Regular television is great, but it can get really boring. The potential of your TV is endless, and the newest way to charge up your TV is by using the best IPTV boxes. Sure, you can say smart TVs are becoming more and more popular; but these are not great for streaming.

Your TV will never bore you out again with a TV box connected to it. Unlike your typical TV interface, IPTV boxes offer a polished, modern interface and exciting features and specs that can revamp your home/office TV setup by giving you access to apps, games, internet, and various streaming services, without having to replace the TV itself.

How to Stream and Watch IPTV

To stream content on IPTV, you need a gadget that is compatible with the specific content you wish to stream. This gadget should be able to accept, decode, and deliver the desired content, which may come in the shape of movies, games, sports, shows, and so forth. Three options for streaming such content include:

1. TV boxes (including Apple TV)
2. Smartphones
3. Smart TVs
4. MAG

These are all necessities, but not to confuse them for each other. Let us briefly look at each of these devices for streaming content.

TV boxes

To start with, TV boxes are built specifically for streaming media, and they are normally excellent at carrying out this one job. So many brands of TV boxes are available from various manufacturers, and this article will dwell on TV boxes and highlight the models we believe to be the best IPTV box of 2019.

Smartphones

These are another fantastic alternative for streaming media. A great thing about using the mobile phone option is that you should not get to spend a lot of money on it since you already probably have a smartphone. Interestingly, mobile phones pack more power than most smart TVs. A drawback on streaming via a smartphone is that the small sizes of mobile phone screens do not give you a complete experience.

Smart TVs

They should be the ready-made streaming solution, but from a user point of view, you can say that smart TVs are not good for streaming. That is thanks to the slow navigation, lack of customization options, and limited processing power. To be fair, these gadgets were not specifically designed for streaming but simply to display the content you request.

What is TV Box?

An Android TV box is a little gadget that you connect to a television to stream and play videos and games. They are quite popular also because they are an inexpensive method of transforming just about any setup into a smart TV. If you want to know the best IPTV boxes of 2019, I trust you already know what TV boxes are and precisely what they offer you. So, we won’t dwell on these aspects but instead, go on to show you how you can make an informed decision on getting the ideal one for your setup.

IPTV boxes ultimately supercharge your otherwise old TV and let you immerse yourself into a whole new world of internet streaming services, such as iPlayer and Netflix. With these boxes, you also get to enjoy applications like Kodi and Plex without changing your television for a smart TV. These boxes are not only excellent for their entertainment magic, but they are also mostly quite affordable too. However, purchasing one of these things is a Herculean task. A quick Google search brings up tons of results from big-name manufacturers as well as their cheap Chinese alternatives, all seemingly being the best IPTV box.

That being said, you also have a choice of different kinds of IPTV boxes; some are built to function with specific streaming services like Now TV and others are compatible with all facilities. Further, from the build and specs point of view, just like every other gadget, these all IPTV boxes are not born equally – do you want 4K and HDR voice controls and streaming quality? If you are down to purchase one of these fantastic devices, you will find this article interesting, as we will discuss the best IPTV boxes and allow you to choose the ideal one for yourself.

How to make the decision?

The first thing you should know if you are new to IPTV interfaces is that they are generally of two types – the self-powering boxes that you place close to your TV and the small sticks that you attach directly to your TV via an HDMI connector. In terms of connectivity, they all can connect to internet networks via Wi-Fi, with some others having an option of connecting through an Ethernet cable. These two factors are down to the buyer’s preferences and requirements for his or her setup.

Another huge factor that you look out for is what you can watch with any given unit. The thing about TV boxes is that, once you get the hang of them, then making a choice becomes straightforward. If you plan to use it for streaming content from Amazon Prime or Netflix, your choice will be limited. This is because the only Android IPTV boxes that can stream Netflix in 4K are the following:

• Google Chromecast
• Apple TV
• Google Nexus Player
• Roku
• NVIDIA Shield TV
• Amazon Fire TV

Moreover, for Amazon Prime, you will be forced to use Amazon hardware to get optimum picture quality. However, you only get to make complex choices if you will be using it solely as a Kodi box.

