Watch on-demand videos, live TV, and all the digital content that you love seamlessly via the Best IPTV Players for Windows listed in this post. 

Television was the only source of entertainment in yesteryears. But, people, like you, often missed out on their daily dose of entertaining TV shows and cricket matches because of prior personal and professional commitments. Soon when the trend of Internet Protocol Television spread among the masses, the best IPTV players for Windows entered the picture, and missing the shows, cricket, and football matches became a thing of the past.

Therefore in this blog post, we list out the top IPTV players for Windows that not only allow the users with IPTV subscriptions to watch their favorite shows but a lot of exciting media content such as videos on-demand, live TV, and a whole lot of other media content available over the Internet Protocol Networks. But, before moving to these IPTV players, we think that it is crucial to know what an IPTV player is, how it works, and its formats, so that you can choose the player that fits your requirements the most. 

What is Meant by IPTV

IPTV is an acronym for Internet Protocol Television. This technology lets you stream live TV on your PC with the help of the internet. It allows you to access digital television services on the PC seamlessly through the internet protocol. This means that you can watch the content of your choice, unlike the regular television that allows you to watch only what is being currently broadcasted on various channels. 

How does IPTV Work

Unlike the traditional cable or dish TV setup, IPTV uses the internet’s power to wirelessly stream live TV on your PC. You simply need an internet connection to watch your favorite TV shows and videos. Whenever you request any video, it divides the video from various sources, i.e., servers into data packets that are sent to you via the internet. Different IPTV formats work differently. However, below is the general process.

• A user selects a channel or movie.
• The client device asks the IPTV server for a video stream.
• Network protocols then deliver encoded video, audio, subtitles, and other details.
• The client device decodes the information and displays it on the screen. 

A Brief Introduction to IPTV Formats

You can stream anything and everything through an IPTV. Below are the major formats that the IPTVs support.

As indicated by the name itself, VOD means that you can watch demand for a video anytime as per your wish. You specify the show, movie, or other videos that you want to stream and the IPTV service sends the same to you through the internet. Examples of VOD IPTV services include Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more. 

Have you missed an episode of your favorite show? Well, you do not need to worry as with Time Shifted Media IPTV services, you can watch all the missed shows whenever you have the time to do it. However, remember that the missed shows should not be too old as they remain available only for a limited time. BBC’s iPlayer is one of the examples of Time Shifted Media IPTV services. 

If you wish to stream any live event such as a cricket match, then you can do so through the Live IPTV. For instance, Fox Sports Go, CBS Sports HQ, and Sling TV are some of the platforms that offer live IPTV services. 

What  are the Best IPTV Players For Windows PC in 2021

Out of the plethora of options available currently, we’ve curated the best IPTV Players for Windows PC that turn your PC into a live TV. Here they are.

1. Kodi

One of the best free IPTV for Firestick with 1000+ add-ons

Reasons to buy: Open source, frequently updated, availability of many add-ons, customizable

Kodi is another IPTV player for Windows desktop, although it is known for its popularity as a media player application. You can install different kinds of officially approved add-ons that can help you play video-on-demand (VoD) as well as stream live TV. This software is compatible with all kinds of devices and operating platforms. In addition to this, below are its highlighting features. 

Highlights of Kodi

• It can add links and stream videos through those links.
• Kodi lets you install addons for streaming videos on demand and live TV.
• The UI is simple enough so that you can stream all your favorite shows and other videos with ease. 
• Kodi is among the most popular and well-programmed IPTV players. Hence, you do not experience any glitches or issues while using it

How to use Kodi

• Download and launch the software on your computer. 
• Upon launching the software application on your PC, you can either choose to play TV or Radio.
• You can enter the URL and then tap “OK” to stream the video.

2. Plex

The top IPTV player for Windows to stream 4K content 

Reasons to buy: Attractive UI, 4K content streaming, plugin support, neat categorization of content

This can also be considered to be among the best IPTV players for Windows, as it comes with a fancy user interface and can transcode any media file. Hence, this player can provide buffer-free continuous streaming, which at the end of the day, can be considered to be an end-user experience-enhancing feature. It is not all and it provides several other useful features as well. Below we discuss the highlighting ones out of them. 

Highlights of Plex 

• It supports all the major video formats including MP4, MKV, HEVC, AVI, MOV, and DIVX.
• There is support for all audio file formats such as MP3, M4A, FLAC, and WMA.
• Its in-built tools convert the non-supported files to usable formats.
• It lets you stream 4K content as well.
• You can adjust the streaming quality and player settings according to your preferences.
• There are a lot of free movies and TV shows for you to watch. 
• Plex organizes all the available content in neat categories that can be accessed with ease. 
• You can install plugins to increase the functionalities.

