IPTV Smarters vs TiviMate: both are IPTV players, and the main difference is where they run: TiviMate is built for Android-based devices such as Fire TV, Android TV and Google TV, while Smarters runs on a wider range of platforms, including iPhone and iPad. This comparison sets the two side by side, adds IBO Player as a third option and gives a verdict by device.
In short
- Both accept Xtream Codes and M3U log-ins.
- TiviMate is Android-based only; Smarters also covers Apple devices.
- Features and prices change with versions, so check each store listing today.
- All three apps belong to their own publishers; none is made or sold by British IPTV.
- Premium customers use the AromaOtt player app, covered at the end.
The comparison
| IPTV Smarters Pro | TiviMate | IBO Player | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Android, Fire TV, iPhone and iPad; check the store for others | Android TV, Google TV, Fire TV, Android phones | Several, including smart TV and Android platforms; check the listing |
| iPhone or iPad | Yes | No | Check the listing |
| Cost | Free to download; check the listing for in-app options | Free with a paid upgrade for extra features | Usually activated per device, with a fee after any free period |
| Log-in types | Xtream Codes, M3U | Xtream Codes, M3U | Playlist added to the device by activation |
| Programme guide | Yes | Yes, with a strong guide view | Yes |
| Catch-up | Where the service supports it | Where the service supports it | Where the service supports it |
| Recording | Check the listing | Local recording is a paid-tier feature | Check the listing |
| Multi-view | Check the listing | Paid-tier feature | Check the listing |
The table states what is widely known and tells you to check the rest. App features change with every version, and cells that say "check the listing" are deliberate.
Platforms
If you use a Fire TV Stick, an Android box or Google TV, both apps run. If you want the same app on an iPhone, iPad or other Apple device, only Smarters is a choice of the two, because TiviMate has no Apple version. On a Samsung or LG TV, neither may be listed for your model; see Samsung and LG.
Cost
Both can be started for free. TiviMate hides several features behind a paid upgrade, such as multiple playlists and recording; read what the free version leaves out before you decide. Smarters is free to download, and its builds vary. IBO Player ties a playlist to a device through an activation, and that has a fee. In every case, check the store listing for the price today.
Guide and navigation
TiviMate's strength is its guide: channels, the time grid, favourites and groups are easy to move around with a remote. Smarters has a simpler layout that some find less polished on a TV and others find easier on a phone. Taste matters more than any feature table, and both can be tried for the price of an install.
Catch-up, recording and extras
Catch-up works only on channels and services that support it, in either app. Recording and multi-view depend on the version and sometimes on payment. If you rely on recording, check where recordings are stored and what the free version allows.
Log-in types
Both take Xtream Codes, which is the format that loads the guide and on-demand sections most completely, and M3U as an alternative. IBO Player works differently: the playlist is added to your device through an activation page. M3U, Xtream Codes or MAC explains the formats.
Verdict by device
- Fire TV Stick or Android TV box: try TiviMate first for the guide, and keep Smarters as the free fallback.
- iPhone or iPad: Smarters, or another App Store player; see IPTV on iPhone and iPad.
- Apple TV: whichever tvOS player you find listed; see IPTV on Apple TV.
- Samsung or LG TV: whichever compatible app your TV's store lists, or a stick.
Premium and the AromaOtt app
The Premium plan is used through the AromaOtt player app at aromaott.com, which is run by the owner of British IPTV. It is not compared in the table, because it is part of the plan; check the site for the devices it supports.
A ten-minute test
You do not have to decide from a table. Install both on the same device, enter the same log-in and spend five minutes with each. Open the programme guide, set a favourite, change channel a dozen times and leave one running. Which one feels quicker to you, and which layout do you find easier to read from the sofa? Taste decides this more than specifications.
What to check before paying for an upgrade
If an app offers a paid tier, find out exactly which feature you want, such as multiple playlists, local recording or a special guide view, and test whether the free version already does it well enough. Check whether the payment is one-off or recurring, because a recurring app charge is separate from your IPTV plan, and check which devices the licence covers.
Switching later
Changing player does not affect your IPTV plan. Your log-in works in any compatible app, within the number of screens your plan allows, so you can try one, switch and keep the log-in. Your favourites and settings are stored in the app, so note them down if you move.
Where to go next
The device guides are listed on the How it works page. If the app you pick will not load your list, see IPTV not working?.