Accessing on-demand TV shows and movies on your Android device has never been easier. However, when it comes to live TV, premium services like Sling and YouTube TV offer comprehensive solutions at a cost. Fortunately, if you know where to look, you can bypass these expensive subscriptions by using free IPTV services. All you need is an IPTV apps and a reliable IPTV source.
So, what is the best IPTV apps for Android and Android TV? Continue reading to discover the top options.
What Is an IPTV App?
You may be familiar with Kodi; IPTV apps function in a similar way. They are media players that require user configuration to stream content. These apps are essentially platforms that need you to input channels, playlists, and other sources to function. As such, IPTV apps are completely legal.
Typically, these apps do not support direct streaming from services like Netflix or Hulu. Instead, they utilize M3U files, which you need to add to the IPTV apps. We advise against using IPTV apps to access illegal streams.
Due to ongoing restrictions by Google, some of these apps may only be downloadable from reputable APK sites (though similarly named apps might be available on the Play Store). We have included links to trusted sources in this article where necessary. For Apple users, many of these apps are still accessible through the Apple App Store.
1. Televizo
One The Best IPTV Apps
The optimal IPTV application for your needs largely depends on the type of device you are using. While some applications are specifically tailored for Android TV boxes, Televizo stands out as an excellent choice for smartphones and tablets.
The app requires an M3U playlist to function; once installed—either via download or URL—you gain access to a comprehensive global TV service.
Televizo is user-friendly and efficient. It supports Electronic Program Guides (EPGs) for channels that provide them, allows seamless channel switching through a non-intrusive on-screen overlay, and offers the option to watch shows in an external player. The app also supports subtitles, enables you to mark favorite channels for quick access, and includes a variety of advanced settings for customization.
The only drawback is the occasional appearance of pop-up ads, though this can be resolved with an in-app purchase.
2. Smarters Player
One The Best IPTV Apps
If you have subscribed to a paid IPTV service, you are likely familiar with the branded version of the IPTV Smarters Player app provided by many distributors. This app is widely preferred among providers.
However, you need not depend on the branded version. With an M3U URL from your provider, you can utilize the app’s “white label” version, which offers all the same features as its branded counterpart and supports multiple logins—an advantage over the branded versions that typically do not.
Smarters Player accommodates on-demand movies and TV shows, as well as catch-up channels (if available from your provider). It also integrates with external video players such as Perfect Player and VLC for an enhanced viewing experience.
Although Smarters Player performs admirably on mobile devices, it truly excels on a TV, making it an essential IPTV apps for Android TV.
3. TiviMate
One The Best IPTV Apps
In our assessment, TiviMate stands out as the premier IPTV application for Android TV. However, it is exclusively designed for use on set-top boxes and is not compatible with mobile phones.
TiviMate offers robust features, including support for multiple playlists, the ability to rename channels and categories, and the option to hide categories. Users can import custom channel logos, rearrange channels in the TV guide, and utilize the search function to find specific channels or currently airing shows.
The free version of TiviMate is adequate for users with a single playlist and infrequent viewing habits. For those who use IPTV extensively, upgrading to the premium version is advisable. The premium subscription allows installation on up to five devices and offers both subscription and one-time payment options. Additionally, a 5-day free trial is available for those interested in exploring TiviMate Premium.
4. OTT Navigator
One The Best IPTV Apps
OTT Navigator emerges as a prominent competitor to TiviMate on the Android TV platform. It is equally favored by power users and shares numerous features with TiviMate.
Both applications offer similar functionalities, including channel and category filters (by channels, genres, seasons, years, favorites, ratings, and countries), customization options, and a search tool.
While TiviMate’s interface may be perceived as slightly more modern and user-friendly, preferences may vary. It is advisable to explore both applications to determine which best suits your IPTV needs.
5. GSE Smart IPTV
One The Best IPTV Apps
GSE Smart IPTV is widely recognized as one of the premier IPTV applications for Android, and its acclaim is well-deserved. The app is notable for its exceptional design, featuring a sleek interface and an electronic program guide (EPG) layout reminiscent of traditional cable TV, which enhances user experience.
Moreover, GSE Smart IPTV offers extensive compatibility across various platforms, including Android, Android TV, iOS, and Apple TV. It also supports Chromecast, and for users with Amazon Fire TV devices, sideloading APK files allows for installation.
In terms of features, GSE Smart IPTV supports EPG content, native parental controls, and subtitle options. It is capable of streaming live content from multiple sources, including HTTP, HLS, M3U8, MMS, RTSP, and RTMP. The app is ad-supported and suitable for both Android TV and mobile Android devices.
6. Perfect Player IPTV
One The Best IPTV Apps
Perfect Player IPTV is another highly regarded application, particularly favored by Android TV users seeking an alternative to the native Live Channels app. The app supports M3U and XSPF playlists, and it provides flexibility in adding an electronic program guide through various formats.
The application also offers multiple decoder options, including Auto, Native, Software, Hardware, and HW+. Additional features include the capability to view locally saved content, support for UDP-to-HTTP proxy servers, and automatic synchronization with the desktop version of the app for a seamless user experience.
Similar to GSE Smart IPTV, Perfect Player IPTV boasts a visually appealing design that draws inspiration from cable and satellite TV EPGs.
7. Lazy IPTV
One The Best IPTV Apps
Lazy IPTV supports M3U playlists in open-view, ZIP, and GZ formats, as well as XSPF (XML Shareable Playlist Format). Adding new content is straightforward; users can access media from their local file system or paste URLs directly from the web or clipboard. The application is compatible with HTTP and UDP streams and supports video playback from YouTube and VK. Additionally, Lazy IPTV features a built-in audio player for internet radio channels.
From a usability perspective, Lazy IPTV offers functionalities such as adding favorites, utilizing nested folders, and creating playlist groups. Users can also export their playlists if they choose to transition to another application. The home screen is customizable, allowing users to add shortcuts to frequently watched channels and adjust the content display.
While Lazy IPTV is well-suited for mobile devices, it is less optimized for the larger screens of Android TV.
8. IPTV Pro
One The Best IPTV Apps
For those using a dedicated Android set-top box for IPTV, the IPTV Pro app is a premium option worth considering. IPTV Pro is a fast and reliable IPTV player designed for Android.
The app supports both M3U and XSPF playlists and provides EPG support via XMLTV and JTV. If you have a UDP proxy installed on your local network, the app can also handle multicast streams.
Best IPTV Pro offers customization options, including displaying channels in list, grid, or tile views. It features an auto-start function for device boot-ups and a “resume watching” feature that automatically plays the most recently watched channel.
What About Free IPTV on Kodi?
One The Best IPTV Apps
This review focused on applications dedicated to IPTV service. While Kodi can play IPTV content, it encompasses a broader range of features, making a direct comparison less relevant. Additionally, consider Plex, which, although it does not support M3U playlists, offers some preloaded IPTV channels.