Your IPTV subscription provides the channels, films and series. The IPTV app is the player that turns them into a TV guide you can browse with your remote. Pick the right one and IPTV feels just like cable TV. Pick the wrong one and you get a clunky menu and a guide that never loads.
Here are the best IPTV apps in the UK for each device, and how to choose.
What makes a good IPTV app?
- Xtream Codes login. Lets you sign in with a Server URL, Username and Password, which loads channels, films, series and the TV guide in one go.
- A fast TV guide (EPG). A proper grid showing what is on now and next on every channel.
- Catch-up support. Lets you watch shows from the past few days if your plan includes catch-up.
- Favourites and groups. So you can hide the channels you never watch.
- Regular updates. An app that is still maintained keeps working with new TVs and new software.
Best IPTV apps at a glance
| App | Best on | Why people choose it |
|---|---|---|
| IBO Player | Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung & LG Smart TVs, Android and iPhone/iPad | Easy setup from your phone, one app on most devices |
| IPTV Smarters Pro | Android phones, Windows, Mac | Simple layout for live TV, films and series |
| Smarters Player Lite / iMPlayer | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV | Clean apps from the App Store |
| MyTVOnline | Formuler boxes | Built into the box |
IBO Player: our recommended IPTV app
IBO Player is the app we recommend and the one we help customers with most. It is available on Fire TV, Android TV and Google TV, Samsung and LG Smart TVs, and Android and Apple phones and tablets, so you can use the same app on most of the screens in your home. It supports Xtream Codes playlists, a live TV guide (EPG), films and series.
The setup is what makes it easy. Instead of typing a long URL with a TV remote, you note the Device ID and Device Key shown on your TV, then add your IPTV playlist from your phone or computer on the IBO Player website. Restart the app and your channels load.
IBO Player usually offers a free trial and then asks for a one-off activation fee to the developer. This is separate from your IPTV subscription. Telemo customers can message support before paying anything.
Choose IBO Player if: you want one simple app on your Firestick, Smart TV, Android TV box and phone. See our guides to IPTV on Firestick and IPTV on Samsung and LG Smart TVs.
IPTV Smarters Pro: an alternative for phones and computers
IPTV Smarters Pro has a simple home screen with separate buttons for Live TV, Movies, Series and Catch-up. It is easy to understand, which makes it a good alternative on Android phones and tablets, and it also has a desktop app for Windows and Mac.
Choose IPTV Smarters Pro if: you mostly watch on a laptop or prefer its layout.
Smarters Player Lite and iMPlayer: alternatives for Apple devices
On Apple devices, apps come from the App Store only. Smarters Player Lite and iMPlayer both support Xtream Codes login, live TV, films and series, and work on iPhone, iPad and Apple TV.
Choose them if: IBO Player is not available for your Apple device. Setup takes about five minutes.
How to choose the best IPTV app for you
- Start with IBO Player. It works on Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung and LG TVs and phones. On Apple TV, Mac or a Formuler box, use Smarters Player Lite, iMPlayer, IPTV Smarters Pro or MyTVOnline.
- Think about how you watch. Mostly live TV and sport? A strong TV guide matters most. Mostly films and box sets? A clear on-demand library matters more.
- Try before you pay. Most apps have a free version or trial. Test them with your subscription before buying any upgrade.
Does the IPTV app affect picture quality?
Not much. Picture quality depends mainly on your IPTV provider, your internet connection and your device. A good app makes the experience smoother, with faster channel switching and a better guide. It will not turn an HD stream into 4K.
Get set up in minutes
Telemo IPTV UK works with the apps above, and IBO Player is the one we recommend. Our installation guide has step-by-step instructions for every device, and our UK support team can help you choose the best app. Compare IPTV subscription plans.