How to use Plex?

 Below are the most straightforward steps to use it.

• Digitize the media connection with the help of various software available online
• Download and install Plex Media Server on your PC from its website
• Now, signup on to the server
• Click on Launch and add your media on the server
• Click on Save Changes and play the media.

Isn’t this easy as pie? Perhaps, this is the easiest way to get an IPTV for Windows.

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3. VLC Media Player

One of the best M3U players for Windows 

Reasons to buy: In-built equalizer, safe and secure, easily controllable using keyboard shortcuts

You can stream IPTV into your VLC media player, which is one of the most common offline media players. The IPTV contents are streamed with the help of M3U files in VLC Media Player. It has a simple user interface. It has a simple user interface and several other attractive features that we share below.

Highlights of VLC Media Player 

• It supports a plethora of multimedia files, DVDs, and CDs.
• There is support for almost all the video formats available. 
• It does not need codec packs to play most of the codecs.
• VLC Media Player is free from spyware, viruses, and annoying advertisements.

How to use VLC Media Player?

• Start the VLC media player application.
• Navigate to the media section, followed by going to open network streams.
• Then paste the URL of the video or live TV show and click on the play button to play the video content.

4. OTT Player

Among the best M3U players with an option to use a custom playlist 

Reasons to buy: Supports M3U8, custom playlist, addition or deletion of channels 

OTT Player features in this list as it allows you to edit the channels, logos, and groups of the uploaded playlist directly from the user panel. In addition to this, it also gives you the freedom to use your custom playlist and offers an ocean of other exciting features. Here, we share the same.  

Highlights of OTT Player

• It supports all the protocols such as  HLS, TS by UDP, RTSP, and RTMP.
• There is M3U8 support.
• OTT Player does not trouble you with irritating advertisements.
• It is among the easiest-to-use IPTV players for Windows.
• With this application, you can create a new playlist with a link or file. 
• It allows you to add or delete channels.
• There is an option to change channel order.

How to use OTT Player?

The above features make OTT Player one of the best IPTV players in the town. It would be great if you give it a try. Below are the easy steps to use it.

• Launch OTT Player on your computer.
• Select your playlist and enter its name.
• Lastly, click on OK to confirm.

5. ProgDVB/ProgTV

Among the best IPTV providers with a special picture-in-picture feature 

Reasons to buy: Support for many data sources, availability of all popular TV audio formats, time-shifting option

This IPTV player for Windows can be considered another good option for streaming IPTV service on PC due to some of its great features. You can download this app for free from the official website of the company. With Prog TV, you can easily record live radio programs as there is a unique picture-in-picture feature that can enable this function. Let’s know about more of its features below.

Highlights of ProgDVB/ProgTV

• It supports multiple data sources such as DVB-S (satellite), DVB-S2, DVB-C (cable), DVB-T, DVB-T2, ATSC, ISDB-T, and IPTV. 
• Boasts support for high definition TV including H.264/AVC.
• It offers a blazing fast preview of Mosaic channels.
• All major TV audio formats such as MPEG, AC3, and AAC supported.
• There is a Time Shifting functionality.
• It shows Teletext, image-based, and closed captions.

How to use ProgDVB/ProgTV?

You can follow the below steps to watch HD TV channels:

• Evoke ProgDVB/ProgTV on your Windows computer. 
• Input your URL and select the channel.
• Once you see the list of videos, you can go ahead and select the favorite video that you wish to watch.

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6. Simple TV

A feature-packed IPTV player for Windows 

Reasons to buy: One-click customization, support for LUA scripts, user friendly

This one of the best IPTV for Windows that seamlessly streams recorded programs and live TV to devices such as iPads, Web browsers, and TV’s have a Roku box connection. In addition to this, it works well outside your home network and enables Slingbox-Esque placeshifting. Although it charges $5 monthly for its high-end features, still it seems worth every penny. Here’s a glimpse of the features that it offers. 

Highlights of Simple TV

• Lets you change channels and customize your hotkeys in just a click. 
• You can not only play but also record the streams.
• The file list in the channels/player is editable. You can move, delete, and perform such editing tasks. 
• It supports LUA scripts to download channels, process address during playback, etc.
• You can record up to 8 channels at once.
• It also lets you schedule the recording.
• Simple TV runs in a tray mode.

How to use Simple TV?

Here’s the guide to use it as an IPTV player.

