Formuler Z11 Pro Max Review – Future-Proof Android TV Box

(Last Updated On: January 10, 2023)

This Formuler Z11 Pro Max Review was created by Troy after using it on a regular basis for over two weeks.  This Android TV Box was purchased by Troy and was not provided as a gift from the manufacturer.

This review is unbiased and you will see that I point out both the good and bad regarding this Android TV Box. Formuler did not have access to this post prior to publishing.

If you’re a TROYPOINT Patron or Founding Member, be sure to watch my Formuler Z11 Pro Max First Impressions Video on the TROYPOINT Insider.

Below, you will find an in-depth review that will provide you with the information that you need prior to purchasing.

Formuler Z11 Pro Max – Features at a Glance

Here’s how Formuler describes their new Z11 Pro Max.

Introducing Formuler Z11 Pro Max. The fastest and most advanced Formuler yet. Experience media and games on your TV like never before with Android 11 OS and 6th generation wireless AX connectivity.  Unlock premium and Ultra High-Definition OTT contents with Embedded Widevine Level 1 DRM.

• 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
• GPU: Mali G57
• Best decoding technology
• MYTVOnline3 IPTV Application
• Simple and customizable home screen with no ads
• Intuitive remote control

Buy Formuler Z11 Pro Max $199.99

Formuler Z11 Pro Max Review

This Formuler Z11 Pro Max Review will focus on what sets it apart from the other streaming devices on the market.

I’ve always been impressed by Formuler as they produce high quality Android TV systems and they provide ongoing updates which is rare to see with these “generic Android TV Boxes”.  I say generic because Formuler isn’t one of the big players like Amazon, Google, or NVIDIA.

You can find the basic features of this Android TV Box by looking at the list above.  I won’t dive into each of those because many of them are self explanatory.

Here are some FAQs that many of you will have so I will start with those.

Can I side-load apps onto the new Formuler Z11 Pro Max such as Kodi?

Answer: Yes

Can I play 4K video?

Answer: Yes

Does the Ethernet port support Gigabit speeds?

Answer: Yes

Does it support new AV1 codec?

Answer: Yes

Can you control TV, soundbar, and projector with Remote Control?

Answer: Yes (volume and power)

Can I watch Netflix?

Answer: This device is not licensed to play high quality Netflix content.  Yes, there are some Netflix apps that you can side-load but if you are a heavy Netflix user, I wouldn’t recommend the Formuler Z11 Pro Max.

Quick Start Video

Buy Formuler Z11 Pro Max $199.99

Review mentioned in video may be found below.

Who Should Purchase the Formuler Z11 Pro Max?

There’s no question that Formuler is catering to the IPTV service crowd with the Z11 Pro Max and their past devices as well.

If you’re not using an IPTV service that comes with M3U or Xtream Codes setup, this device isn’t for you.  Both the actual box and remote are specifically designed to be used in conjunction with the integrated MYTVOnline3 IPTV application.

Also, this Android TV Box is not Netflix Certified so if you’re a heavy Netflix user, I would stick with the big names such as Amazon, Google, NVIDIA, etc.

If you use IPTV and various free streaming APKs this might be the perfect Android streaming system for you.

Customizable User Interface / Launcher

The launcher that comes with the Formuler Z11 Pro Max is somewhat customizable and displays no ads.

This is a simple user interface that provides everything that you need on one screen.

You can setup two custom groups on the home screen and include specific apps within them.

You can also set a different background image.

The main launcher feature that I like best is the ability to display your favorite IPTV channels or recent ones you’ve watched.  The Favorite TV section is sorted based on how your favorites are ordered in the MYTVOnline3 IPTV application.  A simple click on your home screen takes you right to your favorite channel.

Unfortunately, you can’t use 3rd party custom launchers, such as Wolf on the Z11 Pro Max.

There’s definitely room for improvement with the launcher that comes with the Formuler Z11 Pro Max.  I wish they would provide additional customization options and I think this would be a huge selling point for the device.

