Both IPTV boxes and Android TV boxes are popularly used to stream content like TV shows and movies.
Each has advantages and disadvantages, so you should spend some time shopping around and comparing specific devices to find the right option for you.
But to help you get started, here is a look at which boxes currently provide the best streaming services.
What are IPTV boxes?
If you are not aware, IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television, which basically means television programming is communicated via the internet protocol.
With satellite or cable television, viewers can only watch what is being broadcast at a given time. With IPTV, content is not transmitted by cable or satellite. Instead, TV shows and movies are sent via a standard internet connection. That allows viewers to watch a range of shows and films on demand.
So, with an IPTV box, you can basically choose what you want to watch when you want to watch it on your TV.
It is, therefore, no wonder that IPTV streaming services like the Sky Q box are so popular. While you may need to fix your Sky Q Remote every now and then, IPTV has transformed the way we watch TV shows and movies.
You can stream anything your specific IPTV box has to offer whenever you want and pause it and go back at any time.
Furthermore, you do not need a smart TV to use an IPTV box. All you need is the box, an internet connection, and a television.
What are Android TV boxes?
Android TV boxes and devices come in lots of different forms and have different capabilities, but in basic terms, an Android TV box or an Android dongle plugs into your television and enables you to stream video apps, video sites, TV shows, and movies on demand.
So, an Android TV box is similar to an IPTV in that you can stream and watch content on your television.
The precise content will depend on the Android device you are using. But with an Android TV box, you can do more than stream TV shows and movies. You can use it to play games, play music, and much more.
Ultimately, an Android TV box is like a tablet to rely on your television screen.
Which provides the best streaming services?
When it comes to streaming, Android TV boxes rely on IPTV service apps. While they handle IPTV streaming pretty well, it is usually better to simply use direct IPTV streaming services.
IPTV is often smoother and clearer than the broadcasts provided by Android TV boxes because the broadcast source is its own.
However, there are other pros and cons of IPTV and Android TV boxes to consider.
Most Android TV boxes are less expensive than IPTV boxes. And, as mentioned above, Android TV boxes are more versatile than IPTV boxes. The former is great for gaming, for instance.
Also, one of the great benefits of Android TV boxes is that you can access many kinds of apps via an individual box’s app store.
IPTV boxes have many advantages besides the streaming benefits, though. For instance, they can be used with any model of television, they support ultra-high-resolution, and they are easy to upgrade and update.
But on the downside, IPTV boxes tend to be more expensive than Android TV boxes and most cannot install apps. They are less versatile, too, and you will be somewhat restricted by the IPTV service.
Types of Boxes
As mentioned in the introduction, before you determine whether an IPTV box or Android TV box is best for your wants and needs, you should spend some time familiarizing yourself with the different specific devices that are available and how they compare.
In 2022, one of the best Android TV boxes available is the NVIDIA Shield, but when it comes to the best for 4k streaming, you cannot get better than the Fire TV Stick 4K. For the best smart integration, consider the Amazon Fire TV Cube.
As for IPTV boxes, the best budget streamer in 2022 is the Roku Express whereas the Manhattan T3 is arguably the best IPTV box all-round.