I say STBemu and GSE iptv. STBemu is not optimal to use but i like how it looks, like a mag box. GSE is great when you want to search for a movie or channel.
I have stopped using kode because it only buffered when I used the .m3u playlist. And now in version 18.0 they have no ssh support.
I now use stbemu and gse and it works perfectly. I can recommend them.
Kodi is a great player if you download movies in scene releases. It allows you to stream .rar archives over the network without unpacking. And with the kore remote app on the phone it's great.
I would not buy an apple product as my experience has only been negative with them. I guess you get a little what you pay for. nVidia is fantastic but expensive Mi box cheaper and maybe not as good.
I have set up two u2c z turbo boxes that have been ok for iptv and film in 1080p. I have no 4k TV...
My two main units are Nvidia shield and RPI3 with optical sound card. I have helped friends with different types of china boxes och smart tvs and my favorites are nVidia shield and Mi box with the stbemu app. But you can download other apps because it is android.
They are fast, good boxes in...