Even if I could install a 3rd party launcher, I’m not sure that I would use it as this one suits my needs.  It allows for easy reordering of applications and provides two extra app sections which is good enough for me.

MYTVOnline3 IPTV App

MYTVOnline3 is the meat and potatoes of the Formuler Z11 Pro Max.

This is an IPTV application meant for those who use IPTV services that come with Xtream Codes or M3U setup instructions.  When you register for an IPTV service, you will be provided with these codes upon registration.  These details are usually found in an email that you receive following registration.

You can’t install this application on any other Android-based system.  It’s specifically meant for Formuler devices and the new version can only be installed on the new Z11 Pro Max and Z11 Pro.  I’ve tried side-loading the new version on an older Formuler device and it doesn’t work.

This application comes packed with features that integrate nicely with the included remote control.

IPTV Service Setup

Setting up an IPTV service in MYTVOnline3 is simple.

You will see a wizard that walks you through setup and it provides you with the ability to hide various groups from the start.  This is a nice touch because most IPTV services include channels from other countries that we will never watch.  The Formuler Z11 Pro Max allows us to hide the channels that we don’t want to see right from the start.

You also have the ability to hide VOD (Video on Demand) groups and TV series groups if your IPTV service comes with a VOD library.

Pinning & Grouping

The application also provides nice organizational tools such as pinning an grouping.

You can pin various groups of channels and those will be displayed at the top of the channel list.

You can also create various groups which is extremely handy for those of you who have a lot of favorites.  You can split those favorites into custom groups such as News, Movies, Sports, or whatever you want to name them!

Multiple IPTV Services at Once

The new MYTVOnline3 app does allow users to setup multiple IPTV services and see all of them on the same screen.

Sometimes it’s difficult seeing exactly which service you are using because they don’t do a great job of displaying the name of the service on the channel lists.

To make things easier, I pinned my primary (favorite) IPTV service groups so they would show up at the top of the channel list and this seems to be a good way to ensure I’m using my most reliable service.

Recording

Even though the Formuler Z11 Pro Max comes with 32 GB of internal storage, if you want to record, you must use a USB drive, Micro SD card, or network storage.  I’m not a big fan of this as the reliability of external media isn’t as good as internal storage.

The Formuler Z11 Pro Max does support NTFS drives which is great because that solves the 4 GB Android limit on FAT32 drives.

The recording options provide everything that you need such as season recording (frequency), one-time recording, custom recording, and more.

Formuler has done an excellent job on the features that they offer through the recording functionality.

The only thing I would change is allowing for recording to internal storage.

Eye Candy

I’m impressed with how nice everything looks within the new MYTVOnline3 application.

The designers have done a fabulous job making MYTVOnline3 look like something from the future.

What’s New in Version 3

If you’ve ever owned a Formuler Android TV Box you probably want to know what features are new in the MYTVOnline3 application.

Here’s a rundown for you.

Application Redesign

The following picture speaks for itself…

Pinned Groups

Pinned groups allow you to move your favorite groups to the top of the list for quick and easy access.

Universal Search

Search across all areas of the MYTVOnline3 app including TV Channels, TV Programs, VOD, TV Series, Radio, Recordings, and Schedule.

In-app Notifications

The MYTVOnline3 new Notification system makes it easy to check and track events and new updates.

Backup & Restore

Backup your app data and settings to external storage for safe keeping. Restore the backup to your device or another device when needed.

Picture-In-Picture

Watch two live events simultaneously and smoothly on TV screen.

Timeshift

Enable to pause and rewind live TV.  Restart the current live program from the beginning.

Watch One While Recording Another

Record a program while watching another.  This requires multiple connections provided by your IPTV provider if you want to watch and record at the same time.

Buy Formuler Z11 Pro Max $199.99

Formuler Z11 Pro Max Remote

As mentioned earlier, the MYTVOnline3 app goes hand-in-hand with the remote control.

There are specific buttons on the remote that coincide with features found in the IPTV app such as marking favorites, opening groups, guide, and more.

The remote control comes with a dedicated app that allows you to set hotkeys that will perform various functions.  The most popular will be adding hotkeys to open your favorite applications.

