IPTV app guide: players compared for Canada
An IPTV app is the player that turns the login IPTV True North e-mails you into a channel grid, a programme guide and on-demand libraries on your screen. The app and the service are separate: we supply the login, you choose the player, and you can switch players at any time without changing anything on our side. This page compares the IPTV apps Canadians actually use, by device, so you can pick the right one in a minute and spend the evening watching. Need a login to test with? Request the 24-hour free trial.
How to choose an IPTV player
Judge an IPTV player on five things:
- Runs on your device. The biggest filter. TiviMate is Android TV and Fire TV only; Smart TVs and Apple devices need something else.
- Accepts Xtream Codes. Xtream login loads live TV, movies, series and EPG together. M3U-only players usually need a separate EPG link.
- Guide quality. A timeline EPG you can scroll by time is what makes live TV pleasant.
- Parental PIN. Matters on a kids' device on a family plan.
- Download source. Install only from the store for your device or the developer's own site. Modified APKs are the leading cause of "app stopped working".
IPTV apps compared
| App | Devices | Xtream Codes | EPG | Recording | Parental PIN | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPTV Smarters Pro | Fire TV, Android, Samsung, LG, Windows, Mac (iOS as Smarters Player) | Yes | Good | Basic | Yes | Free |
| TiviMate | Android TV, Fire TV | Yes | Excellent timeline | Yes (premium) | Yes | Free, premium upgrade |
| Smart IPTV (SIPTV) | Samsung, LG, some Android TVs | M3U via MAC upload | Yes | No | Limited | Small one-time activation fee from the developer |
| IBO Player | Samsung, LG, Fire TV, Android | Yes (via MAC upload) | Yes | No | Yes | Trial then developer fee |
| XCIPTV | Android, Fire TV | Yes | Good | Yes | Yes | Free |
| GSE Smart IPTV | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Android | Yes | Yes | No | Limited | Free with in-app upgrade |
| iPlayTV | Apple TV, iPhone, iPad | Yes | Yes | No | No | Paid from App Store |
| MYTVOnline | Formuler boxes (built in) | Yes | Excellent | Yes | Yes | Included with the box |
| VLC | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | M3U only | No | Manual | No | Free |
| Kodi (with IPTV add-on) | Android, Windows, Mac, Shield | Via add-on | Yes | Yes | Yes | Free |
Prices for third-party apps are set by their developers and change; we do not quote them. Our own prices are on the price page.
Best IPTV app by device
Fire TV Stick
TiviMate for a main TV where you want a cable-style guide and favourites; IPTV Smarters Pro if you prefer a free, simpler layout or want the same look as on your phone. Both install directly or via the Downloader app. Steps: Fire TV in the install hub.
Android TV, Google TV and Nvidia Shield
TiviMate, installed from Google Play, is the standard choice. XCIPTV is a free alternative with recording. Steps: Android TV.
Samsung and LG Smart TVs
IPTV Smarters Pro where the TV's store lists it; otherwise the Smart IPTV app or IBO Player, both of which register your TV's MAC address and take the playlist by upload on the developer's site. Steps: Samsung and LG.
Apple TV, iPhone and iPad
IPTV Smarters Player (the developer's iOS version), GSE Smart IPTV or iPlayTV from the App Store. All accept Xtream Codes. Steps: Apple TV and iPhone and iPad.
Roku
Roku's channel store carries few IPTV players and most accept only an M3U link uploaded on the developer's site. It works, but a Fire TV Stick in a spare HDMI port is the better experience. Steps: Roku.
Windows and Mac
IPTV Smarters Pro for a full guide and on-demand tabs; VLC for a quick M3U playback with no setup. Steps: Windows and Mac.
Formuler and MAG boxes
Formuler ships with MYTVOnline, one of the best built-in players; MAG boxes use a portal rather than an app. Steps: Formuler and MAG.
How to set up any IPTV app with your login
Whatever player you choose, the sequence is the same:
- Install the app from the store for your device or the developer's site.
- Open it and choose the Xtream Codes (sometimes "API" or "Portal") login option.
- Enter the server URL, username and password from your IPTV True North e-mail exactly as sent.
- Wait for the channel list and EPG to download; the first run is the slowest.
- Set favourites, hide categories you do not watch, and set a parental PIN if children use the device.
Per-device detail is in the install hub.
Smart IPTV app: what the MAC-address players do differently
Smart IPTV, IBO Player and similar Smart TV apps do not have a login screen. They display your TV's MAC address and ask you to upload your M3U link on the developer's website against that address; the TV then fetches the playlist. The developer may charge a small one-time activation fee per device. The upside is that they run on Samsung and LG TVs whose stores lack Smarters. The downside is that EPG and on-demand libraries depend on separate links and the app cannot be moved to another TV without re-registering. If your Smart TV supports Smarters, prefer it.
Frequently asked questions about IPTV apps
What is the best iptv app?
For Android TV and Fire TV, TiviMate. For Samsung, LG, phones, Windows and Mac, IPTV Smarters Pro. For Apple devices, IPTV Smarters Player or GSE Smart IPTV. "Best" depends on the device first; the table above lines them up.
What is the best iptv player for firestick?
TiviMate if you want the cable-style guide and favourites; IPTV Smarters Pro if you want free and simple. Both run well on the Fire TV Stick 4K and 4K Max.
Which iptv player is best for Samsung TV?
IPTV Smarters Pro where the Samsung store lists it; otherwise Smart IPTV or IBO Player with the MAC-address upload method. A Fire TV Stick in a spare HDMI port is the fallback.
Does the IPTV app come with channels?
No. Every app on this page is a player. Content comes from the provider login you enter; with IPTV True North, that login is sent by e-mail after your trial request or order.
Can I use two different apps with one subscription?
Yes. Install any number of apps on any number of devices with the same login. Only the number playing at the same time is limited by your plan; see the subscription hub.
My app shows the channels but nothing plays. Is it the app?
Usually not. Check the device is online, check your screen limit is not in use elsewhere, then try a different decoder in the app's player settings. The IPTV not working checklist walks through it.
Pick an app, then test it with a real login
Request the 24-hour trial, receive your login by e-mail, and try the player you chose on your own TV.
Pick an app, then test it with a real login
The 24-hour free trial works in every player on this page. Ask in the chat.