TiviMate vs IPTV Smarters vs XCIPTV: which player should you use?
TiviMate, IPTV Smarters Pro and XCIPTV cover most of what people install on Android TV and Fire TV. All three speak the Xtream Codes API, so all three work with a Strong8K line. The differences are in guide handling, recording, and how much configuration they expect from you.
At a glance
| TiviMate | IPTV Smarters Pro | XCIPTV | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Live TV, heavy channel use | All-round, first-time setup | Customisation |
| Xtream Codes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| VOD and series | Paid tier only | Yes | Yes |
| EPG quality | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Recording | Paid tier | Limited | Yes |
| Multiple playlists | Paid tier | Yes | Yes |
| Remote-friendly | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Learning curve | Moderate | Low | Higher |
TiviMate
The strongest live-TV experience of the three. Its guide is fast and genuinely usable with a remote, and channel switching is quicker than the alternatives. The free version is live TV only; VOD, recording and multiple playlists sit behind a one-off premium purchase paid to the developer, not to us.
IPTV Smarters Pro
The one we point most new customers at, because it asks the least of you. Enter your Xtream Codes details and it presents live, movies and series without further configuration. The guide is adequate rather than excellent, and recording is limited, but nothing about it needs explaining.
XCIPTV
The most configurable, and correspondingly the most work. Multiple playlists, recording and extensive layout options are all in the free version. Worth it if you like adjusting things; frustrating if you want to be watching in two minutes.
Which should you pick?
If you mostly watch live television, use TiviMate. If you want one app that does everything with minimal setup, use IPTV Smarters Pro. If you want control over layout and recording without paying for a premium tier, use XCIPTV. All three work identically well with your subscription, so trying another costs you nothing but the install.
Step-by-step instructions for each: Firestick and Fire TV, Android phones, tablets and boxes, or browse every setup guide.