This post was most recently updated on June 3rd, 2019

Today, we are discussing mobile IPTV Vs desktop IPTV accounts. I will be giving a detailed comparison between these two categories of IPTV accounts. You can also call this the 2 most popular methods of viewing TV contents via IPTV. The first method is by viewing IPTV on Mobile phones or Tablets/phablets, and the second category is when you watch your IPTV channels on a larger screen via Android TV set-top boxes.

Mobile IPTV Vs Desktop IPTV: Differences Between Mobile & Android TV box IPTV Accounts

Within the context of this post, I will define mobile IPTV account as any IPTV account(be it numeric codes, username and password or in form of a URL) that can work on mobile phones and tablets.

By contrast, a desktop IPTV service account is one that is usable only on select decoders, Android TV boxes, IPTV boxes, Smart TVs, game console, or a Computer.

In most cases, the same IPTV account can work for both mobile and PC. If that is the case, then what’s the purpose of this article? Well, the purpose of this article is to compare the benefits of using one over the other. In other words, we will compare the performance of a desktop iptv account over that of mobile Vis-a-vis the viewing experience.

Should you subscribe to and use an IPTV service on your phone or should you go with an account on a set-top box? What are the differences between mobile IPTV account/app and that of Android box? In this section, I will be answering the questions relating to mobile IPTV Vs desktop. When you are done reading this article you will be more informed about which account best suits your needs.

Mobile IPTV Vs desktop IPTV Accounts

• Price

In the event that an IPTV account vendor has different accounts for mobile and desktop, the price of the account for the desktop IPTV would be higher. The reason is that the picture quality and the stream quality of the account for IPTV boxes must have been improved. For example, the IPTV may be in 4k while that of mobile may lack it. Similarly, low-end phones are seldom used for IPTV stream. If you do, you will have a very poor user experience. Will you now invest in a top of the line phone just for IPTV? Why not buy an android box instead. after all, this cost just a token compared to the price of a mid-range phone.

In addition, while you can see countless free account for mobile IPTV, it is very difficult to get a good free app that is fully optimised for your android tv box. In most cases, you pay for a premium IPTV account for your tv box.

• Android IPTV boxes output better Picture quality

I have enjoyed the best of both worlds. If you use an IPTV account on a set-top box, you will be meted with such an immersive experience so much so that you will not want to ever watch IPTV contents on your phone anymore. Nowadays, we have a plethora of 4K IPTV boxes. Conversely, only high-end phones are 4K at of now.

• The argument on convenience

First off, many would agree with me that, you can never compare web browsing or video streaming on a PC or TV to that of a mobile phone or tablet. That larger screen offers a huge advantage. For one, You can conveniently watch IPTV on your tv screen with families and friends, you can’t do that conveniently with your mobile phone. Secondly, watch on mobile has a more severe strain on your eyes compare to desktop. Finally, your battery life will decrease faster if you continue streaming IPTV contents on your phone instead of PC.  

• The versatility of Android Boxes or Decoders compared to Mobile and some receivers that supports IPTV

In the simplest of terms, IPTV decoders or android boxes are designed to stream IPTV smoothly by default. Furthermore, while all android IPTV boxes can support paid IPTV subscription, not all Android smartphones can support paid IPTV packages.

in fact, some Android phones with outdated OS cannot run many IPTV apps out there.

To add to the above is the fact that IPTV for desktop supports multiple devices when compared to mobile IPTV. For example, you can watch IPTV directly on your supported smart tv, you can use an Android tv box, Apple tv, Roku stick, Amazon fire stick, your computer, your game console and so on.

• Health Concerns of Using Mobile IPTV Instead of Desktop

You are more prone to straining your eyes by watching IPTV on your computer or phone than you will be watching it on a television or monitor. The display size of TVs is way larger and less of an eye strain compared to that of a phone or tablet.  I mean you can get as far back from your tv as possible without losing any detail. On the contrary, you need to be reasonably close to your phone to see a clear view. this is also worthy of note.

• Easy of Use of Desktop IPTV

For more convenience, you can switch between different resolutions on your tv or computer in other to suit your viewing and to enhance the picture quality. there is a limit to what you can do with some phones without losing some details in your video. Secondly, you can easily adjust the colour temperature.

• Security & Privacy

Obviously, hackers are becoming smarter. They can even build an IPTV app so that unsuspecting victims can download and use. A suspicious IPTV package is best used on a dedicated IPTV box.

Needless to say that even if malware is sent to your IPTV box, it cannot take total control of your android IPTV box same way it can take control of your phone

If you such on your mobile hone where you have all your personal information, I am afraid this may result in a colossal loss in the event of virus attack or identity theft. Be wise, be guided, if you are a bit careless, don’t ever rely on streaming 3rd party IPTV contents on mobile. If you continue doing so, your security and privacy may be compromised eventually. Mind you, you can create a special account for your android box that is different from the main google account.