Core Features to Consider

Apart from those listed above, there are also some must-have specs and features that an IPTV box should support to be a candidate for the best IPTV box of 2019. If one of these features is missing, you will notice that the manufacturers compensate for it with another similarly impressive feature or pricing. On this list of the best Android IPTV boxes of 2019, if you see no mention of any of the following features or specifications, just assume the gadget has that feature. The must-have features and specs that an Android IPTV box must have to be considered one of the best are the following:

1. HDMI 2.0
2. Regular, over-the-air firmware updates
3. USB 3.0
4. At least 3GB RAM
5. Runs on at least Android 6.0 Marshmallow
6. H.265 Hardware encoding
7. 5.1 Audio passthrough
8. Either dual-band Wi-Fi or gigabit Ethernet or both
9. Dynamic refresh rate switching

Comparison of the Best IPTV Devices

As you have gotten to this point, you are now more equipped to understand our selection process and understand what services are essential to you individually. Below is a list of what we believe are the ten best IPTV Android boxes of 2019, starting from least recommended to the most recommended.

This list should serve as a guide that you should go through before making a purchasing decision, because with the right choice for your setup and needs, you are fundamentally improving the quality of your home or office entertainment, and you won’t get bored of the device. However, purchasing an IPTV box that does not meet your needs fully can turn into an unpleasant event. Here go the top ten best IPTV Android boxes in the market today:

Apple TV 4K

Apple maintained the general square design of older models. This compact, all-black device stretches only 3.9 x 3.9 inches and is 1.4 inches high. The Apple TV spots its standard 802.11ac Wi-Fi and, as the name reveals, this fantastic device supports 4K Ultra HD streaming. The display on the Apple TV Stick looks quite tidy, as it has iPhone icons.

Along with the regular power port, this impressive device features one HDMI port for connection to other TVs and gadgets on the back, as well as a gigabit Ethernet port, which is excellent for streaming 4K videos and general network connectivity and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless wireless connectivity. You don’t control much from the TV itself as everything is done via the remote controller.

Interestingly, Apple did not use the directional, analog pad; they instead opted for a touch surface spotted at the top of the controller. At first, it might feel uncomfortable using this touch surface, but when you get accustomed to it, you will find it easier to use than the directional control, particularly when scrolling and browsing through content to watch.

The touch surface on the remote also serves as the selection button; pressing down the touch surface selects an option. The Apple TV 4K remote also has standard buttons, such as volume and Siri activation buttons, and so forth. To charge the remote, you can find a lightning port at the bottom side of the remote. Of course, you can control this device with your voice, which is genuinely one of the smartest we’ve ever seen.

The processor on the Apple TV 4K has also been upgraded from an A8 to an A10X chip, and this device supports Dolby Vision and Ultra HD video at 60Hz. Regarding its cost, the Apple TV 4K has a somewhat premium price tag; it comes in 32GB and 64GB storage variants, which cost $179 and $199 respectively.

• Pros:

This device feels premium and comfortable at the same time
It has a great remote, unlike most other IPTV boxes, where it seems the manufacturers paid not much attention to the remote controllers.         

• Cons:

The premium feel comes with the premium price tag. You can get better features for way less than the cost of this gadget. Continue reading to find out.

Infomir MAG 254

A brand like Infomir is well-known among IPTV box users; their devices need no introduction to streaming users as they do not shy away from the spotlight, thanks to their build, value, performance, and efficiency. This MAG model makes it to seventh place on this list because it is Infomir’s flagship model, sporting a 650 MHz processor and 512 MB of RAM. If you only need a TV box for streaming, without necessarily storing a lot of data like apps, videos, etc., then the Infomir MAG is a great choice for you.