• Open Simple TV on your device.
• Tap on the TV icon.
• Right-click on the playlist and select “delete all.”
• Again, right-click and choose “load playlist.”
• Click on “load from m3u file”, and then select the square visible on the top right corner.”
• Double click on the m3u playlist.
• Click on OK and Load.
• Select any channel from the list to play it.

7. My IPTV

One of the best IPTV service providers with EPG support

Reasons to buy: EPG support, many channel filtering options, video downloading

You can watch IPTV by downloading this app from the Microsoft Windows Store. You can watch live IPTV using this app by entering the link of the video to stream your most preferred channels, but there is no direct IPTV service available on this application. The app can be protected with the help of a pin. Once you have installed the application, Moreover, below are its other key features.

Highlights of My IPTV

• It supports full HD in 1080p so that you can stream your favorite shows in the best possible quality and resolution. 
• My IPTV groups the channels automatically based on the channel data.
• It comes with in-built EPG support and favorites management. 
• With this IPTV player, you can download videos on demand.
• There are a lot of channel filtering options.
• You can use the VLC library for media playback.

How to use My IPTV?

Once you have installed the application, you can follow the below steps to stream IPTV on your Windows PC:

• Launch the application on your computer.
• Go to the settings of the app.
• Upon the addition of a new playlist and choosing EPG Source, input the remote channel list name and also the remote source.
• Then select your favorite channel and play it.

8. Free TV Player

One of the best M3U players for Windows 

Reasons to buy: Availability of a lot of movies and shows, lightweight, 40+ channels even in the free plan

This is another free IPTV player for PC, which can be used to stream live TV channels, TV shows, Movies, and Internet Radio. This app can be downloaded from the Windows Store, which can be used to upload the M3U playlist of your choice to watch live TV channels. Here’s what makes this application unique.

Highlights of Free TV Player

• It is among the most lightweight apps & does not consume much device resources.
• Lets you watch tons of movies, shows, and even live TV for free.
• Free TV Player lets you stream all the digital content in the most hassle-free way possible. 
• It even allows you to listen to internet radio.
• This application lets you play videos on demand (VOD).

How to use Free TV Player?

Following are the steps to watch IPTV:

• Open the application on your device.
• After it opens, input the M3U playlist URL that is given by the IPTV service provider.
• You can then choose to play your preferred live TV Channel, once all the channels are loaded.

9. Perfect Player

Truly the “perfect” Windows IPTV player 

Reasons to buy: Supports plugins, user friendly, provides a stunning viewing experience

This is perhaps one of the most preferred and best IPTV players for all the non-Apple users. It is an easy to install IPTV that lets you access its functions irrespective of whether you are using a smart phone, computer, or a normal television set with digital to analog conversion capabilities. It has support for two common playlist formats, namely M3U and XSPF. And, provides you an ultimate viewing experience. Here’re its feature highlights.

Highlights of Perfect Player 

• Boasts semi-transparent OSD.
• You can control the videos in fullscreen mode.
• It has udpxy (UDP-TO-HTTP proxy) support for watching, scanning, and playlist generation.
• The OSD is scalable as per any window size and resolution.
• It works with multiple playlists and EPGs simultaneously.
• Perfect Player lets you manage channels, add, edit, or remove channel groups with ease. 

How to use Perfect Player?

 Here’s a simple guide to use the Perfect Player as an IPTV.

• Launch Perfect Player on your computer. 
• Click on the Settings option.
• Choose General from the on-screen alternatives.
• Select Playlist from the menu you see on your screen.
• Enter the M3U URL received with the registration mail and click on Next
• Click on EPG.
• Enter the EPG M3U URL from the registration mail and click on OK.

10. IPTV Smarters Pro

One of the best IPTV app for Apple TV and Firestick 

Reasons to buy: Parental controls, in-built support for subtitles

Although this is available in the app version on Android and iOS devices, yet it can be used on the Windows PC with the help of Android emulator apps. Talking about its features, it offers several unique functionalities. Below are the core ones out of them.

Highlights of IPTV Smarters Pro

• It supports almost all the video formats including 4K.
• You can even record live TV to watch it whenever you want.
• Boasts support for several APIs such as Xtream Codes, StreamCreed, Xtream UI, and others. 
• Up to 4 users can watch the content they love at the same time as this application supports multi-screens and multi connections.
• Hosts advanced features such as parental control and VPN integration.
• You can Chromecast the videos on your Windows or Mac computers.
• It comes with an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) to keep you updated with the timings of your favorite shows and series. 
• In addition to playing network streams, it also plays local video and audio files.  

How to use IPTV Smarters Pro?

