Android TV and Google TV (Sony Bravia, TCL, Hisense, Xiaomi Mi Box, Nvidia Shield, Chromecast 4K with Google TV) make excellent IPTV platforms — but only if you install the right player. We spent 6 weeks testing the most popular IPTV apps with a SOLARA TV M3U playlist (25,000+ channels) to find the best ones.
How We Tested
Each app was loaded with the same SOLARA TV M3U + EPG URL and tested on a Nvidia Shield Pro, Chromecast 4K with Google TV, and Xiaomi Mi Box S. We scored on: UI/navigation, EPG quality, channel zapping speed, picture/audio quality, catch-up support, recording, and stability.
The 7 Best IPTV Apps for Android TV 2026
TiviMate IPTV Player
The undisputed king of Android TV IPTV. Stunning UI built specifically for D-pad remotes, lightning-fast channel zapping, the best EPG of any IPTV app, multi-playlist support, and built-in recording in the Premium version.
Pros- Best-in-class EPG with show details and series catch-up
- Picture-in-picture, multi-view (up to 4 channels)
- Native 4K HDR support, Dolby Audio passthrough
- Smooth navigation, instant channel switch
- Full features behind €25/year paywall
- Not on Google Play Store (sideload required)
IPTV Smarters Pro
The most popular free IPTV app on Android TV. Easy to set up (paste your M3U URL or Xtream Codes login), clean interface, supports VOD, series, EPG, parental controls, and external player integration.
Pros- Free with no ads
- Supports M3U, Xtream Codes API, and EPG
- VOD + Series + Live in one app
- External player support (MX Player, VLC)
- EPG less polished than TiviMate
- Channel switching slightly slower
OTT Navigator IPTV
Deep customization heaven. Multiple themes, advanced EPG, archive/catch-up, time-shift, cloud sync of favorites across devices. Steeper learning curve but rewards tech-savvy users.
Pros- Most customization options
- Excellent catch-up & archive features
- Cloud sync favorites & settings
- Overwhelming for beginners
- UI looks dated compared to TiviMate
GSE Smart IPTV
Reliable veteran app that works on Android TV, iOS, and Apple TV — perfect if you want one app across all platforms. Strong on Chromecast support.
Pros- Cross-platform (Android, iOS, Apple TV)
- Chromecast built-in
- Multiple playlist formats supported
- Free version shows ads
- UI cluttered on Android TV remotes
Sparkle TV (formerly Sparkle TV Pro)
Minimalist player with a focus on speed. Great for older Android TV boxes where TiviMate may lag. One-time payment instead of subscription.
Pros- One-time purchase, no subscription
- Lightweight, runs on low-end hardware
- Fast channel switching
- Fewer features than TiviMate
- Limited VOD/Series support
XCIPTV Player
Solid alternative to IPTV Smarters with a different visual style. Supports Xtream Codes, M3U, EPG, parental control, and multiple users.
Pros- Multiple user profiles
- Built-in player + external player support
- UI feels slightly cluttered
Perfect Player
The original Android IPTV player. Old-school but reliable. Best for people who just want channels + EPG without bells and whistles.
Pros- Lightweight & fast
- Cheap premium unlock
- UI looks 2018-era
- No native Google TV optimization
How to Install IPTV Apps on Android TV (Sideload)
Most of these apps aren't on the Google Play Store for Android TV. Here's how to install them:
- Enable unknown apps: Settings » Device Preferences » Security & Restrictions » Unknown sources » allow your browser/Downloader.
- Install Downloader app from Google Play Store (yes, it's there).
- Open Downloader and enter the app's download URL (e.g.,
tivimate.comoriptvsmarters.com). - Install the APK » Open » Add your SOLARA TV M3U URL.
Setting Up Your IPTV Playlist
Once you have your favorite app installed, you'll need a playlist source. SOLARA TV sends you an M3U URL and Xtream Codes login on subscription. Add either of them to your app, and 25,000+ channels appear in seconds.
For step-by-step Firestick installation (same principles apply to Android TV), see our Firestick installation guide.
📺 Get the SOLARA TV M3U Playlist (Free Trial)
Test SOLARA TV on TiviMate or IPTV Smarters with a free trial. 25,000+ channels, 60,000+ movies, 4K UHD. Then €18/month.
Get M3U Trial on WhatsApp