This gadget is not for the casual user; you won’t use much of the functions. However, if you run power-intensive games and applications or like to binge watch TV shows, then the MAG was created with you in mind. The Infomir may overwhelm a newbie to IPTV boxes.

A brand like Infomir is well-known among IPTV box users; their devices need no introduction to streaming users as they do not shy away from the spotlight, thanks to their build, value, performance, and efficiency. This MAG model makes it to seventh place on this list because it is Infomir’s flagship model, sporting a 650 MHz processor and 512 MB of RAM. If you only need a TV box for streaming, without necessarily storing a lot of data like apps, videos, etc., then the Infomir MAG is a great choice for you.

This gadget is not for the casual user; you won’t use much of the functions. However, if you run power-intensive games and applications or like to binge watch TV shows, then the MAG was created with you in mind. The infomir may overwhelm a newbie to IPTV boxes.

• Pros:

Handles games seamlessly
The manufacturers have a reputation for efficient and solid devices
Great for streaming 3D videos

• Cons:

Compared to the alternatives, the RAM space on the Infomir MAG 254 is meager, but it still delivers smooth day-to-day operations
The price is a bit on the high side for the specs included

Roku

Roku had come a long way from the days when it came with a variety of bug; those times when Apple had to take down their product. These days, Roku has gotten better, and the Roku 3 Streaming Media Player is one that gives its competitors a run for their money.

To begin, know that the Roku generally allows you to stream content from more than two thousand channels. With the manufacturer-provided headphones, you can also play games online. The best thing about Roku gadgets is their compatibility; you can use them with any TV with an HDMI port, as well as mobile devices via screencasting. Additionally, forget TV boxes from other more prominent brands; the voice search on the Roku 3 is the most accurate and overall best of any device we have seen.

• Pros:

The Roku 3 offers tons of remote options
Availability of device options for buyers at various budget levels
Extensive customization possible

• Cons:

The Roku 3 can be customized extensively, but these customization options sometimes make it look complicated and confusing. We wish Roku kept it down here a little.
The best Roku device to suit your needs is quite expensive

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

It is no surprise that two Amazon IPTV boxes make our list of the best Android IPTV boxes of 2019. The Fire TV stick 4k is another reliable device that packs a lightning-fast CPU and various connectivity options such as 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the new IR blasters for wireless connectivity. This new IR blaster gives you more control over your TV, as it allows you to control plugged-in sound bars, and switch between satellite/cable channels and even between HDMI inputs. What else makes the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K so unique?

Amazon has come a long way from the original Alexa voice remote, as the Fire TV Stick 4K has improved sound and power. More so, we found setting up this device to be quite straightforward. To get the Fire TV Stick 4K running, all you have to do is wait for Amazon to pick up your TV model as you press the volume buttons continuously.

The Fire TV Stick 4K is affordable at $50, and Fire TV owners can buy the new remote separately, together with the Fire TV Cube, which is a highly recommended accessory. Note that the stick at $50, is surprisingly Amazon’s only streaming gadget that does Dolby Vision. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K packs everything you need in a home theater system –HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. The display on previous models of Amazon’s stick was not as tidy as that of Apple, but thankfully, this has been improved on the new Apple TV 4K.

Using the TV Stick is also a joy. Out of the box, you can link the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K to an Echo device to use the hands-free features of Alexa. If you do not have an Echo device, you have to press the mic button on the remote controller to control your devices with your voice. The hands-free functions are amazing; you can order Alexa to show a particular kind or quality of movies or movies in which a specific actor starred in.

• Pros:

Much more affordable than its competition
The 8GB internal memory can be expanded to up to 200GB
The remote is a huge plus. It’s light, beautiful, and works perfectly
Built-in Alexa support is always a welcome feature
The Amazon Fire TV Stick is gorgeous and can fit into most living room setups.

• Cons:

No volume controls except with 4K
4K option is quite expensive