IPTV player apps: the best one for each device

An IPTV player is the app that turns your login details into a TV guide and a picture. It doesn’t provide any channels itself, so you can pick whichever one feels best on your device and change your mind later. Here’s how the main options compare.

The short list

TiviMate: best on Android TV and Firestick

TiviMate looks and feels like a cable box: a fast grid guide, channel groups, favourites and catch-up when your subscription supports it. It only runs on Android TV-based devices. The free version is enough to watch; Premium adds multiple playlists, recording and more. See our TiviMate setup guide.

IPTV Smarters Pro: best all-rounder

If your household mixes devices, Smarters is the simplest answer: the same app, the same login, on the Firestick, the phone and the laptop. The interface uses big tiles rather than a grid guide, which some people find easier. Our IPTV Smarters Pro guide covers every device.

IBO Player and Smart IPTV: for smart TVs

Samsung and LG TVs can’t run TiviMate, so these two are the usual choices. Both link your playlist to the TV’s MAC address through a website, and both need a paid activation after a free trial. Read our IBO Player guide for the steps.

VLC: for a quick test

VLC plays an M3U link on almost any device, without a proper TV guide. It’s handy to check that a link works, not for everyday viewing.

How to choose

1. Start from the device. On a Firestick or an Android TV box, try TiviMate. On a Samsung or LG TV, try IBO Player. On a phone or computer, use Smarters.
2. Try the free version first. Only pay for Premium or an activation once you know you’ll keep using it.
3. Buy upgrades from the developer only. Modified “unlocked” apps are a common source of malware.

Whichever player you choose, the login comes from your subscription. You can compare plans for the US, the UK or Canada.