The Formuler Z11 Pro Max review you are about to read was put together by Troy, who has extensively used the device for over two weeks. Troy personally bought this Android TV Box and the review you are about to read is completely impartial as it highlights both the positives and negatives of the product. The review was not influenced by Formuler prior to its publication.
If you’re a TROYPOINT Patron or Founding Member, make sure to check out the Formuler Z11 Pro Max First Impressions Video on TROYPOINT Insider.
Below, you’ll find an in-depth review that will give you all the necessary information before making a purchase decision.
Note: There have been several updates to this device since the initial review, and the information provided here was last updated on 3/27/2024. The updated review showcases the Z11 Pro Max that includes the BT1 Voice Assistant remote control.
Formuler Z11 Pro Max – Key Features
Formuler describes their Z11 Pro Max as follows:
Introducing Formuler Z11 Pro Max. This is the fastest and most advanced Formuler yet. With Android 11 OS and 6th generation wireless AX connectivity, you can experience media and games on your TV like never before. Unlock premium and Ultra High-Definition OTT content with Embedded Widevine Level 1 DRM.
- CPU: Realtek RTD1319C
- GPU: Mali-G57 MC1
- Internal storage: 32 GB
- RAM DDR4 Memory: 4 GB
- WiFi: 6th Generation AX 2×2 Wireless
- Gigabit LAN
- Android 11
- USB 3.0 & 2.0 ports
- Micro SD Card slot
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Best decoding technology
- MYTVOnline3 IPTV Application
- Simple and customizable home screen with no ads
- BT1 Voice Assistant Remote
Buy Formuler Z11 Pro Max BT1 $209.99
Review of the Formuler Z11 Pro Max
This review of the Formuler Z11 Pro Max will highlight its unique selling points compared to other streaming devices available on the market.
There are two versions of this device, with the primary difference being the type of remote control included. The recommendation is to opt for the Z11 Pro Max BT1 version, which comes with a Bluetooth voice assistant remote. All purchase links provided here direct to the BT1 offer. The other model available at a $20 discount features an infrared remote control, which is less desirable.
I’ve always been impressed by Formuler’s commitment to delivering high-quality Android TV systems with regular updates, a notable standout in an industry saturated with generic Android TV boxes. Despite not being as prominent as Amazon, Google, or NVIDIA, Formuler consistently meets and exceeds consumer expectations.
You can familiarize yourself with the basic features of this Android TV Box by referring to the list above. Rather than delve into each feature individually, as many are self-explanatory, let’s move on to some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that are likely on your mind.
Can I side-load apps like Kodi onto the new Formuler Z11 Pro Max?
Answer: Yes
Can it play 4K video?
Answer: Yes
Does the Ethernet port support Gigabit speeds?
Answer: Yes
Does it support the new AV1 codec?
Answer: Yes
Can the Remote Control manage the TV, soundbar, and projector?
Answer: Yes, for volume and power control
Can I access Netflix?
Answer: While the device can sideload some Netflix apps, it is not officially licensed to stream high-quality Netflix content. Thus, heavy Netflix users may find the Formuler Z11 Pro Max less suitable.
Quick Setup Video
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_9e63I74-I[/embedyt]
Buy Formuler Z11 Pro Max BT1 $209.99
Details regarding the video mentioned can be found below.
Who Should Consider Buying the Formuler Z11 Pro Max?
Formuler’s focus with the Z11 Pro Max and previous devices is clear – catering to the IPTV service community. If you don’t utilize an IPTV service with M3U or Xtream Codes setup, this device may not be the best match for you. Both the box and remote are tailored specifically for use with the integrated MYTVOnline3 IPTV application.
Furthermore, since this Android TV Box lacks Netflix Certification, heavy Netflix users may want to stick with more established brands like Amazon, Google, and NVIDIA. However, if you’re into IPTV and various free streaming APKs, the Formuler Z11 Pro Max could be an ideal choice for your Android streaming needs.
Personalized User Interface / Launcher
The launcher included with the Formuler Z11 Pro Max offers some degree of customization and, notably, does not display any ads. It provides a straightforward user interface that consolidates all essential features on a single screen.
You can set up two custom groups on the home screen and include specific apps within them.You also have the option to set a different background image.
The main launcher feature that is particularly appealing is the ability to display your favorite IPTV channels or recently watched ones.The Favorite TV section is organized based on your favorites in the MYTVOnline3 IPTV application.A simple click on your home screen takes you directly to your favorite channel.
Unfortunately, using third-party custom launchers like Wolf is not supported on the Z11 Pro Max. There is certainly potential for enhancement in the launcher that accompanies the Formuler Z11 Pro Max, more customization options would greatly benefit the device.
