Quick answer
What is IPTV?
IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is TV delivered over your broadband connection instead of a satellite dish, aerial or cable. You watch through an app on a Smart TV, streaming stick, phone or computer, with a TV guide just like a normal set-top box.
If you have ever streamed a film on your phone, you already understand the basics of IPTV. Internet Protocol Television simply means TV delivered over your broadband connection instead of a satellite dish, aerial or cable.
IPTV in one sentence
Live channels and on-demand programmes are sent over the internet to an app on your device, which shows them with a familiar TV guide so you can flick between channels as normal.
What you need to watch IPTV
- Broadband – around 15 Mbps for HD and 25 Mbps or more for 4K. Most UK fibre packages are comfortably fast enough.
- A compatible device – a Smart TV, Fire TV Stick, Android box, phone, tablet or computer.
- A player app and login details – the app plays the service; your subscription provides the channels.
IPTV vs satellite and cable
| IPTV | Satellite / cable | |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Download an app | Engineer visit, dish or cable |
| Devices | TV, stick, phone, tablet, computer | Usually one box per room |
| Contract | Flexible plans | Often 12–24 months |
| Depends on | Broadband quality | Weather, signal, wiring |
For a deeper comparison, read IPTV vs traditional TV, or see how IPTV works behind the scenes.
Is IPTV right for me?
IPTV suits people who want to watch on several devices, avoid long contracts, or do not have (or want) a dish. The main thing to check is your broadband: if you already stream Netflix or iPlayer in HD without buffering, you are likely in good shape.
The simplest way to find out is to try it. Our 24-hour free trial needs no payment details, and the setup guides get you watching in minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a TV Licence for IPTV in the UK?
Yes, if you watch or record programmes as they are broadcast live, on any channel or service, or use BBC iPlayer. The rules are the same whatever device you use.
Is IPTV the same as Netflix?
Not quite. Netflix is on demand only; IPTV services usually include live TV channels as well as on-demand films and series.
Sources and further reading