One hidden function is the use of an air-mouse that is handy for apps not made for the television experience.

You can also setup the remote to control volume and power on your TV, soundbar, or projector.  I setup volume control on my LG television and it works great.  I don’t see the option for controlling input though.

The remote that comes with the Formuler Z11 Pro Max is not Bluetooth which is surprising to me.  If you’re paying $200 for a streaming device, I would assume it would come with a Bluetooth remote.

Yes, it is IR technology but it works extremely well.  As long as your box and remote are within the same area, you don’t need to actually point the remote control like you usually do with IR.

The main feature missing on the included IR remote is Google Voice Assistant.

You can purchase their premium Bluetooth remote if you are in need of voice assistant.  I did purchase it and Google Assistant works excellent and is extremely snappy.

All-in-all, I really like the remote controls.

TiviMate Integration

Some of you may not like the MYTVOnline3 application and you will prefer using TiviMate instead.

I tested TiviMate on the Formuler Z11 Pro Max and it works great.

The extra buttons on the remote are automatically mapped to perform various functions which is nice to see!  Some buttons on the remote don’t work inside TiviMate but the majority do.

The nice thing about using TiviMate is that you can record to internal storage and I had no problems doing that.

In my opinion, the biggest negative to using TiviMate on the Formuler Z11 Pro Max is that your favorite channels in TiviMate won’t show up on the launcher (home screen).

Network Storage

The Formuler Z11 Pro Max allows for you setting up network storage.

I tested this by connecting to a Windows machine on the same network and it worked as it should.

By doing this, you have the ability to push IPTV recordings to your network storage rather than record on USB or Micro SD card.

I’m sure there are other uses for this as well when using various apps such as Kodi or various File Explorers such as ES File Explorer.

32 GB Internal Storage

The biggest gripe we see with most streaming devices is the lack of internal storage.

The Formuler Z11 Pro Max comes with 32 GB of internal storage which is more than enough to house your apps and games.

I tried expanding internal storage with a USB drive.  The process seemed to work but there was no way to move apps to external drive so it appears that this isn’t working properly.  Not a negative because 32 GB should be plenty of storage for apps and games.  Keep in mind that you can always use a USB drive or micro SD card for external storage, you just can’t install apps onto them.

Gigabit Ethernet

The Z11 Pro Max comes with Gigabit Ethernet which is extremely important to many cord cutters.

Not only will you receive faster download speeds but your internal network transfers will be faster as well.  Perfect for those of you who use Plex Media Server or something else to consume media within your home network.

Android TV Google Play Store

Most generic Android Boxes come with stock Android and not Android TV.  Stock Android is the same operating system that runs on phones and tablets.  It’s not really meant for the TV screen.

It appears that the Formuler Z11 Pro Max is using a hybrid of the two but it’s important to point out that you have access to the Android TV Google Play Store.

This is important because you want the app store that serves up application that are going to display properly on the TV screen.

Very happy to see Android TV Google Play on the Formuler Z11 Pro Max!

Formuler Z11 Pro Max Software Updates

Formuler offers continual updates that fixes bugs and sometimes adds new features.

This is a big one in my book as it helps future-proof the device.

Most generic Android TV Box manufacturers don’t issue updates and that’s the main reason why I’ve stopped reviewing them.

You will find both system updates and remote control updates as well.

The remote updates can be found within the Formuler Remote App.

Download / Upload Speeds

I used the Analiti Speed test app for the following tests.

I have one GB Fiber download speed plan through my Internet Service Provider.

