How to choose an IPTV player for Android TV

Choose by what your provider gives you, the device you have and the features you really use. Recording, catch-up, multiview and Stalker portals narrow the list fast; after that, profiles, setup and price per TV decide it. Always test with your own playlist first.

We make IPFlix Pro Player, and say below where it is and is not the right pick.

1. 1

   Check what your provider gave you

   An M3U link, an Xtream Codes login (server, username, password) or a Stalker/MAC portal. Almost every player takes M3U and Xtream. Portals need a player that lists Stalker support, such as TiviMate or Sparkle TV; IPFlix does not take them.

   M3U vs Xtream Codes
2. 2

   Check your device

   Android TV and Google TV devices install players from Google Play. Fire TV on Fire OS needs an APK, usually through the Downloader app. Amazon's newer Vega OS Fire TV devices cannot install Android apps at all, so no Android IPTV player runs there.

   Fire TV setup
3. 3

   List your must-have features

   Recording, catch-up, multiview, a phone app, or support for tuners and media servers rule out some players straight away. If you need recording, catch-up or multiview, IPFlix is not the right player today.

   Feature comparison
4. 4

   Think about who shares the TV

   If several people use one TV, look for real profiles: separate favourites, history and categories, and a lock for adult content. Parental controls that only lock settings are not the same thing.

5. 5

   Compare price per TV, not per app

   Some licences cover one TV, some several. Count your TVs before comparing a yearly price with a lifetime one. Prices on Google Play are shown in your local currency.

6. 6

   Test with your own playlist

   A player can look great with a demo list and struggle with a 100,000-channel playlist or a slow EPG. Use a free trial or free version with your real playlist for a few days before paying.