Are you one of those who feel overwhelmed with so many options of IPTV applications, to the point of not knowing which one to choose? Here we will give you ten best IPTV applications available for your PC.
What is IPTV?
Internet Protocol Television, better known by its acronym in English IPTV (Internet Protocol Television), is a system that allows the transmission of television content through broadband networks using the IP protocol. Unlike traditional television, which sends signals through radio waves or cable, IPTV uses an internet connection to stream shows and channels in real time or on demand.
The IP protocol is the same one we use to send and receive emails, surf the Internet, among other daily tasks in cyberspace. However, in the case of IPTV, this protocol is used to transmit multimedia content (video and audio) efficiently and with high quality.
One of the main advantages of IPTV is its flexibility. You are not limited to a fixed schedule and you can watch your favorite programs whenever you want. This is due to the ability of IPTV networks to offer content on demand, known as Video on Demand (VOD). Also, you can pause, rewind and fast forward the content, just like you would with a conventional streaming service.
But IPTV is not only flexible. This system is also capable of supporting multiple devices at once, which means you can watch the content on your TV, PC, tablet or smartphone. There are even specific applications to enjoy IPTV services with an interface adapted to each type of device.
It is important to clarify that IPTV is not the same as streaming services like Netflix. Although both use the Internet to stream content, IPTV services broadcast live channels and traditional television programming, not just content produced specifically for the platform.
Is IPTV legal?
As a rule, IPTV is completely legal if it is used to view legally acquired content and all relevant laws and regulations are observed. However, there are illegal ways to use IPTV, such as accessing copyrighted content without having the required permissions or using IPTV services that provide pirated or illegitimate content.
It is relevant to point out that laws vary from nation to nation and there may be specific rules governing the use of IPTV in a given location. Therefore, it is recommended to be aware of the regulations and laws in force in your area and make sure that the use you make of IPTV is respectful of the laws and copyrights.
How to choose the best IPTV?
Choosing the best IPTV service can be challenging, especially with so many options available on the market. Here are some tips that will help you select the ideal option for your needs:
- streaming quality: Look for a provider that offers high-quality streaming without interruptions. A good way to check this is to read user reviews and comments online.
- Variety of content: Check that the IPTV provider has a wide range of channels and content. You should have access to a variety of genres, such as news, sports, entertainment, children's, and more.
- Device compatibility: Make sure the service is compatible with the device you plan to use. Some IPTV services are specifically designed for certain devices, so it is important to verify this information.
- Customer Service: If something goes wrong, you will need help. This is why it is important to choose an IPTV provider that has strong customer service. A good sign is that they offer 24/7 support and have multiple contact channels, such as live chat, email, or phone.
- Price: As with any service, price is a key factor. Compare the prices of various IPTV providers and consider what you get for your money. Some services may seem more expensive, but offer better streaming quality or a wider range of channels.
- Legality: It is crucial to make sure that the IPTV service you are considering operates legally. Services that offer thousands of channels at a suspiciously low price could be operating in a legal gray area.
- Free trial: Many IPTV services offer a free trial. Take this opportunity to test the service and see if it meets your expectations before committing to a payment.
VLC Media Player
The incredible flexibility and compatibility that VLC Media Player offers is unmatched. It is a free and completely free software application that has been on the market for more than 20 years.
VLC is a multimedia player that supports all existing audio and video formats, and it could be said that it is also prepared for those to come. In addition, VLC gives us the possibility to download videos from the internet, capture our computer screen and even access IPTV playlists.
The only drawback that could be pointed out about this application is its design, which may seem quite simple compared to other media players. However, once you get used to it, you realize that its functionality more than makes up for any aesthetic shortcomings.
Also, this app is available for all operating systems: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, GNU/Linux, ChromeOS, FreeBSD, Solaris, OpenBSD, QNX, OS/2, NetBSD.
In order to make the most of all the functionalities of the application for Windows, it is recommended to download it directly from its official website. The version available in the Windows Store, although it can play any type of content, does not offer any of the additional functions mentioned.
Kodi
Kodi It has earned a place in the list of classic options, proving to be one of the most efficient applications for our daily activities, thus becoming the most recommended for Windows users.. Kodi is completely free and open source application available to all users.
One of the obstacles that it can present is the need to review a guide for the installation of different complements or Addons, since its handling may not be so simple at first glance.
Es fully compatible with IPTV lists and other online services. In this way, it is consolidated as a single solution for all your multimedia services on your Windows device.
Kodi also allows you to watch DTT through IPTV lists and even record programs. There are plenty of online addons that are compatible with Kodi, and provide the opportunity to install television channels, radio stations or video games. You will only need to add the corresponding .zip file that these lists offer, or even the access link. From there, everything will start running smoothly with performance that is, frankly, exceptional.
