It’s largely a matter of preference and convenience as to which format will suit you. Both connect to the internet via Wi-Fi, though some boxes have an Ethernet port as well. 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. Streaming devices come in two basic forms. 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. The problem is working out which one to buy. With new features and aggressive pricing, the dedicated box is becoming a more and more tempting option. 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. An IPTV box promises a slick, up-to-date experience, without having to replace your entire TV.

But TV interfaces can be awkward and slow, and manufacturers typically stop updating the built-in apps and services after a few years. Smart TVs are on the rise – so you might think that standalone streaming devices such as IPTV boxes are on their way out.

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