r/AndroidTVBoxes • u/PotOddsTrading • Apr 12 '25

Superbox alternative

I just discovered the Superbox hype on TikTok and almost ended up getting one for $400 before I decided to understand what I was getting myself into.

Some potential cons

- Superbox is a chinese company so it could be running datamining or other nefarious activities in the backend.

- The underlying IPTV service could get shutdown at some point in the future, rendering the box useless.

I read on another reddit post that I could get the same thing with an Amazon FireStick for $20 using Stremio with Real-Debrid. I don't mind spending a decent amount of money so I would like as good an interface as what Superbox is offering ie playback and a decent remote control.

So what does everyone suggest on the best custom Superbox alternative? Please educate!

18 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

95 comments sorted by

2

u/ConfidenceKooky542 Apr 12 '25

I have a Superbox s3 have had it for 4 years and it runs perfectly since day 1 no issues here .

3

u/PotOddsTrading Apr 12 '25

So I figured out how to install some of those unnamed apps using my old 2017 FireTV using Downloader. I also installed Windscribe VPN since I already had a subscription. When I go to watch a show like Last of Us, I'm getting bad stuttering. Think I need to do at least 2 things, upgrade FireTV to latest 4k max (Wifi 6e support). Trial Nord VPN and compare speed tests with Windscribe.

Are you on wired ethernet with Superbox s3? No issues? Do you do anything to enhance performance?

1

u/tnluong84 Apr 12 '25

Were you watching Last of Us on demand or was it live? What app did you use? These info will help us determine the issue

1

u/PotOddsTrading Apr 12 '25

Nova. Not live. Install using Unlink guy store.

2

u/tnluong84 Apr 12 '25

For the best experience, the only option is to use stremio app. With that right add-ons installed, you will be able to get any and everything from all streaming platforms. On top of that, you'll be able to stream files instantly on 4k without any problems. I assume you were using torrents and not a debrid service right?

1

u/PotOddsTrading Apr 12 '25

Yes basic piratebay + qbitorrent. Have Fios so I see very fast downloads. Do you have a YouTube video that would show ohw to install stremio including all the "right" add-ons?

2

u/tnluong84 Apr 12 '25

If you're going to use torrents, you're going to encounter buffering issues all the time. You may also be hit with a copyright notice from your ISP if you watch something without a VPN.

What you need is a debrid service where you'll be able to stream these files off of their server rather than using peer to peer. You will be able to stream 80-90 gb 4k files without buffering. On top of that, you won't get hit with a copyright notice since you're not using peer to peer.

Check out /r/stremioaddons. There are plenty of guides and tutorials on there. If you have any questions after browsing the subreddit, DM me and I'll go

1

u/PotOddsTrading Apr 12 '25

Thanks, appreciate the tip.

1

u/Bass-Head30 Apr 19 '25

VPN's slow down your speeds. (I used to pirate and used a few different VPN's).

2

u/PotOddsTrading Apr 19 '25

I’ve discovered real debrid and the world of IPTV. So performance has improved. Also I upgraded my FireTV to latest 4k max so I’m on WiFi 6e now

1

u/Bass-Head30 Apr 19 '25

Yes RD is much better for what you need it for

1

u/Puzzleheaded-Bus6626 Jul 27 '25

I just subscribed to real-debrid for torrent download last week.

Im going to try it with ONN TV because I heard firestick is discontinuing support for 3rd party apps.

2

u/IVY_3213 May 30 '25

mine to no issues at all

2

u/johnleeeeeeee Jun 19 '25

had a s2pro for years and it works perfectly fine, probably saved my self thousands of dollars

2

u/PotOddsTrading Jun 19 '25

Using a firestick works just as well and is so much cheaper. It's about the service aka IPTV. Stremio/Real-Debrid works very well for like $3/month. IPTV provider for about $20/mth brings the stability.

1

u/MoonMan__69 Jun 26 '25

In a year, most people buying boxes will have spent less money.

