If you have searched for a cheaper or more flexible way to watch TV, you have run into the word IPTV. It sounds technical, but the idea is simple — and once you understand it, choosing an IPTV service gets much easier.
IPTV in one sentence
IPTV — internet protocol television — delivers TV channels and on-demand video over the internet, instead of through a satellite dish, an aerial or a cable network. You watch it in an app called an IPTV player.
How an IPTV service works
An IPTV service provider runs servers that receive channels and encode them into streams. When you press play, your player requests that IPTV stream from the server and shows it on screen, much like a video site — except it is live TV, organised into channels with a TV guide.
- You subscribe and receive login details: Xtream codes (server, username, password) or an M3U playlist link.
- You install a player such as IPTV Smarters Pro or TiviMate on your TV, Firestick, phone or computer.
- You sign in and the player loads channels, the EPG and the movie and series library.
Live TV, VOD and catch-up
Most IPTV subscriptions combine three things:
- Live channels — news, entertainment, kids and sport, grouped by country and category.
- VOD — a library of movies and series you can start whenever you like.
- Catch-up — on supported channels, you can rewind programmes that already aired.
What you need
| Item | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Internet speed | 10 Mbps for HD, about 25 Mbps for 4K IPTV |
| Device | Smart TV, Fire TV Stick, Android TV box, phone, tablet or PC |
| App | An IPTV player: IPTV Smarters Pro, TiviMate, or similar |
| Connection | Ethernet cable if possible; strong 5 GHz Wi-Fi otherwise |
IPTV vs cable and satellite
The big advantages are flexibility and price. There is no installer visit, no dish, and you can usually watch on several types of device. You also pay for fixed periods — one, three, six or twelve months — rather than signing a long contract. The trade-off is that your experience depends on your internet connection and on the quality of the provider's servers.
Free IPTV vs a paid IPTV subscription
You will find plenty of "free" lists online. They are shared by thousands of people at once, which is why they freeze and disappear. We explain the details in our article on public IPTV playlists. A paid IPTV subscription gives you maintained servers, a private login, a TV guide and support.
Is IPTV legal?
IPTV is a legitimate technology used by major broadcasters and telecom operators. Whether a particular service is legal depends on whether it holds the rights to what it distributes and on the law in your country, so check your local rules before subscribing.
How to get started
Pick a plan on our IPTV pricing page, then follow the setup guide for your device. If you are unsure which app to install, read IPTV Smarters Pro vs TiviMate first.
Quick answers
What does IPTV stand for?
Internet protocol television — TV delivered over an internet connection.
Do I need a special box for IPTV?
No. A Smart TV, Firestick, Android box, phone or computer with an IPTV player app is enough.
How much internet speed does IPTV need?
About 10 Mbps for HD and 25 Mbps for 4K, ideally over a wired connection.