Compared

Alternatives to IPTV Smarters, GSE and TiviMate on iPhone

Every app on this page plays a playlist you bring, and none of them sells channels, PixelPlay included. They differ on ads, on how you pay, on casting, on how recently anyone updated them, and on whether there is an Apple TV app. This page sets those out, including where the others beat PixelPlay.

Get PixelPlay free

iPhone and iPad  ·  iOS 17+  ·  No ads on either tier

We make PixelPlay, so this is the maker's view. Each competitor row comes from its App Store listing and its recent reviews, read on 30 October 2026, and links to the source.

By Rahul Gupta  ·  Updated

Before you install

Check the developer name

Search the App Store for Smarters and about eight sellers come back. Search for GSE and you get three, one of them a different developer's app with ads and a tracking label. TiviMate has no iPhone app at all, so a listing that uses the name is not from TiviMate's maker.

The developer name sits under the app's title. The original GSE SMART IPTV PRO is by GSE Technology Ltd. Smarters Player Lite is by WHMCS Smarters. PixelPlay is by SRS Tech and has one listing.

At a glance

Price, ads and where each one runs

AppDeveloperPrice (US)AdsApple TV or Mac app
PixelPlaySRS TechFree. Pro $24.99 once, or $9.99 a yearNone on either tierNo
Smarters Player LiteWHMCS SmartersFree, $1.99 premium (listing)YesBoth
GSE SMART IPTV PROGSE Technology Ltd$2.99 paid (listing)Paid appSeparate builds
GSE Smart IPTV Player Live TVAnimesh SharmaFree, then $4.99 a month to $29.99 lifetime (listing)YesNot listed
IPTVXBending X FZE$3.99 a month to $28.99 a year (listing)Reviewers report upgrade promptsBoth
UHFShort Wavelength ApplicationsFree. PRO $1.99 a month, $17.99 a year or $49.99 lifetime (listing)In the free tierBoth
Purple Playlist PlayerPurple Smart TV LLC$14.99 a year or $49.99 lifetime (listing)Reviewers report manyBoth
iPlayTV AIOAndre Silva$2.49 a quarter or $9.49 a year (listing)Not listedApple TV is a separate $5.99 app
TiviMateNo iPhone appAndroid TV and Fire TV only

Prices checked 30 October 2026, US App Store, unless the row names another source. They change; the listing is the final word.

App by app

What each one is good at, and what reviewers report

Smarters Player LiteWHMCS Smarters

The most installed player in the category, with apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro and Apple TV, and a one-time $1.99 upgrade.

What reviewers report. Full-screen ads in the free version: “an ad that comes up and you can't exit out” (App Store reviewer, October 2026, listing). Others report buffering after updates and login errors.

Where it beats PixelPlay. Apple TV and Mac apps, and a cheaper one-time unlock.

Where PixelPlay fits. Neither tier shows ads, and the app never asks to track you across other apps.

GSE SMART IPTV PROGSE Technology Ltd

A long-standing paid player that records live streams and has an EPG timeline. The listing was last updated in November 2022.

What reviewers report. No updates and no answers: “Ghost developer” (App Store reviewer, June 2026, listing). Others report Chromecast and background audio no longer working.

Where it beats PixelPlay. It records, and it has separate Apple TV and Mac builds.

Where PixelPlay fits. It is maintained, casts to Google Cast and AirPlay on the free tier, and plays audio in the background. It does not record.

IPTVXBending X FZE

A polished subscription player across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro and Apple TV, with Plex and SMB sources and movie and series pages.

What reviewers report. Price rises: “increasing subscription price more and more” (App Store reviewer, September 2026, listing). Others report updates that broke playback, and guide problems.

Where it beats PixelPlay. Apple TV and Mac apps, Plex and SMB sources, a guide that loads from the provider automatically, and movie and series pages.

Where PixelPlay fits. Pro can be bought once for $24.99, so there is nothing to renew.

UHFShort Wavelength Applications

The player Reddit names most often for Apple devices. The free tier includes Picture in Picture, catch-up, Chromecast and AirPlay.

What reviewers report. Guide sync errors: “Constant 'EPG Sync Failed'” (App Store reviewer, September 2026, listing). Others report ads in the free tier and casting that does not connect.

Where it beats PixelPlay. Apple TV and Mac apps, free Picture in Picture, Plex, Jellyfin and Emby sources, and a cheaper monthly option.

Where PixelPlay fits. The free tier shows no ads, and Picture in Picture is part of PixelPlay Pro.

Purple Playlist PlayerPurple Smart TV LLC

A player with an optional cloud recording service, on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro and Apple TV.

What reviewers report. Ads: “Insane number of ads” (App Store reviewer, September 2026, listing). Others report casting and Picture in Picture that did not work after paying.

Where it beats PixelPlay. Cloud recording, and Apple TV and Mac apps.

Where PixelPlay fits. You get Google Cast and AirPlay on the free tier, with no ads.

TiviMate

A popular player for Android TV and Fire TV. It has no iPhone or iPad version, which is why “TiviMate for iPhone” is a common search.

Where PixelPlay fits. A native iPhone and iPad player with a 24-hour guide grid and reminders in Pro.

Limits

When PixelPlay is the wrong choice

What PixelPlay does do: no ads on either tier, Google Cast and AirPlay for free, a second playback engine that tries a stream when iOS's own player refuses it, and Pro as a one-time $24.99 purchase or $9.99 a year. Before you blame any player, run your playlist through the free Playlist Health Check.

Questions

IPTV players on iPhone

Corrections

Something here out of date?

Prices and features change. If a row on this page is wrong, including one about another company's app, write and say which. We check it against the listing and fix it.

support@srstech.in
Download on the App Store