PLEX
plex, although it is best known as a legal alternative to Kodi, it also gives us the possibility of accessing a large number of television channels via the internetas well as radio stations. Additionally, it has a free streaming video platform, where you can find a wide variety of documentaries and movies.
If the selection of channels offered does not convince you, tYou have the option to add the IPTV lists that you have previously downloaded. The version of this application for Windows is completely free, since it integrates with Plex Media Center, while the version for mobile devices costs 5,49 euros.
ProgramTV
ProgTV is one of the most complete applications in terms of functionality that can be found. This application provides access to streaming free channels and also offers the possibility of listening to the radio. ProgramTV It has two independent interfaces and is one of the few that allows access to digital content.
This app can be controlled remotely via another app or directly via mouse and keyboard. ProgTV supports IPTV playlists, radio and television stations that broadcast over the internet.
It is one of the few that allows us to record the transmission of radio and television channels that we observe through the application. It costs $15 for the standard version and $35 for the professional version. However, we can also use older versions free of charge, which, for view the IPTV lists, are more than adequate.
Free TV Player
The Free TV Player It has all the channels using its logo, which allows you to quickly and visually locate the channels you are looking for, whether they are music stations, television channels, series, movies, etc. For many, this is one of the most prominent applications to access IPTV lists.
Using it is as simple as opening the app and double-clicking on the channel you want to watch. Immediately, the signal will begin to be transmitted without interruptions and without any type of advertising, beyond what could appear during the regular transmission of the open channels that you are watching. Free TV Player can be downloaded in a way Delivery to Italy takes one or two business days.
My IPTV Player
My IPTV Player is another multimedia player that includes support for EPGs, an essential function to enjoy our favorite channels through these services. It not only allows us to add any playlist, but also includes a variety of audio and video channels.
You can download this application completely free of charge from the Microsoft Store. Although the number of options is not as extensive as in the case of VLC Media Player, My IPTV Player works smoothly. In addition, it presents a very well-cared aesthetic, especially in the information it offers from all the channels that the application allows us to access.
SimpleTV
SimpleTV is presented as an ideal option for those who prefer a really easy to use interface. This is because you can play any type of channel with just a few clicks on your Windows 10 or 11 computer, without any restrictions. The homework of adding an IPTV list is extremely simple, since when entering the corresponding URL, it will be detected without difficulty.
In addition, you have the possibility to download the playlists created by other users, and you also have the option to create your own. Although it may not have the most up-to-date appearance, SimpleTV certainly fulfills its purpose effectively.
IPTV
IPTV stands out as one of the applications most popular to play IPTV lists in Windows, thanks to its ease of use. This allows us to enjoy television programs and digital channels from various sources in real time, without the need to previously incorporate lists.
The application can be downloaded for free from the Microsoft Store, where there is also a paid version without advertising. So, if you like the free version, you can later choose to purchase the paid version to remove the ads that the app displays.
IPTV Smarters for PC
If you're using a touchscreen device running Windows 10, the app IPTV Smarters for PC It is what you need to view IPTV channels. This application presents a touch interface with large buttons that facilitate access to all the content available in the IPTV lists that we integrate.
Despite being optimized for Windows 10, it also works with previous versions of Windows. Among the functions that the application offers, the possibility of recording programs in real time is included, a feature that we can only find in another of the applications that we have presented in this list: Prog TV.
Miro
This player, in terms of functionality, has similarities with VLC or Kodi, since it It is capable of playing content from a wide variety of multimedia platforms. It's true that his aesthetic may seem a bit old-fashioned, but it fits many fonts.
Just like in VLC, in addition to playing the media files stored on your computer, you can incorporate digital sources into the program. This is achieved by adding a simple link provided by the IPTV list itself. From then on, you can explore them to find the perfect content for you.
Differences between IPTV and OTT
OTT (Over the Top) services are those that transmit pre-existing content such as audio, video and other types over the internet, either free or through a subscription. Anyone with a device and an internet connection can use OTT services, which often require a monthly fee. Some of the best known include Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO and Disney PLUS, among others.
These services allow you to choose the content you want to see, which is then uploaded over the internet. Therefore, they do not "stream" as is the case with IPTV services. Another important difference is that OTTs do not have assigned bandwidth, so image quality will largely depend on your available bandwidth. This problem does not exist in IPTV, since by having a reserved bandwidth, they guarantee enough signal for a good image quality.
However, having IPTV means that you will not be able to fully use your internet bandwidth, since part of it will be reserved for receiving the channels. However, today, thanks to fiber optics, this problem is practically solved.