Part of our IPTV Guide section.
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Two definitions
IPTV in the strict sense
TV delivered over a managed network controlled by the operator, usually your broadband provider. Capacity is reserved for video, channels can be multicast and the operator controls quality from end to end.
OTT ("over the top")
Video delivered over the open internet by a company that does not run your broadband line, such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer or an app-based subscription. It rides "over the top" of whatever connection you have.
Most of what people call "IPTV subscriptions" today are technically OTT: the streams travel across the public internet to a player app. They borrow the IPTV experience, with live channels and a programme guide, but not the managed network.
How they compare
| Managed IPTV | OTT | |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Operator’s own managed network | Public internet |
| Who controls quality | Your broadband provider, end to end | The service, your provider and your home network |
| Typical devices | Operator set-top box | Smart TVs, sticks, phones, computers |
| Works on any broadband? | Only with that operator | Yes |
| Live channel delivery | Often multicast | Unicast, one stream per viewer |
| Examples | TV services bundled with broadband by operators such as EE or Virgin Media | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, NOW, player-app subscriptions |
What the difference means for you
Reliability. On a managed network the operator can prioritise video traffic. OTT streams compete with everything else on the internet and in your home, which is why evening congestion can cause buffering. We explain this in why streaming buffers in the evening.
Freedom. OTT services work with any broadband provider and on far more devices, from a Fire TV Stick to an iPhone. Managed IPTV generally ties you to the operator’s box.
Your home network matters more with OTT. A wired connection, a well-placed router and enough broadband speed close most of the gap with managed services.
Hybrid services are now the norm
Many UK platforms mix both approaches. A broadband provider’s TV box may receive some channels over its managed network and others through apps. Smart TVs combine a Freeview tuner with OTT apps, and Freely adds live channels to the same guide over the internet.
For a broader comparison with aerial, satellite and cable, see IPTV vs traditional TV. For a consumer view of live channels against on-demand libraries, read IPTV vs Netflix.
Frequently asked questions
Is Netflix IPTV or OTT?
Netflix is OTT: it streams over the open internet to apps on any broadband connection. It is on-demand only, with no linear channels.
Is an IPTV subscription OTT?
Usually, yes. App-based IPTV subscriptions deliver live channels over the public internet, so they behave like OTT services even though they look like traditional TV.
Which is more reliable?
Managed IPTV tends to be the most consistent because the operator controls the whole path. A good OTT service on a solid wired connection can be just as smooth in practice.
