Kastoo
VLC is a free, open-source player that opens almost anything, including M3U lists. It is perfect for checking whether a list works, but it falls short for everyday TV: it has no grid guide, no favourites by category and it does not accept Xtream Codes accounts.
How to open an M3U list in VLC
- Windows and Linux: Media → Open Network Stream → paste your list’s URL → Play.
- Mac: File → Open Network → paste the URL.
- Android, iPhone and iPad: in the VLC app, look for “Network stream” (in the Network tab or under More) and paste the URL.
The channels appear in the playlist (on a computer, View → Playlist). If the list is large, it takes a little while to load.
The good
- Free, ad-free and open source (developed by the VideoLAN organisation).
- Plays practically any format and codec.
- Available on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, Android TV, iPhone and iPad.
- Ideal for checking in a minute whether a URL works.
What it lacks for everyday IPTV
- Programme guide (EPG): it does not show it as a grid with “now” and “next”.
- Xtream Codes: it does not accept a username, password and server; only URLs.
- Movies and series: they appear as one long list, without cover art, seasons or “Continue watching”.
- Favourites and profiles: no favourites by category and no parental controls for the list.
- TV remote: it works on Android TV, but it is not designed for channel-hopping with the remote.
- LG and Samsung smart TVs: there is no official app in their stores.
| VLC | IPTV player (such as Kastoo) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Depends on the app (Kastoo: 15 days free, then a one-off €4 for 1 year or €10 for 3 years) |
| M3U lists | Yes | Yes |
| Xtream Codes | No | Yes |
| Grid EPG | No | Yes |
| Organised movies and series | No | Yes |
| Favourites, profiles and parental controls | No | Yes |
| Add the list from your phone | No | Yes, with a QR code |
When to use each one
Use VLC to test a list or to watch something occasionally on a computer. If you watch TV every day, especially with a remote, an IPTV player saves you a lot of time: a guide, organised categories, favourites and a list added once for all your devices.
Frequently asked questions
Is VLC safe?
Yes, if you download it from its official website (videolan.org) or your system’s store. Avoid download sites that bundle it with other programs.
Can VLC load the EPG guide?
It does not show a grid guide. For that you need an IPTV player.
Can I record with VLC?
VLC can save a stream to a file, but recording broadcasts is only legal where the content rights and your provider allow it.
Free for 15 days with all features, no card needed. One licence covers 3 devices.
Kastoo is just a player: it does not sell, host or include lists, channels, movies or subscriptions. The screenshots use a demo list with openly licensed content.