• Huge Distractions and Interruption are very much associated with Mobile IPTV

Haven’t you been streaming your favourite program on the phone and suddenly, a call came through and disrupt everything?

Interruption and or distraction from voice call, WhatsApp call, imo calls, BBM calls, video calls, SMS while you are enjoying your IPTV streaming. As you already know, once a call comes through while you are streaming, your internet will cut off or slow down(unless you are using wifi) and the incoming call will overlap your current session. This doesn’t happen with your television or computer.

Now, by way of comparison, when you watch IPTV on set-top boxes, you can still answer a call from your mobile phone without disrupting the program.

• Mobile IPTV Vs desktop IPTV: User Interface

The fact that an IPTV set-top box( be it satellite receivers or android boxes) is designed primarily for high definition video streaming makes the manufacturer spend extra time in designing the user interface for the task. It is common to see special launchers such as “noblex launcher”, “poco launcher”, “3D launcher” and so on. All these launchers are not compatible with mobile phones. They have huge visual enhancements to viewing on IPTV boxes.

• Mobile IPTV Vs Desktop as it affects Streaming Speed or Quality

Generally, people believe that when you are watching IPTV on mobile, you are doing so as a matter of emergency. This is so true with respect to the stream quality and data consumption on some desktop IPTV app. IPTV service account providers concentrate more energy in optimising their servers on a set-top box compared to on mobile. Hence, don’t be surprised when you see that your program is buffering on mobile while it is playing smoothly on desktop. Most android IPTV Apks are poorly optimised for the accounts.

Similarly, the stability of the streams is something to look out for in our comparison. During my test, the connection and video playback were more stable on the set-top box version of the account.

• Piracy concerns as it relates to mobile and desktop IPTV services

Without equivocation, both account types can get into trouble with the law. In other words, both mobile and desktop IPTV account can be used to violate the intellectual properties of original content owners. However, when you use an account solely on mobile, you are considered unserious and may be ignored by law enforcement agencies. On the contrary, if you are caught selling IPTV boxes with accounts that can open pay-tv contents without a valid subscription, you will quickly get into trouble with the law.

• Another constraint is your limited ability or inability to access other apps conveniently while streaming live IPTV because you do not want your phone to hang or the app to quit while you are busy accessing other apps in the background.

Mobile IPTV Vs Desktop IPTV: What are the Advantages of Mobile IPTV Usage over Streaming IPTV on TV boxes or Receivers?

We need to reach an equilibrium in our comparison. Therefore, the next few points will favour mobile IPTV in the sense that it will highlight its advantages over android tv boxes.

1. You can now stream your mobile phone’s contents on a larger screen like TV or monitors. All thanks to miracast, chomecast and the likes. Interestingly, you don’t need any dongle to mirror your Samsung galaxy’s contents to a Samsung smart tv. The downside of this is that you may get a very poor picture quality especially if the IPTV app on your phone is mobile only.
2. Data Consumption: Using the same settings, an android tv box is most likely going to consume more data bandwidth than mobile IPTV apps.
3. Mobility and portability: You can easily take your tv programs everywhere you go on your phone. Besides, you can also stream tv contents on the go.
4. Easy startup: Furthermore, it is easier and faster to launch an IPTV app on your phone compared to booting your android tv box or pc for the same task.
5. Finally, you can easily multitask while watching IPTV on your phone. If you do the same on your box, the app may crash.

Especially Relevant:

• 7 reasons why using a paid / premium IPTV package may not be for developing countries
• Major Differences between Premium IPTV & Free IPTV Packages
• Is IPTV legal? Get all the Explanations Needed to Determine the Legality of IPTV Services

• IPTV vs Satellite tv/Cable tv and Cardsharing-The comparative analysis

• Access a US video streaming service like hulu, Netflix, PS vue, Amazon, outside the US

The common factors

In spite of the huge differences between mobile and desktop IPTV viewing, we have two major similarities. These are:

1. Usage: They are both used in the same manner. For example, they both use the internet.
2. Secondly, They serve the same purpose and meet the same objectives which are to view TV program without a satellite dish/antenna.

Conclusion & Recommendations

Now, you may wish to ask; which one is better? Well, personally, I would say if you can afford it, own the two. I mean you already own a phone, then get a set-top box for your home. With a box, you can enjoy a better family time since you won’t be watching it alone. That notwithstanding, if you want to choose just one, then your viewing habits/condition is the only determinant. Are you a tv addict? if yes, then go for the box. Do you have a stable power supply in your location? if your answer is in the affirmative, i still recommend the box.

However, if you are on a limited data plan, you move around a lot or you have an unsteady power supply, please be content with the IPTV apps/accounts on your mobile phones.