Looking to ditch my MAG, should I go Apple TV 4K or Formuler Z8?

by Porkape

My MAG 322 is crapping out more frequently these days and I have decided to replace it with something more stable. Is an Apple TV a reliable replacement or should I go with the Formuler Z8 for my IPTV needs? Please share your experience with both

I am also willing to switch providers if they provide better experience for me in Europe with either of these devices as long as they can provide me with:

- Best interface for the guide

- Remote or app should be easy to use by non-technical family members

- Most HD channels

- Catchup

- Hard wired (wifi not important)

- International channels and VIP sports

I have a Sony Smart TV which handles all my Youtube, Netflix, Hulu etc. needs, the primary thing this box will be used for is IPTV.

EDIT: I ended up getting the Apple TV 4k and using iPlayTV on it. Coming from a MAG 322 its night and day's difference and easier to navigate as well for the wife with that remote. For now this fills my needs as we are not big TV watchers anyway and this setup is more than enough for me. Of course the app can be improved like making the parental controls better but still manageable. I will try other apps but this seems to the main IPTV app these days. When I started this thread I was looking at the Z8 and Apple TV but this opinion has changed now so when I get my next box for my 2nd TV I will probably go for the Shield (whenever the 2019/2020 model arrives). Hope this can help some of you who are starting or want to make a move from MAG boxes.

Thanks to everyone who chimed in!

xeronex2k

I use a Firestick 4K using tivimate works a treat. Got it on prime day for £25.

totallihype

Nvidia shield eats those boxes for breakfast and shits em out for lunch.

Pay once Youll never look back.

Plus use stb emulator you got a mag

Install mytvonline2 clone you got a formula releasing soon.

https://youtu.be/ucOuFuUIbik

A lot of fan boys for mag and formula but formula hardware is pretty poor for price, it's the app people pay for and remote.

Nvidia shield has awesome hardware for price plus and can add a bluetooth remote and keyboard.

speller2688

Apply tv all the way, say this as an owner of an nvidia shield, previous owner of formulary z7+ and mag boxes etc. Get IPlaytv app, install a decent service and away you go. Honestly it’s the best our there, formuler boxes are shit, they are charged at a premium price and they’re hardware is fucking shit tbh. Your literally paying that price for they’re app mate. I say all this as someone who has tried boxes for Iptv from enigma 2, fire tv 4K, formuler z7+, nvidia shield 4K and now Apple TV 4K. If gaming is important to you then get the nvidia, another great box that can run anything you can throw at it. Fantastic bit of kit

sgunnage

Z8 is the best device I've used for sure! A little pricey but it's a device you'll get plenty of use out of and it just works and really good at it too.

tampa36

Z8 for sure. I got 2 Z7's, one in the living room, one in my bedroom. I am so happy with them I refuse to upgrade to Z8. Price wasn't an option when selecting the best device for TV like experience for me. If I am saving 500 to a thousand bucks a year with IPTV why should I worry what it cost. Frankly I don't like the interface on the Z8 compared to the Z7. I tried the firestick 4K, fire cube, Apple TV beforehand and now they sit in the boxes they came in. I wouldn't even try a Nvidia shield even if you paid me only for the reason I believe in PC performance over consoles. Nothing beats the MyTVOnline app that I am aware of.

LickMyKnee

Z8 is by far the best tv experience. Interface and remote are easily the closest to a cable/satellite box.

Only downside is that it doesn't have HD Netflix. But that won't matter if you have a decent IPTV subscription.

[deleted]

if primary use is iptv then Z8 hands down for sure! I have both but since buying a Z8, I use it and the apple tv is now a relic!

mrneilypops

Formuler Z8 for me. I have several boxes including 2 shields. You don't need shed loads of powerful processing to stream iptv. The MOL2 app is the best in the market in my opinion....there again this is only my opinion...

mrhappy002

Take note that the z8 has a very hard time doing a proper pass-through! It is a pita and I am returning mine just for this reason. Too much a premium price for pretty much a nice software.

MrKaon

You said you have Sony Smart TV? Search for TiviMate on Play Store. No need for any box, the best IPTV player that you can get.

MakeMyDay84

What countries is of importance for you?

Zabatsu

IPlayTV for Apple 4K TV is the most solid, sleek and fast app Ive used. I had Z8 before, bought it just for the app, but its not worth it. The hardware is really bad. Screams poor manufacturing. Just buy an Apple 4K TV and the iPlayTV app instead. Trust me on this.