During the WiFi tests, I am connected to the 5Ghz band on my Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Router. This router resides in the same room as my Formuler Z11 Pro Max (approximately 20 feet 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 $199.99

What’s In The Box

• Formuler Z11 Pro Max Media Receiver
• IR Remote Control
• HDMI Cable
• IR Remote Control Extender
• Power Adapter
• Batteries
• Quick Setup Guide

Formuler Z11 Pro Max Specs

Output Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160)
CPU: RealTek RTD1319C
GPU: Mali-G57 MC1
RAM: 4GB DDR @2400MHz
Storage: 32GB eMMC
Operating System: Android 11
Wireless Network: AX 2×2
Bluetooth: 5.0
Ethernet: 1000M (Gigabit)
Video decoder: 4K@60fps, AV1, H.265(HEVC), AVS, H.264(AVC,MVC), Real, MPEG1/2/4, VC-1
Audio decoder: MPEG-1 Layer 1,2,3(2-CH), MPEG-2 Layer 1,2, HE AAC V1/V2
DRM: Widevine L1, L3
Length / Width: 105mm
Thickness: 21mm
Color: Black
Power Input: 1
USB 3.0: 1
USB 2.0: 1
HDMI: 1
Gigabit LAN: 1
Micro SD Card: 1
IR Extension: 1
Power rating: 12VDC / 1A
Power Consumption: Max. 12W
Standby Power: Max 0.5W (Ultra low power)

Z11 Pro Max Pricing

There are multiple retailers that sell Formuler streaming devices.  As with most generic Android Box purchases, you must be careful when purchasing.

As of this review, the Formuler Z11 Pro Max is currently priced at $199.99.  If you want the additional upgraded Bluetooth remote, that is an additional $30.

Buy Formuler Z11 Pro Max $199.99

Buy Advanced Bluetooth Voice Remote $30.00

What I Like

• 32 GB internal storage
• New MYTVOnline3 IPTV app
• Ad-free Customizable Launcher
• Gigabit Ethernet
• USB 3.0 & 2.0 ports
• Micro SD card slot
• Fast download/upload speeds
• Android TV Google Play Store
• Feature-rich recording options
• Remote Control
• Attach network storage
• TiviMate remote control integration
• Over the air updates to squash bugs and provide new features

What I Dislike

• Comes with standard IR remote and not Bluetooth – need to purchase advanced Bluetooth remote for voice assistant
• Would like to see more customization options for launcher
• 3rd party launchers don’t work
• Can’t record to internal storage with MYTVOnline3 app – must be external storage or network storage

Formuler Z11 Pro Max Final Thoughts

I’m not a big fan of “generic” Android TV Boxes but this is definitely an exception.

Formuler is a well-known manufacturer that offers ongoing support through periodic over the air updates.

Yes, this device costs more than most streaming devices but you definitely get what you pay for.  Also, keep in mind that Formuler can’t sell these devices at a loss like many of the big brands can.

Formuler has also released a less expensive Z11 Pro but it comes with less RAM and storage.  In my opinion, if you’re going to spend this much money on a streaming device, you should try to future-proof it as much as possible.

If you’re a big TiviMate user, I’m not sure that I would purchase this device.  Like I mentioned earlier, this system is built around the MYTVOnline3 IPTV app and is one of the main reasons IPTV users would be interested in it.  Both TiviMate and MYTVOnline3 are excellent IPTV apps and it comes down to personal preference on what you like the best.

I’m a big TiviMate user and I have it installed on all of my devices.  But, after using MYTVOnline3 for the past few weeks, I’ve gotten familiar with it and like it just as much as TiviMate if not a bit more.  As with everything in life, it takes getting used to before forming an opinion.

The Z11 Pro Max cures the common pain points found on most streaming devices.

• 32 GB of internal storage
• No ads on launcher
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Frequent updates
• Remote with Custom Buttons
• Beautiful IPTV app
• Plenty of expansion opportunities (USB slots and Micro SD Slot)

If you want to break free from the big tech companies and their streaming systems, this device is for you.  They’ve future-proofed it in many areas and their continual updates should keep it running at peak performance for a long time to come.

If you’re an IPTV user and also enjoy using free APKs, I’m confident that you will like the Z11 Pro Max.

Here’s my TROYPOINT ranking system for reviews.

Terrible – Bad – OK – Good – Great

My ranking looks at the features offered, how well those features work, and price.

I rank the new Formuler Z11 Pro Max as Great.

Buy Formuler Z11 Pro Max $199.99

What are your thoughts on the new Z11 Pro Max?  Tell us what you think in the comments below.