Part of our IPTV Guide section.
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IPTV meaning: a simple definition
Traditional TV is broadcast: one signal is sent out and every aerial or dish in range picks it up at the same moment. IPTV works differently. Video is compressed, split into packets and delivered over an IP network, the same kind of network that carries web pages and video calls, to an app that reassembles and plays it.
"Internet protocol" refers to the set of rules computers use to address and route data. "Television" is the content: live channels, catch-up and on-demand programmes. Put together, IPTV is television that travels the way the rest of the internet does.
IPTV is a delivery method, not a channel line-up, a brand or a particular app. Whether a given service is good, reliable or legal depends on the company behind it, not on the acronym.
The three types of IPTV you will meet in the UK
Operator IPTV
TV from your broadband provider over its own managed network, such as EE TV or Virgin Media’s streaming TV. Channels often travel as multicast streams with reserved capacity, which keeps them very stable.
Broadcaster and platform apps
Live channels inside apps such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 or Sky’s apps, plus Freely, which adds a live TV guide to compatible smart TVs. These run over the open internet.
Subscription player services
A provider supplies login details or a playlist and you watch through a player app such as IPTV Smarters or TiviMate. This is what most people mean when they search for an "IPTV subscription".
All three are IPTV in the technical sense. The third type is where quality and legality vary the most, which is why our guide to choosing a provider focuses on it.
What you need to watch IPTV
- Broadband: around 10 Mbps per screen for HD and 25 Mbps for 4K, ideally with a wired connection to the main TV. Our internet speed guide shows how to check.
- A device: a smart TV, Fire TV Stick, Android TV box, Apple TV, phone, tablet or computer.
- A player app: the interface you browse, from IPTV Smarters to VLC. See choosing an IPTV player.
- A subscription: the service that supplies the streams and your login details.
- A TV Licence if you watch live TV or BBC iPlayer, whichever way it reaches you. See licensing.
What can you watch with IPTV?
IPTV can carry three kinds of viewing: live channels in real time, catch-up of programmes that have already aired, and on-demand films and series you start whenever you like. Which of these a particular service offers depends on the rights it holds. Our page on live TV, catch-up and on demand explains the differences.
Be wary of any offer that promises "every channel in the world" for a few pounds. Legitimate channel line-ups are limited by licensing agreements, and an unrealistic catalogue is one of the clearest warning signs of an unlicensed service.
Pros and cons of IPTV
| Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|
| No dish, aerial or engineer visit | Quality depends on your broadband and home network |
| Works on TVs, phones, tablets and computers | Live streams run slightly behind the broadcast signal |
| Catch-up and on-demand alongside live TV | Too many simultaneous streams can slow a busy connection |
| Easy to move between rooms, or to take on holiday within the rights of the service | Service quality and legality vary between providers |
Is IPTV legal in the UK?
If a service is cheap because it never paid for its channels, it is not legal, however professional it looks. Our full explainer covers what the law says about IPTV in the UK, and our list of licensed UK services shows what legitimate options look like.
Frequently asked questions
What does IPTV stand for?
IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television: television delivered over a network that uses the internet protocol, rather than broadcast by aerial, satellite or cable.
Is IPTV the same as an IPTV box?
No. An IPTV box is just a device that runs player apps, usually an Android-based set-top box. You can watch IPTV without one on a smart TV, streaming stick, phone or computer. See IPTV boxes and devices.
Can I watch IPTV on 4G or 5G?
Yes, including on 4G and 5G home broadband routers, as long as the connection is stable. HD streaming uses roughly 3 GB per hour, so check your data allowance first. More in our speed guide.
Does IPTV work without a TV Licence?
You still need a TV Licence to watch or record live TV, on any channel and any device, and to use BBC iPlayer. On-demand programmes from services other than the BBC do not need one.
