The alternatives compared
| Device | Players | Memory and storage | Ethernet | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google TV Streamer | Google Play, including TiviMate | 4 GB, 32 GB | Gigabit, built in | Released September 2024; a box beside the TV |
| Nvidia Shield TV Pro (2019) | Google Play, including TiviMate | 3 GB, 16 GB, USB expandable | Gigabit, built in | AI upscaling; still updated in 2026 |
| Apple TV 4K | App Store only (IPTVX, UHF, iPlayTV); no TiviMate | 64 GB or 128 GB | Gigabit on the 128 GB model | Polished and simple; works with iPhone |
| Formuler (Z12, Z11) | MyTVOnline built in; other Android apps | 2–4 GB, 16–128 GB | Gigabit, built in | Built for portal and playlist logins, with catch-up and recording |
| Your smart TV’s apps | A few per brand, such as Smart IPTV and IBO Player | Depends on the TV | Depends on the TV | No extra cost; check your model is supported |
For comparison, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd gen) has 2 GB of memory and 16 GB of storage and needs an adapter for Ethernet, according to Amazon’s specifications. Formuler figures span the Z12 and Z11 models on Formuler’s site.
When each makes sense
- Want everything a Fire OS stick does, and more: a Google TV device. See Google TV Streamer for IPTV and Google TV Streamer vs Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
- The main TV, wired, large channel lists: the Nvidia Shield. See Nvidia Shield vs Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
- An Apple household: Apple TV. See Apple TV 4K vs Fire TV Stick.
- A dedicated IPTV box with portal support: Formuler, or a MAG box.
- No extra hardware: your TV’s apps. See smart TV apps vs a streaming stick.
Staying with Fire TV?
A Fire OS stick is still a good IPTV device. If you buy one, check the box says Fire OS, not Vega OS: see best Fire TV for IPTV and Vega OS explained. If Amazon has blocked an app you used, see blocked apps on Fire TV.