What is IPTV and how does it work?

IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) means watching TV through your internet connection instead of a cable box, satellite dish or antenna. Millions of cord-cutters in the USA and Canada now use IPTV to watch live channels, sports, movies and series on the devices they already own. Here's everything a beginner needs to know.

How does IPTV work?

Instead of receiving channels through a coaxial cable, an IPTV service sends video streams over the internet. You install an IPTV player app on your device, log in with the details your provider gives you, and the app shows the channels, a TV guide and on-demand content.

• Live TV: channels streamed in real time, like cable.
• VOD (Video on Demand): movies and series you start whenever you want.
• Catch-up: replay programs that already aired, on supported channels.

What do you need?

1. An internet connection: about 10 Mbps for HD and 25 Mbps or more for 4K.
2. A device: Amazon Firestick, Smart TV, Android TV box, Apple TV, phone, tablet or computer.
3. An IPTV player app: such as TiviMate or IPTV Smarters Pro.
4. An IPTV subscription: it gives you the login details (Xtream Codes or M3U playlist).

Xtream Codes vs M3U: what's the difference?

These are the two ways to log in. Xtream Codes uses a server URL, username and password, and loads live TV, movies, series and the TV guide automatically — it's the easiest option. An M3U playlist is a single link that contains the channel list; it works in almost every player, including VLC.

Why are people in the USA and Canada switching to IPTV?

• Lower cost than most cable and satellite packages — see IPTV vs cable.
• No contract and no equipment rental.
• Watch anywhere on TV, phone or laptop.
• One app for live TV, sports, movies and series.

How to get started

1. Choose a plan on our pricing page (from $15, no auto-renewal).
2. Receive your login details by email or WhatsApp.
3. Follow the setup guide for your device: Firestick, Smart TV, Android or Apple.

Not sure which provider to pick? Read how to choose the best IPTV provider.