Top 8 Free IPTV Applications: A Guide to Streaming Live Television on Android

It’s simpler than ever to view on-demand TV shows and movies on your Android device. But what about live TV? Yes, there are services like Sling and YouTube TV. However, if you know where to search, you don’t have to subscribe to their costly plans. You can use free IPTV instead. You just need an IPTV application and an IPTV source.

But which is the top IPTV application for Android and Android TV? Keep reading to discover.

What Is an IPTV Application?

You’ve probably heard of Kodi. Well, IPTV applications are somewhat similar to that. They’re media players, but they are empty shells that can’t stream any content without input from the user. You have the responsibility of adding channels, playlists, and other sources. Thus, IPTV applications are completely legal.

Typically, you can’t use the applications to watch Netflix, Hulu, or directly access content from other third-party providers. You need to acquire an M3U file, which you add to the IPTV application. We don’t recommend using IPTV to gain access to illegal streams.

Due to the ongoing clampdown by Google, the only way to download some of these applications is through trustworthy APK download sites (although you may find some similarly-named applications on the Play Store). We have provided links to them in this article where necessary. If you are also an Apple user, you will find that many of them are still available in the Apple App Store.

1. Televizo

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The top IPTV application for you depends on what type of device you’re using. While some work excellently on Android TV boxes, if you’re using a phone or tablet, you can’t go wrong with Televizo.

The application accomplishes absolutely nothing without an M3U playlist to begin with, but you have the option to install one via a download or a URL and then you’ll have access to a fully functional global television service.

The application is streamlined and user-friendly. It supports electronic program guides (EPGs) for channels that offer them. You can easily switch between channels using an overlay on the screen that doesn’t interrupt your viewing, and if desired, you can watch shows in an external player. The application also supports subtitles, allows you to mark channels as favorites for quick access, and offers a variety of advanced settings to customize if that’s your preference.

The only downside is the occasional pop-up advertisement, but you can eliminate that with an in-app purchase.

Download: Televizo (Free, in-app purchases available)

2. Smarters Player

If you have ever subscribed to a paid IPTV service, there’s a good chance the provider gave you access to a customized version of the IPTV Smarters Player application. It’s the preferred software among many distributors.

However, you don’t need to rely on a branded version. As long as you have an M3U URL from your provider, you can add it to the application and enjoy all the same features. Even better, this “white label” version of Smarters Player allows for multiple logins, whereas the branded versions usually do not.

The application supports on-demand movies and TV shows, as well as catch-up channels (if provided by your provider). It even integrates with external video players (such as Perfect Player and VLC) if you prefer to use their respective interfaces.

Smarters Player is excellent on mobile devices but truly shines on a television. It is definitely one of the essential IPTV applications for Android TV.

Download: Smarters Player Lite (Free, premium version available)

3. TiviMate

In our viewpoint, TiviMate is undeniably the finest IPTV application for Android TV. Unfortunately, it is only intended for use on set-top boxes and not on your phone.

The application supports multiple playlists, the ability to rename channels and categories, and hidden categories. You can import customized channel logos, rearrange the order in which channels appear in the TV guide, and take advantage of the search feature (which functions for both channel names and shows currently being aired).

The free version of TiviMate will be sufficient for individuals with one playlist who don’t watch frequently. If you’re an IPTV power user, it’s worthwhile to upgrade to the premium version. This grants you the ability to install the application on up to five devices.

You have the option to subscribe or make a one-time payment. If you’re interested in TiviMate premium, you can try it out with a 5-day free trial.

Download: TiviMate (Free, available in-app purchases)

4. OTT Navigator

OTT Navigator is the primary competitor to TiviMate on the Android TV platform in terms of IPTV. Like TiviMate, it is popular among advanced users.

There is minimal distinction between the two; the two apps possess numerous similar features. OTT Navigator provides support for filters (based on channels, categories, genres, seasons, years, favorite channels, rating, and country), customization of channels and categories, as well as a search tool.

In our perspective, the TiviMate interface is marginally more contemporary and the user interface is slightly more user-friendly, but your opinion may differ. Be sure to examine both alternatives before determining the most suitable IPTV application for your requirements.

Download: OTT Navigator (Free, available in-app purchases)

5. GSE Smart IPTV

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GSE Smart IPTV is one of the most widely used IPTV applications for Android, and for a valid reason. First, it is among the best-designed applications. The sharp design and EPG layout resembling cable TV make it effortless to overlook that you are utilizing an application.

Second, GSE Clever IPTV is accessible on significantly more platforms than most of its rivals. You’ll discover versions for Android, Android TV, iOS, and Apple TV. The app is also compatible with Chromecast. And remember, you can even install Android apps on Amazon Fire TV devices if you know how to sideload APK files.

In terms of features, GSE Clever IPTV supports EPG content and also provides native parental controls and subtitles support. It can play live streams from HTTP, HSL, M3U8, MMS, RTSP, and RTMP sources. The app is ad-supported and suitable for both Android TV and mobile Android devices.

Download: GSE Clever IPTV (Free, premium version available)

6. Excellent Player IPTV

Excellent Player IPTV is another extremely popular app. It’s particularly well-liked by Android TV users searching for an alternative to the native Live Channels app. It supports M3U and XSPF playlists. And if you wish to include an electronic program guide, you can utilize various formats.

There are also a few different decoder options to select from, including Auto, Native, Software, Hardware, and HW. Other features include the ability to watch locally saved content, UDP-to-HTTP proxy server support, and automatic synchronization with the desktop version of the app for a consistent experience.

Like GSE Clever IPTV, Excellent Player employs a theme that is gentle on the eyes and takes its design cues from cable and satellite TV EPGs.

Download: Excellent Player IPTV (Free, premium version available)

7. Idle IPTV

Idle IPTV supports M3U playlists in open-view, ZIP, and GZ formats. The app can also read playlists in XSPF (XML Shareable Playlist Format).

Adding new content to Idle IPTV is simple. You can access media on your local file system, as well as copy and paste URLs directly from the web or your device’s clipboard. The app works with HTTP and UDP streams and can play videos directly from YouTube and the social network VK. There’s also a built-in audio player for internet radio channels.

From a usability standpoint, Idle IPTV allows you to add favorites, use nested folders, and create playlist groups. You can export your playlists if you ever decide to switch to an alternative app. The app’s home screen is also fully customizable, providing the option to add shortcuts to your most-watched channels and change how the content displays.

Get: Indolent IPTV (Gratis)

8. IPTV Professional

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Finally, if you possess a dedicated Android set-top box that you utilize for observing IPTV, it’s valuable to contemplate a high-quality choice. The IPTV Professional application is a swift and trustworthy IPTV player for Android.

As you would expect, you can add both M3U and XSPF playlists to the application. EPG support comes in the form of XMLTV and JTV. If you possess a UDP proxy (installed via your local area network), you can utilize the IPTV application to play multicast streams.

The application also offers several customization options. It can demonstrate the channels you’ve added in a list, grid, or tile view, contingent upon your preference. It includes a characteristic that allows the application to automatically initiate when its host device powers up, as well as a “resume watching” feature that can automatically play your most recently observed channel.

Get: IPTV Professional ($2.99)

What About Gratis IPTV on Kodi?

In this collection, we concentrated on applications that specialize in IPTV. Kodi can play IPTV content, but it performs a multitude of other tasks that we didn’t believe were a just comparison. Make certain you also contemplate Plex. It doesn’t enable you to add M3U playlists, but it does possess some preloaded IPTV channels that you can explore.