Android Apps

IPTV is short for Internet Protocol TV...ie, uses internet to deliver streaming content. This includes Live TV and Video on Demand (VOD).

Live TV, is like your normal TV, you keep switching channels until you find one you like. VOD, you select show / movies you wanna watch.

TV Apps
You download and install from Play Store, from other markets, or direct source. They are mostly designed for phones, tablets, TV, not Android boxes hence can have issues as they are not sanctioned as such. So be aware that it might work today and not work tomorrow. These are reported working at some point in time. Just remember geo-restriction applies...

Kodi 16 - All boxes work, except very old ones
Kodi 17 - Android 5 and above. Has surround pass-through issue when streaming online contents.
SPMC - Kodi fork. 16.5 above needs Android 5.
FTMC - Another Kodi fork, supports Android 4 boxes.
Netflix (4K) - Best use your Smart TV, Nvidia Shield, Mi Box, sanctioned devices only.
Netflix (SD) - Netflix recently (2Q17) says no more support for rooted device... will work on most boxes.
Netflix (hacked apk) - Heard about it, i know nothing...
iFlix - Q10 pro, Q5 pro, Q16, U1, T95m, U9-H (DIGI internet), KM8 pro, ... most will work some won't
AOTG - Minix U9-H/U1/X8-H, Mi Box, Huawei HyppTV V8, Vensmile U1, Remix Mini, H96 Pro+ (no more after aotg update), R-Box Pro(hacked box?), Fire TV... boxes that doesn't work (all Himedias, all rooted boxes... )
HyppTV - Remix Mini, Mi Box, U1
YouTube (4K) - Chromecast Ultra, Mi Box?
YouTube - All boxes
Fire TV - Amazon Fire TV / Stick
Tonton - Q16,
RTM Mobile - Q16,

Fully loaded is a keyword for ahem apps, and normally they all work...unless abandoned by developer or its content blocked. Some apps are subscription-based.

Lifetime IPTV is ahem service, you're paying someone to manage the ahem app & content. I don't know what lifetime means... Forever? Your lifetime? Box life? IPTV still in business? The boxes sold together are typically low spec, worth RM 100-180...

Google "free TV movie streaming" and you get lots of hit what apk is what...a lot of these apks operates in the legally grey and black area...

Most of the TV apps above are geared for the western / English speaking market. For Mandarin speakers, the Shafa Market apk has links to whole bunch of China based TV apps, however most need VPN to work nowadays outside of China.
Lowyat TV App Threads
Kodi - https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3943906/+2580
SPMC - https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/4182519
Netflix - https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3828808/+680 
iFlix - https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3841807/+120
Astro - https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/4156566/+660
HyppTV - https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/2918894/+2260
Utilities I Find Interesting
1. Set Orientation or Rotation Locker - Force landscape mode for Android TV OS with some sideloaded apks.
2. Network Monitor - View network speed between box & router while streaming.
3. Internet Speed Meter Lite - Shows daily/weekly/monthly data usage.
4. Teamviewer - remote access, control & mirror via phone. https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...post&p=83827691
5. CetusPlay - somewhat like Teamviewer but without mirroring; for remote control within the local network only.
6. Shafa Market - Lots of goodies try it. Lots of links to China based TV apps, a few great utilities...
7. Droid buddy - A bit like Shafa, but only apps for the western market.
ROMs I Find Interesting
Superceleron – Selective boxes for more streamline/bug-free experience.
AndroidTV - Selective boxes for TV OS experience.
Nexus port -

Either way is fine.. Just a matter of which is more convenient for you. Personally, I prefer doing the searching via mobile devices or on the computer.. Upload to my networked drive or designated Dropbox folder.. Then open on the box. I've got decent internet and LAN speeds.. Dropbox is also smart enough to pull the file from the locally connected device than from its servers.. Case dependent.
Welcome.. Kindly read the page one throughly again and the last 10 or so pages.. What you asked has been asked and debated over and over.. If this is too much work? Then sorry to say but the cord cutter's life is not for you yet.

It's definitely more wallet friendly to setup yourself via an Android box.. Though I'd like to point out.. There's no such thing as a "TV Box". There are just devices shaped in the form of a box running different OSes and firmware, which are capable of running apps with IPTV services. Yes, it's easier to just refer to them as tv boxes. But this gives a very wrong idea of their abilities and performance. Plus then noobs just associate all boxes MUST have or come with iptv. Wrong..

Okay, rant done.. Unless you are heavily invested in or intend to do so with Apple's iTunes media services.. Doesn't sound like you are so, skip the Apple TV... As for HiMedia or Minix, you won't go wrong with either boxes. However, the Q10 Pro is a bit of an uncle now, so best to go with the Neo U9-H. Plus Minix firmware are known for having the most app compatibility.. Now, have to spend some time to seek out the better ehem services for you and will work on the chosen device. Some have trial packages. Be wise to use that first to screen. Do remember that none (AFAIK) is as easy to setup and use like a proper Asterruk setup/experience. So give and take.
Yes, you can download and or sideload normal Android apps unto the MiBox. Whether they work satisfactorily or even run is another question entirely.