1. Peak-hour stability, not channel count
Any provider looks good at 2pm on a Tuesday. The test is Saturday evening during a big match. Ask for a trial and use it then — if a provider refuses a trial, that is your answer.
2. Does it work on the device you own?
A service tied to a single proprietary app leaves you stuck if that app breaks or gets removed from the store. Look for M3U and portal support so you can use IPTV Smarters, TiviMate, VLC, Kodi or the built-in Smart TV apps.
3. A real EPG
A complete, accurate programme guide is a sign of a maintained service. If the EPG is missing or wrong, the channel list is probably not curated either.
4. How you pay says a lot
Card payment through a known processor means there is an accountable business behind the service and a path to a refund. Providers that only accept bank transfer or crypto leave you with no recourse at all.
5. Support in your language, at the hours you watch
Problems happen at kick-off, not during office hours. Check whether support answers in the evening and in a language you speak before you commit to a year.