IPTV App Accessing on-demand TV shows and movies on Android devices has become straightforward. However, for live TV, premium services like Sling and YouTube TV provide comprehensive solutions at a cost. Fortunately, if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, free IPTV services offer a viable solution. All you need is a reliable IPTV app and a trustworthy IPTV source.
In this guide, we will explore the top IPTV apps for Android and Android TV to help you find the best options for streaming live TV.
What is an IPTV App?
Similar to media players like Kodi, IPTV apps require configuration by the user to stream content. They act as platforms where you input channels, playlists, and other sources. Importantly, IPTV apps are completely legal, as they do not host content themselves.
These apps typically don’t support direct streaming from mainstream services like Netflix or Hulu. Instead, they rely on M3U files that you need to add manually. It is recommended to avoid using IPTV apps for accessing illegal streams.
Due to restrictions from Google, some IPTV apps may only be available for download from reputable APK sites. However, similarly named apps might be available on the Google Play Store. For Apple users, many of these apps can still be found in the Apple App Store.
Top IPTV Apps for Android
1. Televizo
Televizo is an excellent IPTV app for smartphones and tablets. It requires an M3U playlist for streaming and provides access to a broad selection of global TV services.
Televizo offers a user-friendly interface, supports Electronic Program Guides (EPGs) for channels that offer them, and features seamless channel switching via an on-screen overlay. The app also supports external video players, subtitles, and favorites management. Advanced customization options are also available. However, occasional pop-up ads may be encountered, which can be removed through an in-app purchase.
2. IPTV Smarters Player
IPTV Smarters Player is a popular app among users of paid IPTV services. While many providers offer a branded version of this app, the “white label” version allows you to use it with an M3U URL from any provider. It supports multiple logins, on-demand movies, TV shows, and catch-up channels, depending on your IPTV services.
Smarters Player works well on mobile devices but is especially optimized for larger screens, making it an ideal choice for Android TV. It also integrates with external video players, such as VLC and Perfect Player.
3. TiviMate
TiviMate is widely considered the top IPTV app for Android TV. However, it is designed exclusively for set-top boxes and not compatible with mobile phones. It supports multiple playlists, allows you to rename and hide channels or categories, and even import custom channel logos.
The free version of TiviMate is suitable for users with a single playlist and casual viewing habits. For heavy users, the premium version is recommended. It supports up to five devices and offers both subscription and one-time payment options. A 5-day free trial is available for TiviMate Premium.
4. OTT Navigator
Both apps offer similar features, including channel and category filters (by genre, favorites, country, and more), as well as customization options and a search function. While some may prefer TiviMate’s modern interface, OTT Navigator is equally popular among IPTV power users.
5. GSE Smart IPTV
GSE Smart IPTV is recognized as one of the best IPTV apps for Android, known for its sleek design and user-friendly interface. It offers an EPG layout similar to traditional cable TV, enhancing the user experience. GSE Smart IPTV supports multiple platforms, including Android, iOS, Android TV, and Apple TV, and is compatible with Chromecast.
The app can stream live content from various sources, such as HTTP, HLS, M3U8, MMS, and RTSP. It also supports parental controls, subtitles, and multiple formats. GSE Smart IPTV is ad-supported but offers advanced features for both mobile and Android TV users.
6. Perfect Player IPTV
Perfect Player IPTV is another top choice for Android TV users. It supports M3U and XSPF playlists and provides EPG support in various formats. The app offers multiple decoding options and includes features such as local content viewing, UDP-to-HTTP proxy server support, and automatic synchronization with the desktop version.
Its visually appealing design mimics the EPG interface of cable and satellite TV, making it a popular alternative to native live TV apps.
7. Lazy IPTV
Lazy IPTV supports M3U playlists in open-view, ZIP, and GZ formats, as well as XSPF playlists. Users can easily add new content via local file systems or URLs. It supports HTTP and UDP streams and can also stream content from YouTube and VK.
Lazy IPTV offers customizable features, such as adding favorites, creating playlist groups, and exporting playlists. While it is optimized for mobile devices, it is less suited for Android TV.
8. IPTV Pro
IPTV Pro is a premium option for users with a dedicated Android set-top box. It supports M3U and XSPF playlists and provides EPG support via XMLTV and JTV formats. With a UDP proxy installed, the app can handle multicast streams.
IPTV Pro offers customization options, such as viewing channels in list, grid, or tile format, and features like auto-start and resume watching from the last viewed channel.
What About Free IPTV on Kodi?
While this article focuses on dedicated IPTV apps, Kodi can also play IPTV content but serves broader purposes beyond IPTV streaming. Similarly, Plex offers some preloaded IPTV channels, although it does not support M3U playlists.