Even if the option to install a third-party launcher was available, I’m uncertain if I would switch from the current one as it meets my requirements well. It enables easy app reordering and provides two additional app sections, which suffice for me.Users can conveniently access their preferred TV channels and VOD content directly from the home screen.
MYTVOnline3 IPTV App
MYTVOnline3 is essential for the Formuler Z11 Pro Max, designed for individuals using IPTV services with Xtream Codes or M3U setup instructions.Upon signing up for an IPTV service, you receive these codes via email after registration.
You can’t install this app on other Android-based systems; it’s exclusive to Formuler devices, with the new version only compatible with the Z11 Pro Max and Z11 Pro. Attempting to side-load the new version on an older Formuler device proved unsuccessful.
This feature-rich app has seamless integration with the provided remote control.
IPTV Service Setup
Setting up an IPTV service in MYTVOnline3 is straightforward.
An initial wizard guides you through the setup process, offering the option to hide specific groups right from the start. This feature is helpful as most IPTV services include channels from countries that may not be of interest. The Formuler Z11 Pro Max allows customization by hiding unwanted channels in the beginning.
You also have the ability to hide VOD and TV series groups if your IPTV service includes a VOD library.
Pinning & Grouping
The app offers organizational tools like pinning and grouping.
You can pin specific channel groups to have them appear at the top of the list, and you also have the option to create custom groups, which is excellent for organizing numerous favorites into categories like News, Movies, or Sports.
Multiple IPTV Services at Once
The new MYTVOnline3 app enables users to set up and view multiple IPTV services concurrently on the same screen.Identifying the service in use can be challenging as the app doesn’t clearly display the service name on channel lists.To simplify things, I pinned my primary IPTV service groups for easy identification.
At the top of the channel list is a good way to ensure the most reliable service is being used. When it comes to recording on the Formuler Z11 Pro Max, despite having 32 GB of internal storage, the necessity to use a USB drive, Micro SD card, or network storage for recording is a feature that I’m not particularly fond of due to the reliability concerns associated with external media being not as good as internal storage. The Formuler Z11 Pro Max does support NTFS drives which is beneficial as it solves the 4 GB Android limit on FAT32 drives.
The recording options cover everything needed such as season recording (frequency), one-time recording, custom recording, and more. Formuler has done an excellent job incorporating a variety of features within the recording functionality. The only change I would suggest is allowing for recording directly onto internal storage.
Impressed with how visually appealing everything appears within the new MYTVOnline3 application. The designers have done an outstanding job creating MYTVOnline3 to have a futuristic aesthetic.
If you have previously owned a Formuler Android TV Box, understanding the new features within the MYTVOnline3 application is important. Here’s a breakdown of the features for you: Application Redesign, Pinned Groups, Universal Search, In-app Notifications, Backup & Restore, Picture-In-Picture, Timeshift, and the ability to Watch One While Recording Another. It’s also worth noting that multiple connections from your IPTV provider are necessary to watch and record simultaneously.As an alternative, TiviMate might be more preferable to you. I tried out TiviMate on the Formuler Z11 Pro Max and found it to work exceptionally well. The remote’s extra buttons are automatically assigned to different functions, a nice touch! However, a few of the remote buttons may not function within TiviMate.
One attractive feature of using TiviMate is the ability to record to internal storage, which I found to be a smooth process. A minor setback I noticed is that favorite channels on TiviMate may not be visible on the launcher or home screen of the Formuler Z11 Pro Max. This may influence your decision, especially if you are not planning to use their MYTVOnline3 IPTV application, as the device is primarily designed around this proprietary app, akin to visiting Pizza Hut and ordering a salad instead of pizza.
For network storage capabilities, the Formuler Z11 Pro Max allows easy setup for connecting to network storage devices. Testing this functionality with a Windows machine on the same network proved to work seamlessly, enabling the transfer of IPTV recordings to network storage rather than relying on a USB or Micro SD card. Other potential uses for network storage could include integration with apps like Kodi or file explorers such as ES File Explorer.Away from the wireless router). I’m using Surfshark VPN as my VPN on Chicago Server. Gigabit Ethernet VPN On: Download = 192 Mbps & Upload = 163 Mbps. VPN Off: Download = 818 Mbps & Upload = 574 Mbps. WiFi VPN On: Download = 176 Mbps & Upload = 122 Mbps. VPN Off: Download = 307 Mbps & Upload = 193 Mbps. As you can see above, the system comes with strong WiFi and Gigabit speeds. Running a VPN always slows down both download/upload speeds due to encryption and tunneling traffic through an outside server. Buy Formuler Z11 Pro Max BT1 $209.99. What’s In The Box: Formuler Z11 Pro Max Media Receiver, BT1 Voice Assistant Remote Control, HDMI Cable, Power Adapter, Batteries, Quick Setup Guide.