What is the best streaming device when using IPTV? I’m currently using a firestick but was looking into Nvidia shield. Not sure which one and what the difference between the 2. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
A lot of choices out there. You have Netflix Certified Devices ie…Firestick, Chromecast, Nvidia Shield TV & Pro, MeCool KM2, KM2+, ONN devices and you have non Certified like BuzzTV X5, MeCool KM6, Formuler Z10 Pro Max etc. Depends on price point you’re looking at and what you want out of device. So many choices. Devices like X5 & and Z10 have stock players. I like the X5 stock player.
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I use the Firestick Max and stream daily with it. Movies, series, sports and live TV. Now there really is no comparison to say nVidia Shield Pro that has superior specs. You can talk with @TXRon as he loves his nVidia and knows a lot about boxs. I do have an OTG hub attached to the Max as this allows me to store extra or secondary apps on a usb drive freeing up space on the Max. I do keep my main streaming apps like Stremio and TiViMate on the Max as this allows for the fastest data transfer between the app and the Max, giving better performance. I keep 3GB free on my Max. So bottom line 4K Max you can get on sale for $35 but should add an OTG powered hub to allow for storage addition and a mini keyboard. I have a 16GB Sandisk 3.0 USB Drive for apps. So the hub, Drive and keyboard add about another $50 to the cost. The nVidia Shield goes on sale for around $160 at time and imho is the way to go, if you can afford it, as it will add options to your streaming, like internal storage without additional equipment that the Max can’t.
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Hi Streaming429. Formuler z10 was another I was considering. I’m just wondering if formuler z10 or Nvidia shield will work better with IPTV than the firestick.
Hi Miki so the performance of the firestick max is effected by how much storage u use?
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Yes. It has so little extra storage, about 5 GB after Amazon updates and app additions when you first set it up. Now Amazon says you need 500MB of free space in order to use the stick effectively. I disagree with that. I recommend no less than 1.5GB. The Max only has 2GB of Ram so using say Fast Task Killer will help free RAM up for streaming as that’s where the buffer is kept for the app you are streaming with. Before any major event or media, I want to stream, I run FTK to free up RAM and also I clear up cache. I find this cuts down on buffering. Also all the experts say that 25Mbps down is plenty good enough for buffer free streaming, I also disagree with that. In an ideal world perhaps that would do, but from my experience I recommend my customers have a minimum of 35Mbps down for less problems. 
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Yeah I have less than 1.5gb free space … I do use ftk and clear cache all the time but still have buffering. My speed isn’t an issue as I have fiber internet over 300. U have a service? U said my customers
I program Firesticks for the tourists down here.
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There is no best device. There are many devices and options for you to choose from. What is best for you is the question.
I wouldn’t narrow the choices.
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Sounds fun… I just got into streaming… so far I’m loving ditching cable
Well welcome to Troy’s little piece of cord cutting heaven. Use the search before posting questions as chances are someone else has asked the same thing. Have fun, try not to stress and post your questions when you can’t find what you want.
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It all boils down to what are you going to do? If I was going to pick a device for general viewing and light recording I would suggest a mecool km2 and add extra storage for recording. If you dont need netflix certified and plan on using an app like tivimate for viewing I would lean to the mecool km6. If money is not a concern and you just wana go big…the Shield… study up, This is a great place for feedback.
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I don’t own one yet. I do have and like the X5 built in player a lot. My situation is I have my Wife and Grandkids that like doing this so I make sure they have the Netflix Certified boxes as they are big Netflix users. I’m not a Netflix user so I’m into any box that catches my attention like the Formuler Z10 Pro Max for the specs and the built in player. There are so many options that you just need to check the specs and see if that’s built for your needs if it’s in your price range. I’ve learned so much from here and continue to learn from the great people here. So much info, so much help and so much information. It’s become a hobby for my old ass now. Lol
Can’t forget the Nvidia Shield Pro. It is pricy for a starter, but it’s specs and ease of use will make you happy
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I think your Wi-Fi speed plays the biggest part for best IPTV streaming not the device
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I use firestick OTG cable and SD to keep space and runs more smoother now w less buffering to none most of the time.
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Hi sboatright1 my internet is great so I know it’s not that probably just my IPTV service. But still looking to upgrade to a better device.
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Hi t33bone I have the cable and sd… was gonna use for recording but haven’t figured it out yet. I know have to physically hook it up but how does it help with buffering?
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Well that’s not entirely true. Some devices have a better wifi attenna than others as well as better wifi coding. So yes some devices handle wifi better than others.
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Hi Miki that’s what I thought
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I agree but for your best streaming experience it’s better to have good Wi-Fi
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