You can use the below-mentioned steps to stream IPTV using the IPTV Smarters Pro app:

• After installing Android emulator apps like Bluestack, you can use your Gmail account credentials to log in to the Android emulator app.
• Post this, go to Play Store and download the IPTV Smarters Pro app.
• Once the app is installed on your PC, then launch the app.
• Choose the “Add Playlist” option, followed by adding the URL.
• Once you have entered the Playlist URL and clicked on “OK,” select your live TV channel to watch it.

11. GSE Smart IPTV

Among the best IPTV apps for Apple TV to seamlessly view digital channels

Reasons to buy: Dynamic language switching, parental control, support for XTREAM-Codes API

This free and the best IPTV player for Windows 10 is aptly named as it gives you the experience of smart TV on your PC. With this application at your disposal, you can effortlessly stream digital channels and shows on your device. Moreover, it offers a few incredible features. Let’s have a look at them.

Highlights of GSE Smart IPTV

• It is among one of the best Chromecast compatible IPTVs.
• This application supports over 31 languages.
• There is an electronic program guide to inform you about the upcoming schedules of the shows that you love to watch.
• It supports all video formats such as .mp4v, .mpeg4, .flv, .mkv and many more. 

How to use GSE Smart IPTV?

It is an easy-to-use application. But, first, you need to get an Android emulator to make it work on your Windows machine. To use this app, follow the below steps. 

• Install BlueStacks.
• Sign in to BlueStacks.
• Find GSE SMART IPTV in Play Store.
• Install and launch the app.
• Add playlist and URL.
• Click OK and choose the Live TV channel that you want to watch.

12. IPTV

One of the best free IPTV apps with a plethora of channels for you to view

Reasons to buy: Many channels, a lot of video formats supported

If you want to watch live multimedia without paying any penny, then IPTV is among the best choices. This application provides you a platform where you can stream a lot of IPTV content. Below are its main highlights. 

Highlights of IPTV

• A lot of free content is available.
• You can watch live TV.
• It supports a multitude of video formats. 
• With this app, you can also play m3u playlist videos.
• It allows you to add videos or music through URLs or local channels. 
• There are a plethora of channels to keep you entertained. 

How to use IPTV?

Below are the steps you need to follow to use IPTV. 

• Download, install and launch IPTV.
• After it opens, go to Settings, and enter the URL.
• Load the desired playlist. 
• Lastly, click on the “OK” option. 

13. NetTV Plus

The best IPTV provider with 200+ ex-Yu TV channels 

Reasons to buy: Category-based channel grouping, availability of most popular radio stations 

NetTV Plus can also be the perfect choice if you are looking for a free IPTV player for Windows. Considering that you need not pay anything to use it, this application provides a decent set of features. For instance, it lets you watch video on demand and offers 200+ ex-Yu TV channels. In addition to this, below are its other highlighting features. 

Highlights of NetTV Plus

• This application allows you to create a list of favorite TV channels. 
• It groups channels into categories like kids, sports, music, movies, etc.
• You can play video on demand.
• It offers 7 day Catch Up TV.
• There is support for almost all popular radio stations.
• It has over 200 ex-Yu TV channels.

How to use NetTV Plus?

Here are the steps you need to implement to access the content you wish to watch via NetTV Plus. 

• Download and launch NetTV Plus.
• Go to the main menu and select the channel you want to watch.
• Choose the TV show you wish to watch.
• Click on OK. 

14. ACG Player

Among the rare IPTV players for Windows offering 360⁰ playback option

Reasons to buy: Modifiable Art Font Subtitle, hardware rendering technology, speed control 

Another Windows IPTV player you can use is ACG Player. It offers many unique features such as a background music player, an art EQ visualizer, and more. Its unique feature set makes it a favorite of many users across the globe.  Let’s go through all its highlighting features. 

Features of ACG Player

• You get a customizable Art Font Subtitle.
• It offers HARDWARE rendering technology.
• There is an art EQ visualizer with attractive music fireworks and animation. 
• This application also has Firework Ribbon Dance effects.
• There is a touch screen swipe control.
• It lets you preview the videos.
• You get many audio and video effects.
• There are speed control and 360-degree playback options.

How to use ACG Player?

Below is the way to use this one of the best IPTV players for Windows 10. 

• Download and launch ACG IPTV player for Windows.
• Tap on the icon to pick and play a file. 
• Select the video or other content you want to play.

15. All Video Player HD

Among the best IPTV players for Windows 10 having in-built captions 

Reasons to buy: Lightweight, support for multiple video formats

Our next pick for the list of best IPTV service providers is All Video Player HD. Although it does not offer a massive range of features, still we included it in our article for its wide spectrum of video formats, lightweight, and in-built captions. Below are all its top features. 

