Linux box that logs in with a MAC address: simple, stable and cheap
- 4K · HDR
- Ethernet 100 Mbit
- Linux 4.9
Sold out everywhere right now
IPTV box · review updated 13 October 2026
Formuler Z12 Ultra Review 2026: the IPTV box with MyTVOnline 4
The Formuler Z12 Ultra is Formuler's flagship and is built for IPTV: with MyTVOnline you log in with a MAC address, Xtream Codes or an M3U list and record to 128 GB of internal storage.
There is no ‘Formuler Z12 Pro Max’
Formuler sells the Z12 Pro, Z12 Ultra SE and Z12 Ultra; the only Pro Max is the older Z11 Pro Max from 2022. Formuler warns about fake boxes, so check the model name on formuler.tv.
MyTVOnline 4 only on the Z12 series
MyTVOnline 4 came out on 30 August 2026 and only runs on the Z12 Pro, Z12 Ultra SE and Z12 Ultra. The Z11 Pro Max stays on MyTVOnline 3.
Best IPTV box
8.6
8.6Very good
Our verdict
Formuler Z12 Ultra: very good
The Formuler Z12 Ultra is the best box if you mainly watch IPTV: MyTVOnline combines MAC portal, Xtream Codes and M3U in one app, with recording to 128 GB of internal storage, catch-up and multiview. You also get Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi 6E and a gigabit port. Netflix and other streaming services aren't officially certified, so if you want those in 4K, choose a Google TV box.
IPTV appMyTVOnline 4 (Z12 series only)
Storage128 GB for recordings (4 GB RAM)
Picture4K60 with Dolby Vision and HDR10+
NetworkWi-Fi 6E and gigabit Ethernet
Score by category
How the Formuler Z12 Ultra scores on the five points we rate every box on. How we rate.
8.6Very good
Pros
- MyTVOnline 4: MAC portal, Xtream Codes and M3U in one app, with catch-up and multiview
- 128 GB of internal storage for recording and timeshift, without a USB drive
- Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos in 4K60
- Wi-Fi 6E and a gigabit network port
- Backlit BT3 remote with voice control, learning function and Find My Remote
Cons
- Android 12 no longer gets security updates from Google
- Not officially Netflix-certified according to users, so limited picture quality on streaming services
- Catch-up at least used not to work with a plain M3U list
- Pricier than the Z12 Pro and Z12 Ultra SE, which do have less memory and storage
The box came out in late August 2025. On 30 August 2026 it got two cheaper siblings, the Z12 Pro and the Z12 Ultra SE, and MyTVOnline 4 appeared, which only runs on the Z12 series. The much-searched Z11 Pro Max is therefore the previous generation.
In this review you'll read what the Z12 Ultra can do, how it compares with the other Formuler models, what MyTVOnline 4 changes and how to set up IPTV.
Z12 Pro, Z12 Ultra SE, Z12 Ultra or Z11 Pro Max: the Formuler models
Formuler has three current Z12 models. The Z12 Ultra is the flagship. The Z12 Ultra SE, from 30 August 2026, has the same Realtek RTD1319C chip, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi 6E and the BT3 remote, but 2 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage. The Z12 Pro, announced the same day, is the entry-level model: a simpler RTD1319 variant with 2 GB and 16 GB, Wi-Fi 5, HDR10+ without Dolby Vision in the specifications and the BT1 remote. All three run Android 12 and MyTVOnline 4.
The Z11 Pro Max from October 2022 is the previous generation. It has the same chip and 4 GB of RAM as the Z12 Ultra, but runs Android 11, has 32 GB of storage, Wi-Fi 6 and no Dolby Vision, and stays on MyTVOnline 3. The Formuler GTV is a separate case: an Android TV box with an Amlogic S905X2 and 2 GB / 16 GB, which got Android TV 12 in October 2023. It is the only Formuler with the standard Android TV interface, but it runs MyTVOnline 2.
Searching for ‘Formuler Z12 Pro Max’? That model officially doesn't exist: formuler.tv doesn't mention it anywhere, and the only Pro Max is the Z11 Pro Max. Boxes with that name come from resellers, sometimes with specifications that match no official model, such as a 2.5 Gbit network port. Formuler itself warns about fake boxes: check the model name on formuler.tv and buy from a known dealer. If you mean the best-equipped Z12 model, that is the Z12 Ultra.
MyTVOnline 4 or MyTVOnline 3: what's new?
MyTVOnline is Formuler's own IPTV app and only runs on genuine Formuler boxes. Version 3 appeared in October 2022 with the Z11 series. With it you put several providers (MAC portal, Xtream Codes and M3U) in one list and search all sources at once. You get a watchlist, recording while you watch something else, timeshift, restarting a programme in progress, multiview with two channels, picture-in-picture and the Game Day sports hub.
MyTVOnline 4 came out on 30 August 2026 and only runs on the Z12 series. It has a new home screen with continue watching, trending and AI-based recommendations, up to four profiles each with their own watch history and a freely selectable start page (Home, Live TV, films or series). According to Formuler you also change channels faster and the list refreshes faster. You install it via the Software Update app.