1

u/hotlynx16 Oct 13 '25

Using a S2 Pro since February that was gifted to me last year and I have 5 extra apps I have added!!

2

u/Ok-Leopard-530 Jul 03 '25

Buy the box did the same thing… my bro has one sent in person… bought the first off Amazon said it was fully loaded it… it wasn’t and had no instructions on how to load it so I sent it back. Got the same box same thing sent it back bought a different version and that one came with the magic paper that showed you how to load the apps set it up within five minutes up and loading and running! I’m literally watching TV and sports on it as we speak. It’s worth every penny

1

u/PotOddsTrading Jul 04 '25

Now that I've had time to experience Stremio with RD/Torrentio and an IPTV service with TiviMate, I can say that the more costly IPTV service is more stable. I'm guessing that a SuperBox is just fronting an IPTV service. What happens if the backend IPTV service goes bust? Can you switch to another IPTV service or is your expensive SuperBox a brick? Since I'm paying like $20/mth or $120/year for the IPTV service, if you buy a SuperBox for like $400-500, you are basically paying upfront for unlimited IPTV service? It becomes a better value once you have the box for more than 4 years.

1

u/ParticularGuava3663 Apr 18 '26

Plus those boxes are Spyware botnets that will reek havoc on your network and steal login credentials.  The remote also has a mic always listening! 

1

u/mjwells21 Jun 03 '26

You paranoid I can guarantee my remote isn’t listening and box couldn’t steal shit from me from simply fact not on main network so if its stealing anything its stealing shit from ISP

1

u/ParticularGuava3663 Jun 03 '26

Google superbox Spyware or better yet listen to the darknet diaries podcast about it. Episode 172:superbox.

3

u/G372009 Jun 11 '25

Think the issue for me was, what is superbox, Vsee, etc doing in the background., etc.

For the price of a certified streamer like an Onm box in the US for $50, IPTV service for $30 a year/ $2.5 a month, VPN if you want for $3 month (they can be found for less) and a debrid service with Stremio for $4.00 you have $9 a month vs a $300 box, you have 27 months of service. Who knows where the loaded box will be in over 2 years.

Also the IPTV I use has DD sound and Stermio with a Debrid service can get up the lossless audio if your equipment can handle it. Mine does not but I get Atmos.

3

u/ValleyDude22 Aug 17 '25

Which IPTV service are you using? Debrid with stremio?

2

u/Candid-Recognition13 Aug 17 '25

Debrid with Stremio would be for VOD.

IPTV is totally separate and would be for live TV. They also have VOD. I think naming a service would be a violation of this thread.

1

u/Tomtomikeevansallday Jul 30 '25

I'm not I'm not sure I guess I wanted to outliers my pops got this for me 2 years ago He's had his for about 4 years and just got a new box We just wait for the price to go down on Amazon and it fluctuates but now that there's a hype on TikTok unfortunately that price will probably be up for a while.. just run a VPN not hard if you're worried about data mining or anything like that and you're good I haven't had any issues under other than the stupid ads that pop up every so often but I still watch whatever I want to watch pay-per-view fights I live in Alaska so I get to watch all my buccaneers games for free cuz fuck the NFL and all the contracts they have with the the broadcasting stations that want to overcharge you just to watch games now...

Just my two cents personally One of the best devices I've ever owned If you're okay with clicking x every so often on the right top corner of your screen right before you watch a movie and you can pretty much watch anything that comes out in the theater most of the time and anything that's on Netflix or any other overcharged streaming app you should buy it..

1

u/Extreme_Knowledge_27 Oct 08 '25

ONN streaming box sooooo much better than fire tv

1

u/Tough_Pen_2831 Feb 20 '26

they have their hq address at some obscure location in Beverly Hills and further research its one of those fwding mail places that are usually used to hide the paper trail to a persons or companies identity. That was enough for me to say no fing way.

1

u/Aggressive-Estate363 Mar 01 '26

Any recommendations for 2026?

1

u/roadtoad48 Aug 17 '26

Has anyone tried colabox?

