What is IPTV?

IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television. Instead of getting TV through a cable box or a satellite dish, IPTV sends live channels, movies and series to your screen over your regular internet connection. If you have ever watched a show on Netflix or YouTube, you already understand the basic idea. IPTV just brings the full live-TV experience—news, sports, local channels and pay-per-view events—to that same internet connection.

How does IPTV work?

Traditional TV broadcasts every channel at once over cable or airwaves, and your box picks the one you want. IPTV works differently. Channels are stored and streamed from servers, and your device asks for only the channel you choose. That stream travels over the internet to an app on your TV, streaming stick, phone or computer.

There are three common types of IPTV content:

• Live TV – regular channels as they air, including sports, news and entertainment.
• Video on demand (VOD) – a library of movies and series you can start whenever you like.
• Catch-up / time-shift – on supported channels, you can go back and watch programs that already aired.

What do you need to watch IPTV?

Getting started is simpler than most people expect. You need three things:

1. A stable internet connection. We recommend at least 25 Mbps for HD on one screen, and 50 Mbps or more for 4K or several screens at once. A wired Ethernet connection is more reliable than Wi-Fi.
2. A compatible device. Onn 4K from Walmart (our #1 pick), Android TV boxes, Amazon Fire TV Stick, NVIDIA Shield, Chromecast with Google TV, Android Smart TVs, Android phones and tablets, Windows and Mac computers, MAG boxes, and Samsung or LG Smart TVs with a compatible app all work well. Roku does not support IPTV apps.
3. An IPTV app and a subscription. The app is the player you use on your screen, such as our own SurfPlayer, or another player app. Your subscription provides the channels and login details the app connects to.

Why are people switching to IPTV?

Cable and satellite bills keep climbing, and many households pay for hundreds of channels they never watch. IPTV offers a different deal:

• More content for less money. StreamSurfers includes 20,000+ live channels and 54,000+ movies and series.
• No contracts. You pay for the months you want and can stop any time.
• Watch anywhere. Use it on the living-room TV, a bedroom Firestick, or your phone while travelling.
• Sports in one place. NHL, NFL, NBA, MLB, Premier League, Champions League, UFC and PPV events, many in 4K.
• Multiple screens. Plans are available with 1 to 5 connections, so the whole family can watch different things at the same time.

How StreamSurfers plans work

StreamSurfers keeps pricing simple. Every plan is sold in whole months—1, 3, 6 or 12 months—so you always know exactly how long your service lasts. Choose how many connections (screens) you need, from 1 to 5, and longer plans give you better value per month. There are no hidden fees and no long-term contract.

Payment is easy too. Canadian customers can pay by Interac e-Transfer, and we also accept credit and debit cards, Amazon gift cards and cryptocurrency. Most accounts are activated within 5 to 30 minutes of payment, and your login details are sent by email.

Try it free for 48 hours

The best way to know if IPTV is right for you is to try it. StreamSurfers offers a free 48-hour trial with full access to live channels, sports and the movie library. Use it to check that everything runs smoothly on your device and your internet connection before you buy. Trials are limited to one per customer.

Tips for smooth streaming

• Plug your device into your router with an Ethernet cable whenever you can.
• Restart your streaming device and router once in a while.
• Keep your IPTV app up to date.
• If your internet provider slows streaming at busy times, a VPN can help.
• Use a recommended device—older or low-power sticks can struggle with 4K.

Is IPTV hard to set up?

Not at all. Most people are watching within 10 minutes. You install the app, enter the login details we email you, and your channel guide loads automatically. We have step-by-step guides for Firestick and Fire TV, Google TV, Android phones and tablets, Apple TV, Windows and Samsung and LG Smart TVs. If you get stuck, our support team is happy to help by email or WhatsApp.

The bottom line

IPTV is simply TV delivered over the internet—more channels, more flexibility and lower cost than cable or satellite. With a good connection, a compatible device and a reliable provider, you can enjoy live sports, local channels and thousands of movies on any screen in your home.

Ready to see for yourself? Claim 1 month free (order it on our site and your login is emailed to you automatically within minutes), browse our monthly plans, check the channel list, or read our FAQs.

Set up StreamSurfers on your device

• Firestick / Fire TV
• Google TV
• Samsung & LG Smart TVs
• Android phones & tablets
• iPhone & Apple TV
• Windows PC
• Linux boxes

Claim 1 month free (order it on our site and your login is emailed to you automatically within minutes) or see plans.