Listings don't agree on which version is on the Z12 Ultra: one says MyTVOnline 4, another MyTVOnline 3. It probably ships with version 3 and you add version 4 yourself via Software Update. If you have a Z11 Pro Max, you stay on MyTVOnline 3. That keeps the main features, so switching mainly makes sense if you want profiles, Dolby Vision or more storage.
Recording, catch-up and everyday use
The Z12 Ultra has 128 GB of internal storage (slightly less is usable), and MyTVOnline records straight to it. So you don't need a USB drive. You record one channel while watching another, pause live TV and restart a programme in progress. If you want more space, there is a microSD slot and a USB 3.0 port.
Catch-up works with Stalker portals and Xtream Codes; channels with catch-up get a red marker in the TV guide. With a plain M3U list, catch-up didn't work according to a 2020 Formuler support article; that may have changed since. Formuler itself supplies no channels or portal addresses: those come from your provider. Forum users reported errors with scheduled recordings in MyTVOnline 3 in early 2025.
With 4 GB of RAM there is enough room for big channel lists and TV guides, and Formuler's own home screen shows no advertising. The downside: the box runs Android 12, and that version no longer gets security updates from Google. Updates for the firmware and MyTVOnline do come via the Software Update app.
Picture, sound and Netflix
The box plays 4K at 60 frames per second and supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+. Formuler speaks of ‘all HDR formats’, but doesn't list HDR10 and HLG separately. It decodes AV1, HEVC and H.264 up to 4K60. For sound there is Dolby Atmos and an optical output; DTS isn't in the specifications.
Netflix is the weak point. The box has Widevine L1, but according to users on the Formuler forum it isn't officially certified by Netflix. A Netflix app from Formuler's own app store works according to them, and you install Prime Video from Google Play. Test-Aankoop, a Belgian consumer organisation, saw Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video play at only 720p on its predecessor, the Z11 Pro Max. No measurement is known for the Z12 Ultra; if you want streaming services in 4K, choose a certified Google TV box.
For connectivity there is Wi-Fi 6E with three frequency bands, a gigabit network port and Bluetooth 5.2. The GTV-BT3 remote has backlit buttons, Google Assistant, a learning function for your TV's buttons, programmable shortcut keys and Find My Remote, which helps you find it when it's lost.
Watching IPTV
IPTV on the Formuler Z12 Ultra
The Z12 Ultra is built around MyTVOnline, Formuler's own IPTV app, which only runs on genuine Formuler boxes. You log in with a MAC address (Stalker portal), Xtream Codes or an M3U list, and put several providers in one list. Via the Google Play Store or sideloading, TiviMate, IPTV Smarters, Kodi and other Android apps also run; TiviMate works according to forum users, but not always equally stably.
- TiviMate
- IPTV Smarters Pro
- IBO Player
- OTT Navigator
- MyTVOnline 3
- Kodi
- MAG portal (MAC)
How to set up IPTV on the Formuler Z12 Ultra (MyTVOnline)
- Connect the box to your TV via HDMI and, preferably, to your router with a network cable. Go through the first setup; you only need a Google account for the Play Store.
- Open the Software Update app and install the latest firmware. If MyTVOnline 4 isn't on it yet, install it here too.
- Using a MAC portal? Then give your provider the MAC address from the sticker on the box (it starts with 00:1A:79) so they can activate the box.
- Open MyTVOnline. In MyTVOnline 4 go to Settings > App Settings > Content Sources, in MyTVOnline 3 to Menu > Content Manager > Content Sources.
- Add a source and choose the type: Xtream Codes (server URL, username and password), M3U (playlist link plus an XMLTV link for the TV guide) or MAC portal (just the portal URL).
- Log in with your subscription details and save. MyTVOnline loads channels, films, series and the TV guide; channels with catch-up get a red marker in the guide.
Specifications
Formuler Z12 Ultra specifications
| General | |
|---|---|
| System | Android 12 with Formuler's own home screen (no advertising) and Google Play Store |
| IPTV app | MyTVOnline 3, upgrade to MyTVOnline 4 via the Software Update app |
| Chip | Realtek RTD1319C, four cores (Arm Cortex-A55 according to CNX Software) |
| Graphics chip | Arm Mali-G57 MC1 |
| RAM | 4 GB DDR4 (2,666 MHz) |
| Storage | 128 GB eMMC (slightly less usable) + microSD slot |
| On sale since | August 2025 |
| Picture and sound | |
| Resolution | 4K (3840 × 2160) up to 60 frames per second |
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ (‘all HDR formats’ according to Formuler) |
| Video codecs | AV1, H.265 (HEVC), H.264, VC-1 up to 4K60 |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, MPEG, HE-AAC; DTS not listed |
| Copy protection | Widevine L1; not officially Netflix-certified according to users |
| Connections | |
| Network port | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E (2x2, three frequency bands) |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 |
| USB | 1× USB 3.0, 1× USB 2.0 |
| Audio output | Optical (S/PDIF) |
| Tuner | None; optional USB tuners for DVB-T/T2, such as the Hauppauge WinTV-dualHD |
| Controls and size | |
| Remote control | GTV-BT3 with voice control (Google Assistant), backlit buttons, learning function for TV buttons, programmable shortcut keys and Find My Remote; silicone cover included |
| Dimensions | 135 × 100 × 24 mm |
| Power | 12 V / 1 A, 12 W maximum; standby 0.5 W maximum |
| Colours | Black or rose gold |
Where to buy
Buy the Formuler Z12 Ultra: compare prices
The Formuler Z12 Ultra is currently cheapest at Tech-Tech for £182.94. Below are all the shops we found, from cheapest to most expensive.
