MAG vs Formuler: Which Dedicated IPTV Box Suits a UK Home?

If you want a box that feels like a cable or Sky receiver rather than a streaming stick, the choice usually comes down to MAG or Formuler. Both are built for IPTV, both have Ethernet ports and both are popular in the UK. They suit quite different people, though.

MAG: the simplest box you can buy

MAG boxes (the 324, 424, 520 and 524 are the current ones) run a locked-down system with no app store. You give your provider the box's MAC address, paste one portal link, and the box boots straight into the channel list every time. There is nothing else to tap into, which is exactly why people buy them for parents and grandparents.

• Pros: very simple, stable, cable-style remote, wired Ethernet, quick channel changes.
• Cons: no Netflix, iPlayer or other apps on most models, less polished guide, tied to your MAC address.

Formuler: the enthusiast's choice

Formuler boxes, such as the Z11 Pro and Z11 Pro Max, run Android TV with Formuler's own MYTVOnline app. MYTVOnline has one of the best TV guides available: grid layout, catch-up, recording, picture-in-picture and quick favourites. Because it's Android, you can also install iPlayer, ITVX, Netflix and the rest.

• Pros: excellent guide, full app store, recordings, fast hardware, Ethernet.
• Cons: more expensive, more settings to get lost in, the remote is busier.

Side by side

• Setup: MAG is a single portal link. Formuler is a portal link or Xtream login in MYTVOnline.
• TV guide: Formuler wins clearly.
• Other apps: Formuler has the Play Store. MAG generally doesn't.
• Ease of use: MAG wins for non-technical viewers.
• Price: MAG is usually cheaper.

Which should you buy?

Choose MAG if the box is for someone who just wants to press a number and watch, or as a second-room box. Choose Formuler if you're replacing Sky, love a good TV guide, or want apps and recordings on the same box.

Both work with a British IPTV subscription. Follow our MAG setup guide or Formuler setup guide, and see the best IPTV box UK roundup if you're still weighing up other devices.

Keep reading

More from the British IPTV blog: Best IPTV Player Apps in the UK: TiviMate, Smarters & More, IPTV on a Samsung or LG Smart TV in the UK: No Box Needed.