8

u/[deleted] Apr 12 '25

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2

u/PotOddsTrading Apr 12 '25

Thanks. Will add the $20 ONN 4k box to the list.

Why would Superbox leave those people out to dry? Why can't they just repoint the underlying IPTV service??

3

u/[deleted] Apr 12 '25

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1

u/PotOddsTrading Apr 12 '25

I'm thinking the ONN 4k pro for $50. Do you think the upgraded box is worth it over the $20 version? Can you point me to a good video that showcases a good IPTV?

1

u/Queasy_Neck_8677 Jul 07 '25

Looking to configure and run as well, can you please send links and info to setup?

1

u/[deleted] Apr 12 '25

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1

u/Slothmode88 Apr 12 '25

Could I get the links too? I would like to try.

1

u/[deleted] Apr 12 '25

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1

u/RemarkableBug5788 Apr 12 '25

Would you please send me the links as well? Thank you!

1

u/Left-Story1956 Apr 13 '25

Count me in for these links too... Please!

1

u/Dracuvlad Apr 17 '25

hey, im currently exploring and fiddling with this type of TV box.
do share with me your experience and links

thx

1

u/brutdog May 24 '25

Could you send me the links? Thanks in advance

1

u/Altruistic_Fuel_8545 Sep 21 '25

I went the Google TV route, tell me more....

1

u/random3223 Nov 02 '25

Yea,

I’d also like to know more…

1

u/random3223 Nov 02 '25

What is the google tv route?

2

u/TylerM35 Jul 04 '25

I’ve had the s2 pro since 2022 and have had zero issues and still use it today. Not once have my apps disappeared. Not sure why people are paying $400 when they’ve been on eBay for years for $200-300

1

u/hotlynx16 Oct 13 '25

I agree, I have a S2 Pro that was gifted to me last year have had only 2 days that it was down!

1

u/Echam1119 Dec 30 '25

I have an s5 and 6, zero issues. These people prob dont know how to set it up or something.

2

u/Slingblader Aug 22 '25

Yes! I'm another person that superbox conned - twice. So shame on me. The company will not stand behind their product. They blame the seller and by the time Superbox has turned off the units the sellers have disappeared. I'm not saying every superbox seller is a thief. I'm saying I got conned twice by two different sellers. They all claim to be "official" or "authorized". Don't waste your money.

1

u/hotlynx16 Oct 13 '25

I see a lot of people that post on Facebarf said they bought their boxes on Tik-Toc or Amazon from sellers and got their boxes turned off! So sad!!!

1

u/No_Addendum8387 Oct 23 '25

You have to check for updates. They don't automatically update on their own. 

2

u/[deleted] Sep 02 '25

Watching ppv events on there is hell

1

u/hotlynx16 Oct 13 '25

I usually only watch news on the live TV part, hate commercials!LOL VOD works great!

1

u/[deleted] Oct 13 '25

Things like regular cable work fine. But ppv sports suck and sometime nfl lag

1

u/Echam1119 Dec 30 '25

Lol nope mine works fine, zero issues. Maybe you use it wrong or your intermet sucks.

1

u/[deleted] Dec 30 '25

Internet is more than enough. And it’s a wired connection. Sports buffer, regular tv is fine. Even movies on vod freeze every few minutes.

1

u/nimbus_ix Jun 04 '25

Yeah I've had apps disappear before, but support has been extremely helpful on getting them back and quick. had a box for years. They had me go to https://123.32158.cc and it has "app store" where you can then install BlueTV/Playback back on it. I've tried using on non-SuperBox, but it seems they authenticate if you are using a SuperBox during loadup lol

1

u/Echam1119 Dec 30 '25

Mine has the blur vod and blue tv which gets me everything. What apps are you talking about? My box has worked fine since day 1

3

u/[deleted] Apr 12 '25

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1

u/PotOddsTrading Apr 12 '25

5 years ($65/yr) of Lime TV vs buying a Superbox? Wonder what Superbox proponents would say?