- Lowest priceTech-TechUnited Kingdom£182.94Go to Tech-Tech (opens in a new window, Formuler Z12 Ultra)
- World of SatelliteUnited Kingdom£182.95+£0.01Go to World of Satellite (opens in a new window, Formuler Z12 Ultra)
Prices checked on 13 October 2026. Prices and stock change; the shop always has the current price.
Buy it if…
you mainly watch IPTV via a MAC portal or Xtream Codes and want one app with TV guide, catch-up, multiview and recording without a separate drive.
Skip it if…
you mainly want to watch Netflix, Disney+ or Prime Video in 4K, want a standard Google TV interface or are on a tight budget.
Genova TV
Watch Genova TV on your Formuler Z12 Ultra
Genova TV works on the Formuler Z12 Ultra with MyTVOnline. Try it free first: you get test login details via WhatsApp and we'll help you install it step by step.
- 45,000+ channels, also in 4K
- Works with MyTVOnline
- Setup help via WhatsApp
- Free trial, no payment
Alternatives
Alternatives to the Formuler Z12 Ultra
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from €109.30 at Euroelectronics
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the Formuler Z12 Ultra
Does the Formuler Z12 Pro Max exist?
No. In the Z12 series Formuler sells the Z12 Pro, Z12 Ultra SE and Z12 Ultra. The only ‘Pro Max’ is the older Z11 Pro Max from 2022. Boxes offered as a ‘Z12 Pro Max’ come from resellers, sometimes with specifications that match no official model. Formuler warns about fakes, so check the model name on formuler.tv before you buy.
What is the difference between the Formuler Z11 Pro Max and the Z12 Ultra?
Both have a Realtek RTD1319C chip with Mali-G57 and 4 GB of RAM. The Z12 Ultra has Android 12 instead of 11, 128 GB of storage instead of 32 GB, Dolby Vision and Atmos, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, an optical audio output and the backlit BT3 remote. Only the Z12 gets MyTVOnline 4.
Will my Formuler get MyTVOnline 4?
Only if it is a Z12. MyTVOnline 4 came out on 30 August 2026 and only runs on the Z12 Pro, Z12 Ultra SE and Z12 Ultra; you install it via the Software Update app. The Z11 Pro Max stays on MyTVOnline 3 and the GTV on MyTVOnline 2. MyTVOnline 3 does keep the main features, such as recording, catch-up and multiview.
Does Netflix work on the Formuler Z12 Ultra?
With limitations. The box has Widevine L1, but according to users on the Formuler forum it isn't officially Netflix-certified. A Netflix app from Formuler's own app store works according to them, and you install Prime Video from Google Play. Test-Aankoop saw only 720p on Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video on the predecessor, the Z11 Pro Max. If you want Netflix in 4K, choose a certified Google TV box.
Has the Formuler Z12 Ultra been tested?
We know of no independent lab test of the Z12 Ultra (as of October 2026). This review is based on Formuler's specifications and support articles and on user reports on the Formuler forum. The Belgian consumer group Test-Aankoop did test the previous Z11 Pro Max and found Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video playing in only 720p.
Which Formuler Z12 should you choose: Pro, Ultra SE or Ultra?
The Z12 Ultra is the most generous: 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage for recordings. The Z12 Ultra SE has the same chip, Dolby Vision, Atmos, Wi-Fi 6E and the BT3 remote, but 2 GB and 64 GB. The Z12 Pro is the entry-level model with 2 GB and 16 GB, Wi-Fi 5, no Dolby Vision in the specifications and the simpler BT1 remote. All three run MyTVOnline 4.
Sources
- Formuler: Z12 Ultra (product page and specifications)
- Formuler: introducing the Z12 Ultra SE and Z12 Pro
- Formuler: MyTVOnline 4 release
- Formuler: warning about fake Formuler devices
- Formuler Support: setting up portals in MyTVOnline (MAC, Xtream, M3U)
- Test-Aankoop: the best TV box as a media player, with the Formuler Z11 Pro Max (Dutch)
Prices checked on 13 October 2026. Product photo: Formuler, via persfoto van de fabrikant.
Lowest price at Tech-Tech£182.94
View Still comparing? See every provider ranked side by side in Best IPTV 2026.
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