IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is television delivered over the internet instead of through an aerial, satellite dish or cable. You watch live channels, a programme guide and usually on-demand films and series through an app on a Smart TV, streaming stick, phone or computer. The channels are the same kind you'd find on traditional TV; only the delivery route is different.
How is IPTV different from normal TV?
A fuller comparison is in IPTV vs cable vs satellite.
| Traditional TV | IPTV | |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | Aerial, satellite dish or cable | Your broadband or mobile data |
| Equipment | Tuner, dish or cable box | An app on a device you already own |
| Installation | Often an engineer visit | Install an app and sign in |
| Watch on | Mostly the TV | TV, phone, tablet or computer |
| Extras | Depends on provider | Programme guide, on-demand, catch-up on many channels |
For the technical path from broadcaster to screen, see how IPTV works.
What do you need to watch IPTV?
- An internet connection — about 10 Mbps per screen for HD, 25 Mbps for 4K.
- A device — Smart TV, Fire TV Stick, Android TV box, Apple TV, phone, tablet or computer. See our device list.
- A player app — such as IPTV Smarters or TiviMate.
- A subscription — the login that gives the app its channels. See how an IPTV subscription works.
New terms? Our IPTV glossary explains 40 of them in plain English.
What can you watch on IPTV?
- Live channels grouped by country and category — news, sport, entertainment, kids, film, including channels from other countries.
- A programme guide (EPG) showing what's on now and next — see what an EPG is.
- On-demand films and series you can start any time — see IPTV VOD explained.
- Catch-up on some channels, to watch programmes that already aired — see IPTV catch-up.
Types of IPTV
"IPTV" is used for a few different things:
- Operator IPTV from broadband companies, watched on their set-top box.
- Live-TV streaming apps from media companies.
- IPTV subscriptions that give you a login for third-party player apps.
The difference between these and on-demand apps is explained in OTT vs IPTV.
Is IPTV legal?
The technology is legal and widely used by major TV providers. Whether a particular service is legal depends on whether it has the rights to the channels it streams. Our explainer on whether IPTV is legal covers what decides it.
How to try IPTV
The simplest way is a free trial on the TV you'll actually use. Our free trial checklist shows what to test, and the IPTV service guide explains how to choose a provider.
