IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television. It means TV channels delivered through your internet connection rather than through a satellite dish, an aerial or a cable network. You watch with an app on a smart TV, streaming stick, phone or computer.
What you need
| You need | Example |
|---|---|
| An internet connection | 15 Mbps or more for Full HD |
| A device | Fire TV Stick, Android TV, Samsung or LG TV, iPhone, MAG box |
| A player app | TiviMate, IPTV Smarters, IBO Player |
| A subscription | Viking IPTV, which sends your login by email |
The app and the subscription are separate: the app is the remote control and screen, the subscription is the channels.
How it feels to use
After logging in, you see a channel list grouped by country or theme and a TV guide showing what is on now and next. You change channels like on cable. Many players add favourites, search, catch-up on some channels, and recording.
IPTV vs streaming apps
Netflix-style apps are on-demand: you choose a title and press play. IPTV is mainly live: scheduled channels, news, and sport as it happens. Some services include both.
IPTV vs cable and satellite
| Delivered by | Your internet | Cable network or dish |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Any compatible device | Provider's box |
| Contract | Usually prepaid plans | Often long contracts |
| Works abroad | Usually yes | No |
Is it legal?
IPTV is a technology, used by many licensed broadcasters and telecom companies. Whether a particular service is legal depends on whether it holds the rights to its channels in your country. Read is IPTV legal.
Next: how IPTV works and our IPTV glossary.
Questions and answers
What does IPTV mean?
Internet Protocol Television: TV channels delivered over the internet.
Do I need a special box for IPTV?
No. A smart TV app, a streaming stick, a phone or a computer is enough.
Is IPTV the same as Netflix?
No. IPTV is mostly live channels; Netflix is on-demand.
More iptv explained guides
- M3U playlist explained
- Xtream Codes login explained
- EPG: the IPTV TV guide explained
- IPTV catch-up explained
- Recording IPTV: what works
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