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7 Best IPTV Players in 2024: Complete Guide and Comparison

Updated 18 December 2024 | 12 min read

Collection of best IPTV players on different devices

Choosing the right IPTV player can transform your streaming experience. Whether you're using a Smart TV, Fire Stick, smartphone or computer, there's an IPTV app suited to your needs. In this comprehensive guide, we analyse the 7 best IPTV players available in 2024, their features, advantages and disadvantages in detail.

If you're new to IPTV, we recommend first reading our article What is IPTV? to understand the basics before choosing your application.

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IPTV Players Comparison Table

Before we dive into the details, here's a quick overview of all the IPTV players we'll be analysing:

Player Platforms Price EPG Recording Rating
TiviMate Android TV, Fire Stick GBP4.99/year Yes Yes 9.5/10
IPTV Smarters Pro Android, iOS, Smart TV, Fire Stick, PC Free Yes No 9/10
VLC Media Player Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS Free No Yes 8/10
Perfect Player Android, Android TV Free Yes No 8.5/10
GSE Smart IPTV iOS, Apple TV, Android Free (in-app purchases) Yes No 8.5/10
OTT Navigator Android, Android TV, Fire Stick Free (Premium GBP4.49) Yes Yes 8.5/10
Smart IPTV Samsung, LG Smart TV GBP4.99 (one-time) Yes No 8/10

1. TiviMate - Best for Android TV and Fire Stick

Recommended Rating: 9.5/10

Platforms: Android TV, Fire Stick, Chromecast with Google TV

Price: Free version available | Premium: GBP4.99/year

TiviMate is widely considered the best IPTV player for Android TV and Amazon Fire Stick devices. Its elegant interface and smooth navigation make it an essential choice for streaming enthusiasts who want to watch Premier League and other UK content.

Strengths:

  • Exceptional user interface, optimised for remote control
  • Comprehensive and customisable Electronic Programme Guide (EPG)
  • Programme recording function (Premium version)
  • Multi-screen support (Picture-in-Picture)
  • Catch-up TV and timeshift
  • Advanced favourites management and custom groups
  • Programme reminders

Weaknesses:

  • Not available on iOS
  • Some features require the Premium version

Installation:

  1. On Fire Stick: Search for "TiviMate" in the Amazon App Store
  2. On Android TV: Download from Google Play Store
  3. Open the app and select "Add playlist"
  4. Enter your M3U URL or Xtream Codes credentials
  5. Configure EPG if available

2. IPTV Smarters Pro - The Most Versatile

Multi-platform Rating: 9/10

Platforms: Android, iOS, Smart TV (Samsung, LG), Fire Stick, Windows, Mac

Price: Free

IPTV Smarters Pro is the most versatile IPTV application on the market. Available on virtually all platforms, it offers a consistent experience regardless of the device used.

Strengths:

  • Available on all major platforms
  • Modern and intuitive interface
  • Full subtitle support
  • Integrated EPG programme guide
  • Multi-profile management
  • Parental controls
  • Support for M3U and Xtream Codes formats

Weaknesses:

  • No recording function
  • Adverts in the free version

Installation:

  1. Download from your app store
  2. Choose "Login with Xtream Codes API" or "Load playlist"
  3. Enter your credentials provided by your IPTV service
  4. The app automatically loads your channels and EPG

To configure IPTV Smarters on your Fire Stick, check out our Fire Stick installation guide.

3. VLC Media Player - The Universal Free Solution

100% Free Rating: 8/10

Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS

Price: Free and open source

VLC Media Player is the world's most popular open-source media player. Although not specifically designed for IPTV, it offers excellent compatibility with M3U streams.

Strengths:

  • Completely free and ad-free
  • Open source and regularly updated
  • Excellent codec compatibility
  • Available on all operating systems
  • Ability to record streams
  • Advanced customisation

Weaknesses:

  • No programme guide (EPG)
  • Less intuitive interface for IPTV
  • Channel navigation less practical

Installation and Configuration:

  1. Download VLC from videolan.org
  2. Open VLC and go to Media > Open Network Stream
  3. Paste your M3U URL
  4. Click "Play" to start streaming

4. Perfect Player - The Lightweight Alternative

Lightweight Rating: 8.5/10

Platforms: Android, Android TV

Price: Free

Perfect Player is a lightweight and efficient IPTV player, particularly appreciated for its clean interface inspired by traditional set-top boxes. Ideal for those who prefer a simple and direct experience.

Strengths:

  • Simple and responsive interface
  • Low resource consumption
  • Full EPG support
  • Fast channel switching
  • Built-in dark mode
  • Instant channel changing

Weaknesses:

  • Slightly dated design
  • Not available on iOS

Installation:

  1. Install from Google Play Store
  2. Go to Settings > General > Playlist
  3. Add your M3U URL
  4. Configure EPG in settings

5. GSE Smart IPTV - Best for iOS

Best for Apple Rating: 8.5/10

Platforms: iOS (iPhone, iPad), Apple TV, Android

Price: Free with in-app purchases

GSE Smart IPTV is the reference IPTV player for Apple users. It offers perfect integration with the iOS and Apple TV ecosystem, with an elegant interface and comprehensive features.

