Which apps are recommended for LG or Samsung TV?
Finding the right IPTV app for a smart TV can be frustrating. Neither LG nor Samsung has particularly generous app support on their platforms, and the most popular IPTV apps simply aren't available directly in their app stores. But there are solutions — and we'll walk you through them here.
Our strong recommendation: Use an external streaming device
If you want a hassle-free IPTV experience, the honest truth is that an external streaming device delivers a noticeably better result than the built-in systems on LG and Samsung TVs. The reasons are several:
- More apps to choose from — Apple TV and Google TV support the best IPTV apps: UHF, TiviMate, IPTVX and XCIPTV
- Better performance — Dedicated streaming devices have more powerful processors which means faster channel switching and less buffering
- Automatic updates — Playlists and EPG update automatically, something that doesn't always work as smoothly on built-in TV systems
- Future-proof — You're not dependent on your TV manufacturer approving and maintaining apps
The best options for an external device are Apple TV (for Apple users) and Chromecast with Google TV or Nvidia Shield (for Android users).
What works directly on LG and Samsung?
If you'd prefer not to buy an external device, here's what's available on each platform.
LG TV (WebOS)
LG's app store has a limited selection of IPTV apps. The options that work best are:
| App | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IPTV Smarters Pro | Free | Easiest to install, works reasonably well |
| Smart IPTV | One-time fee | Simple but stable, popular among LG users |
Samsung TV (Tizen)
Samsung has even more limited IPTV app support than LG. Available options:
| App | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IPTV Smarters Pro | Free | Available in the Samsung store but with limited functionality |
| SS IPTV | Free | Works but requires manual installation via USB |
Varning
On both LG and Samsung, IPTV apps can be slower, lack EPG features and require manual playlist updates. This is simply a consequence of the platforms not being built with IPTV in mind.
Comparison — All options at a glance
| Device | Recommended app | Alternative | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG TV (WebOS) | IPTV Smarters Pro | Smart IPTV | Adequate |
| Samsung TV (Tizen) | IPTV Smarters Pro | SS IPTV | Adequate |
| Apple TV | UHF | IPTVX | Excellent |
| Android TV / Google TV | TiviMate | XCIPTV | Excellent |
Extra tips for a better experience
Regardless of which device you use, these tips can make a real difference:
- Use Ethernet instead of WiFi — A wired connection delivers more stable streaming and significantly reduces buffering
- Check for H.265 support — Newer TV models support H.265 (HEVC) which provides better picture quality at lower bandwidth
- Keep your TV's firmware updated — An up-to-date TV performs better and has fewer compatibility issues with apps
Frequently asked questions
Why isn't TiviMate or UHF available in the LG/Samsung store?
TiviMate is an Android app and is not available for WebOS or Tizen. UHF is an Apple app and is only available in the App Store. These platforms each have their own ecosystem and don't share apps with one another.
Can I install apps outside the LG/Samsung store?
On Samsung, SS IPTV can be installed manually via USB. On LG the options are more limited. In general it's more trouble than it's worth — an external streaming device is a simpler and better alternative.
Does IPTV Smarters Pro work well on a smart TV?
It works, but with some limitations compared to how it performs on Android or iOS. EPG may require manual updates and the app can feel sluggish on built-in TV systems.
Which external device do you recommend most?
For Apple users, Apple TV is the obvious choice. For everyone else we recommend Chromecast with Google TV as an affordable option or Nvidia Shield for those who want maximum performance.
Summary
- LG and Samsung have limited IPTV app support — don't expect the same experience as on dedicated streaming devices
- IPTV Smarters Pro is the best built-in option for both platforms
- An external streaming device like Apple TV or Chromecast with Google TV delivers a noticeably better experience
- Use Ethernet for the most stable streaming regardless of device
Need help choosing the right solution for your specific TV? Contact our support team via live chat or email and we'll help you out.