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  June 24, 2022 9:32 PM EDT

  Smart TVs are on the rise – so you might think that standalone streaming devices such as IPTV boxes are on their way out. But TV interfaces can be awkward and slow, and manufacturers typically stop updating the built-in apps and services after a few years. An IPTV box promises a slick, up-to-date experience, without having to replace your entire TV.To get more news about usa iptv box, you can visit octastream.info official website.

  It can give older hardware a new lease of life, too, letting you enjoy Netflix and iPlayer on a “dumb” TV set, not to mention apps like Plex and Kodi. With new features and aggressive pricing, the dedicated box is becoming a more and more tempting option.

  The problem is working out which one to buy. Do you want a device designed primarily to work with one streaming service, such as Now TV – or should you choose a more flexible unit that treats all services the same? And what about extras like 4K and HDR video streaming or voice controls? Here’s our buyer’s guide, and our pick of the best IPTV boxes to buy right now.
  Streaming devices come in two basic forms. There are boxes that sit next to your TV and draw their power from the mains, and then there are smaller “stick” devices that plug directly into an HDMI connector at the back of your TV, and usually draw their power from a USB socket. Both connect to the internet via Wi-Fi, though some boxes have an Ethernet port as well. It’s largely a matter of preference and convenience as to which format will suit you.

  Beyond this, the decision should come down to the apps and services you want. For example, Amazon’s Fire devices can stream Netflix, iPlayer, All 4 and Amazon Prime Video, but not Now TV or Google Play Movies & TV. Sky’s Now TV devices, conversely, will stream Now TV, Netflix, All 4, iPlayer and a handful of other services, but not Amazon Prime Video or Google Play Movies & TV. Only Roku’s streaming devices support the broadest range of services, with Now TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Google Play Movies & TV all onboard.

  It goes without saying that you should check that your chosen stick will play your favourite services before you buy, unless you’re prepared to watch some of them through your existing Smart TV apps or another device.

  What about an Android TV box?
  Alongside the big-name manufacturers, you’ll find plenty of cheap Chinese-made Android streaming devices, often sold at bargain-basement prices. The problem with these is that they’re a real mixed bag, and it’s rarely clear what you’re going to get. While a handful run Google’s official Android TV OS, designed for big-screen use, remote controls and streaming services, the majority run software based on standard smartphone Android, sometimes without access to the Google Play Store. What’s worse, they’re sometimes reliant on older or customised versions of key apps – like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video – that don’t deliver reliable high-quality streaming.

  This might sound discouraging – but if you want to run Kodi then an Android box might be the perfect platform. Kodi has an iffy reputation, but the app itself is perfectly legal, and is a great way to watch video from legitimate sources or from your own NAS drive.

  Just be aware that Kodi can also be used to illegally stream films and TV shows from dodgy sites, and some sellers offer “fully loaded” Kodi boxes that come with all the add-ons required to do so. If you go exploring those capabilities, you might be straying outside the boundaries of the law.

  As we said, there are some exceptions. Xiaomi’s Mi Box S and Mi TV Stick 2K products both run the same Android TV OS you’ll find on TVs from Sony, TCL, Toshiba and Philips, while Nvidia’s Shield TV devices run a customised version. Meanwhile, Google has finally hit the IPTV market with its Google Chromecast with Google TV device, which goes further than previous Chromecasts by providing a remote control and Google’s new Google TV interface. If you’re more interested in a slick viewing experience than running Kodi, these officially supported devices are a better bet.