Strengths:

  • Optimised for iOS and Apple TV
  • Chromecast and AirPlay support
  • EPG programme guide
  • Built-in parental controls
  • Customisable themes
  • External subtitle support
  • Powerful built-in player

Weaknesses:

  • Some paid features
  • Interface can be complex

Installation:

  1. Download from the App Store
  2. Tap the "+" menu to add a playlist
  3. Choose "Remote Playlists" > "M3U URL"
  4. Enter your M3U link and confirm

6. OTT Navigator - The Most Customisable

Customisable Rating: 8.5/10

Platforms: Android, Android TV, Fire Stick

Price: Free | Premium: GBP4.49

OTT Navigator offers unparalleled customisation, allowing users to create an entirely bespoke IPTV experience. Perfect for advanced users.

Strengths:

  • Extensive interface customisation
  • Support for multiple simultaneous playlists
  • DVR recording (Premium)
  • Catch-up and timeshift
  • Excellent EPG support with multiple sources
  • Cloud synchronisation of favourites

Weaknesses:

  • Steeper learning curve
  • Not available on iOS

Installation:

  1. Download from Google Play or Amazon App Store
  2. Open and select "Add Provider"
  3. Choose your playlist type (M3U, Xtream, etc.)
  4. Configure your preferences and EPG

7. Smart IPTV - For Samsung and LG

Smart TV Rating: 8/10

Platforms: Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV

Price: GBP4.99 (one-time payment)

Smart IPTV is the native application for Samsung and LG Smart TVs, offering perfect integration with these televisions without the need for additional devices.

Strengths:

  • Native Smart TV application
  • Simple configuration via website (siptv.app)
  • Very stable and reliable
  • EPG support
  • One-time payment, no subscription

Weaknesses:

  • Basic interface
  • Limited features

Installation:

  1. Install Smart IPTV from your TV's store
  2. Note the MAC address displayed
  3. Visit siptv.app/mylist on your computer
  4. Enter the MAC address and your M3U URL
  5. Restart the application on your TV

For a detailed guide, see our article How to Set Up IPTV on Smart TV.

Which Player to Choose Based on Your Device?

For Smart TV (Samsung, LG):

Recommended: Smart IPTV or IPTV Smarters Pro - Perfect native integration

For Fire Stick / Android TV:

Recommended: TiviMate (best choice) or IPTV Smarters Pro - Optimal experience

For iPhone / iPad / Apple TV:

Recommended: GSE Smart IPTV - The only serious choice for the Apple ecosystem

For Android Smartphone:

Recommended: IPTV Smarters Pro or Perfect Player - Versatility and simplicity

For Computer (Windows/Mac):

Recommended: VLC Media Player (free) or IPTV Smarters Pro - Proven solutions

IPTV SMARTERS: Compatible With All These Players

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best free IPTV player?

VLC Media Player is the best completely free IPTV player. IPTV Smarters Pro is also free and offers more IPTV-specific features like EPG and favourites management.

Is TiviMate free?

TiviMate offers a free version with basic features. The Premium version (GBP4.99/year) unlocks recording, multi-screen and other advanced features.

Which IPTV player for iPhone?

GSE Smart IPTV is the best choice for Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Apple TV). It offers excellent integration with the Apple ecosystem and supports AirPlay.

How do I add an M3U playlist to my player?

Most players allow you to add a playlist via settings. You can either paste the M3U URL directly or use the Xtream Codes credentials provided by your IPTV service.

What is EPG and why is it important?

EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) is the TV programme guide. It displays current and upcoming programmes, allowing you to plan your viewing sessions and use features like reminders or recording.

Can I use multiple players with the same subscription?

Yes, your IPTV SMARTERS subscription works with all the players mentioned. You can even use different players on different devices according to your preferences.

Are IPTV players legal in the UK?

IPTV applications themselves are perfectly legal. What matters is how you use them. Use them with a legitimate IPTV service like IPTV SMARTERS. See our article on IPTV legality in the UK.

What internet connection do I need for IPTV?

A minimum 10 Mbps connection is recommended for HD streaming, and 25 Mbps for 4K. See our article on internet requirements for IPTV.

Conclusion

The choice of the best IPTV player depends mainly on your device and specific needs. TiviMate remains our number one recommendation for Android TV and Fire Stick users thanks to its exceptional interface and comprehensive features. IPTV Smarters Pro is ideal if you use multiple different devices. For Apple users, GSE Smart IPTV is essential.

Whatever your choice, IPTV SMARTERS is compatible with all these players and offers you a premium streaming experience with over 10,000 channels and 50,000 VOD content - perfect for watching Premier League, Champions League, and all your favourite UK content.

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