On any Android device, TiviMate is the app to install first: the fastest channel switching, the best programme guide and a layout built for a remote. It costs a few euros a year after the trial; XCIPTV is the free alternative with almost the same features. On a Fire TV Stick both install through the Downloader app in five minutes. All five apps below use the same login from us.
The five apps compared
| App | Price | Strength | Fire TV Stick | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TiviMate | Free trial, then a few euros a year | Fastest zapping, best EPG, recording | Via Downloader | TiviMate setup |
| XCIPTV | Free | TiviMate-like, free, several players built in | Via Downloader | XCIPTV setup |
| OTT Navigator | Free, premium optional | Most settings, catch-up and multi-view | Via Downloader | OTT Navigator setup |
| IPTV Smarters Pro | Free | Familiar layout, films and series sections | Via Downloader | Smarters setup |
| Televizo | Free, premium optional | Very light, good on cheap boxes | Via Downloader | Televizo setup |
None of these apps needs an activation from us: enter the Xtream Codes details from our message and the list loads. The paid tiers are paid to the app makers through the Play Store and only unlock extras such as recording or multi-view.
Fire TV Stick: install any app in five minutes
1. Allow apps from unknown sources
Settings, My Fire TV, Developer options, switch on Apps from unknown sources (on newer sticks: Install unknown apps, then allow it for Downloader).
2. Install Downloader from the Amazon store
Search for Downloader (orange icon), install and open it.
3. Enter the app's download address
Type the address from the app's guide on our site; Downloader fetches the installer and asks to install. Confirm, then open the app.
4. Log in with Xtream Codes
Server address, username, password from our message. The channel list and guide load within a minute.
Which stick
The 4K models have twice the memory of the basic stick and switch channels noticeably faster. If you are buying new, take the 4K one; if you already have a basic stick, it works, just close other apps first.
Android box or Android TV: what makes the difference
A TV or box with real Android TV or Google TV installs every app above from the Play Store, no Downloader needed. A cheap generic box with phone Android also works but needs the APK route, and its remote often lacks the buttons TiviMate expects. Whatever you buy: 2 GB of memory or more and a network port are what decide whether zapping feels instant.
Read: which IPTV box suits you
Read: IPTV boxes from AliExpress, what to watch out for
Questions about IPTV on Android and Fire TV
Is TiviMate worth paying for?
If you watch daily, yes: the premium unlocks several playlists, recording and a better guide, for the price of one month of coffee per year. If you only want live channels, XCIPTV does it for free.
Downloader says the file cannot be installed
Unknown sources is not switched on for Downloader (step 1), or the stick is out of space. Uninstall an app you do not use and try again.
Can I use Chromecast with Google TV?
Yes, it is a full Android TV device: install TiviMate or XCIPTV from the Play Store. The old Chromecast without Google TV cannot run apps; cast from your phone instead.
Which app for a Nvidia Shield?
TiviMate; the Shield is the fastest device for it and handles 4K streams and recording without effort.
Want the download addresses and your login in one message?
Request the free 24-hour trial and tell us which device you have; we send everything you need for it.
