Best Applications for Streaming Live Channels Over the Internet

The IPTV app you choose has a significant impact on your viewing experience. A good app provides a clear channel guide, smooth playback, fast channel switching, and reliable performance. Here are the best applications for streaming live TV channels, tested and reviewed for UK users.

For the best experience, use a trusted PROTVHUB IPTV provider like PROTVHUB.

1. TiviMate — Best Overall for Android TV and Firestick

TiviMate IPTV Player is widely regarded as the best IPTV app available for Android TV and Amazon Firestick. Its polished interface, excellent EPG implementation, and smooth 4K playback make it the top choice for living room IPTV viewing.

Platform: Android TV, Amazon Firestick (requires sideloading)

Price: Free (basic) / TiviMate Premium (one-time purchase, approx. £4.99)

Pros:

• Best-in-class EPG with 7-day programme guide
• Genuinely TV-friendly remote navigation
• Hardware decoding for smooth 4K HDR playback
• PVR recording in Premium version
• Multiple profile support in Premium
• Fast channel switching

Cons:

• Not available for iOS or Windows
• Requires sideloading on Firestick (not in Amazon App Store)
• Advanced features require one-time Premium purchase

2. IPTV Smarters Pro — Best Cross-Platform App

IPTV Smarters Pro is the most versatile IPTV player, available across Android, iOS, Windows, Samsung Smart TV, and LG Smart TV. If you watch IPTV on multiple device types, Smarters provides the most consistent cross-platform experience.

Platform: Android, iOS, Windows, Samsung TV, LG TV, Android TV

Price: Free

Pros:

• Available on every major platform
• Works with both M3U and Xtream Codes
• EPG support included
• Basic DVR recording
• Multiple account support

Cons:

• Interface less polished than TiviMate on TV
• Can feel overwhelming for first-time users
• Occasional ads in free version

3. GSE Smart IPTV — Best for iPhone and iPad

GSE Smart IPTV is one of the most capable IPTV players available on iOS, with a clean interface, EPG support, and broad format compatibility including M3U, Xtream Codes, and more.

Platform: iOS (iPhone and iPad), Android

Price: Free with optional in-app purchases

Pros:

• Excellent on iPhone and iPad
• Supports multiple connection methods
• Clean, intuitive interface
• EPG integration

Cons:

• Less suited to TV/Firestick environment
• Some premium features require in-app purchase

4. Kodi — Best Open-Source Media Centre

Kodi is a powerful, free, open-source media centre that supports IPTV through the PVR IPTV Simple Client add-on. It is highly customisable but requires more initial setup than dedicated IPTV apps.

Platform: Android TV, Firestick, Windows, Mac, iOS (limited), Linux

Price: Free

Pros:

• Completely free
• Extremely customisable
• Media centre features beyond IPTV (local media, streaming plugins)
• Strong community and addon ecosystem

Cons:

• Complex initial setup
• Not beginner-friendly
• Interface not optimised for remote-control navigation by default

5. VLC Media Player — Best for PC and Mac

VLC is the classic media player for Windows and Mac computers, capable of playing M3U IPTV playlists with zero additional software. Not designed for IPTV specifically, but works reliably for those who prefer to watch IPTV at a desk.

Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android

Price: Free

Pros:

• Completely free, no account required
• Works on any computer
• No configuration required beyond loading the M3U URL

Cons:

• No EPG support
• Not designed for IPTV — no channel guide or group navigation
• Not suited for TV use

App Comparison Table

All of the above apps are compatible with PROTVHUB subscriptions. Start your free trial and choose the app that best suits your devices and preferences.