Highlights of All Video Player HD

• It supports a plethora of video formats such as FLV, RMVB, WMV, ASF, AVI, 3GP, MPG, MKV, MP4, OGM, MOV, MPEG2, MPEG4, etc.
• There is support for in-built captions and third-party subtitle files.
• With this application, you can open one or more videos at a single time.
• It lets you open and play all videos present in a folder. 
• You can drag and drop videos to the player.
• It allows you to view the play history. 

How to use All Video Player HD?

To use All Video Player HD, you need to follow these steps. 

• Download, install and launch All Video Player HD.
• Click on the option to add files you want to play or drag and drop them. 
• Wait for the software to play the selected video. 

16. PotPlayer

An advanced IPTV player for Windows 10

Reasons to buy: 3D viewing, OpenCodec support, Direct3D9 Ex Flip Mode, and Overlay support 

PotPlayer is certainly a deserving application for our list of the best free IPTV apps for Windows. It offers a wide gamut of features ranging from an immersive 3D experience, support for multiple subtitle formats, and more. Below are all its features that you must know. 

Highlights of PotPlayer

• Improved H/W-ACCELERATION using DXVA, CUDA, QuickSync.
• It supports various 3D glasses to give you an immersive experience.
• There is support for multiple subtitle formats such as SMI, SRT, Vobsub, Blu-ray, SMI Ruby tags, etc.
• You can add a variety of codecs as it supports OpenCodec. 
• It allows you to preview the scene with snapshots.
• You can bookmark the scene or chapter that you like.
• It supports Direct3D9Ex Flip Mode and Overlay.
• PotPlayer boasts support for different devices like DVD, TV, HDTV. 

How to use PotPlayer?

Here’re the steps to use PotPlayer, i.e., one of the best IPTV players for Windows. 

• Download and install PotPlayer.
• Setup the player.
• If you want to play content from a portable device, then open it in the normal way or drag and drop it in the player.
• To view TV content, select “Preferences” and then “Device.” After that, navigate to the “Menu”, select “Open Digital TV (BDA Device).”
• To view streamed content, move to “Menu”, select “Open URL” or “Open FTP/WebDAV/HTTP.”
• Open the media you wish to view.  

Addressing the Frequently Asked Questions about IPTV Players

Q1. What is meant by IPTV?

IPTV is an acronym for Internet Protocol Television. This technology lets you stream live TV on your PC with the help of the internet. It allows you to access digital television services on the PC seamlessly through the internet protocol. This means that you can watch the content of your choice, unlike the regular television that allows you to watch only what is being currently broadcasted on various channels. 

Q2. How does IPTV function?

Unlike the traditional cable or dish TV setup, IPTV uses the internet’s power to wirelessly stream live TV on your PC. You simply need an internet connection to watch your favorite TV shows and videos. Whenever you request any video, it divides the video from various sources, i.e., servers into data packets that are sent to you via the internet. 

Q3. Is it legal to use an IPTV?

Yes, it is not at all illegal to use IPTVs. They do not host any content of their own. They only give you a platform for streaming the movies, shows, and other digital content.

Q4. How to use IPTV securely?

Since IPTV uses the internet, the possibility of viruses invading the PC cannot be ignored. Therefore, we suggest you use a secure IPTV player. In addition to this, you should also use a VPN for extra security and shielding the PC from the prying eyes of hackers.

Q5. Why do you need a VPN?

When you stream content via IPTVs, your IP address is exposed. It may lead to serious issues if you have even unknowingly streamed any copyrighted content. Therefore, you need a VPN. VPNs mask your IP address and connect your computer to the internet via a server present in some remote location so that your identity is protected. Moreover, a VPN also helps you bypass the location-based content restrictions.

Q6. What are the different types of IPTV services?

The various types of IPTV services include:

• Video On Demand
• Live IPTV
• Time Shift Media
• Start Over TV
• Catch-Up TV

Q7. Which is the best IPTV software?

All the software list above are the best IPTV applications. However, our top favorites are:

• IPTV Smarters Pro
• Perfect Player
• GSE Smart IPTV
• Plex
• OTT Player 

Best IPTV Players for Windows: Concluding words

We learned from the above article not only about the best IPTV for Windows but also about IPTV players that you can use on your smartphones. You can use any of the free IPTV players for PC, but if you want an enhanced user experience, then you can try your hands on the paid IPTV players too. Gone are the days when we depended on satellites and cable operators for catching our favorite pre-recorded shows and live broadcasts. Nowadays, our lives have indeed become better with such digitalization as we have the freedom to watch whatever we want to and that too in our preferred time on our Windows computers and laptops.