• Good for: most people, especially with an older TV.
• Pros: affordable, quick to set up, large app choice; Amazon Fire TV Stick and Google TV devices are common choices.
• Cons: Wi-Fi only out of the box (an Ethernet adapter helps), limited storage on entry models.

• FireStick setup

Android TV box: power and flexibility

• Good for: large channel lists, 4K and households that want an Ethernet port as standard.
• Pros: faster processors, more storage, wired network built in.
• Cons: quality varies a lot between brands. Prefer certified Android TV or Google TV devices that receive updates and include Google Play.

MAG box: simple TV-first experience

• Good for: people who mainly zap between live channels and want a classic remote.
• Pros: very simple once set up, built for wired connections.
• Cons: no general app store, and setup goes through a portal and MAC address.

• MAG setup

Phones, tablets and computers

Great as a second screen, in the kitchen or on the move. They count as a connection while streaming, like any other device.

• Apple TV and iPhone setup

Our quick recommendation

1. 1Recent Samsung or LG TV: try the TV app first with the 24-hour test.
2. 2Older TV or a slow app: add a streaming stick.
3. 3You want the most stable 4K: a certified Android TV box on a network cable.