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UHF is the better choice if you mostly watch live TV: it has a fast guide, free AirPlay and Chromecast casting, and recording through a free home server. IPTVX is the better choice if you mostly watch films and series: its on-demand library looks and feels like a premium streaming app, and everything syncs through iCloud. Both are free to download, support Xtream and M3U, and have a guide with catch-up. Plenty of people use both.
Everything below comes from each app's own App Store listing, checked on 30 September 2026.
Side by side
| UHF | IPTVX | |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Short Wavelength Applications | Bending X |
| Formats | M3U8, Xtream, Plex, Jellyfin, Emby | Xtream, M3U, M3U8, Plex, SMB network shares |
| TV guide | Yes, designed for touch | Yes, EPG grid, auto-detects server guide |
| Catch-up | Yes | Yes |
| Recording | Yes, via free UHF Server on a home computer | Not listed |
| Casting | AirPlay and Chromecast, free | AirPlay 2 |
| Films and series | Yes | A highlight: series pages, next-episode button, continue watching |
| Sync across devices | PRO plan | iCloud |
| Multi-screen | Not listed | Yes |
| HDR | 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG |
| Extras | Built-in VPN client, Trakt | Offline mode (iOS), family sharing |
| US rating (Sept 2026) | About 4.7 from roughly 2,500 | About 4.4 from roughly 3,100 |
Sources: UHF and IPTVX on the App Store.
Live TV: UHF
UHF's guide was designed from scratch for touchscreens and works well with the Siri Remote. It reconnects on its own when playback errors happen, and casting to both AirPlay and Chromecast is free. Recording is its big advantage: run the free UHF Server on a Mac, Windows or Linux machine at home and schedule recordings from your phone. Full walkthrough in how to use UHF.
Films and series: IPTVX
IPTVX treats on-demand content as the main event: recently added, continue watching, dedicated series pages and a next-episode button, with artwork and details from TMDb. If your service's value is its film and series catalogue, IPTVX makes browsing it far more pleasant.
Sync and multiple devices
IPTVX syncs through your iCloud account, so playlists and favourites follow you across iPhone, iPad and Apple TV. UHF offers sync as part of its optional PRO plan, which also removes ads and watermarks.
Price
Both are free to download with optional purchases. UHF is explicit that core playback, guide, catch-up, casting and recording are free. Check each app's purchase screen for current offers.
Ease of setup
Both are straightforward: add an Xtream login or M3U link and they load channels and guide. IPTVX can find a server's guide automatically when one is available, and accepts a separate EPG link (including compressed files). UHF handles M3U8, Xtream and media-server libraries in one place. Neither needs sideloading or codes.
Parental controls
Both list parental controls: UHF lets you lock folders behind a PIN, and IPTVX lists parental control and full management of channels and categories. See parental controls for IPTV.
Updates
Both were updated recently when we checked the App Store in September 2026 (IPTVX on 29 September, UHF in late August). Actively maintained apps matter on Apple TV, because tvOS updates can break abandoned apps.
If you're coming from TiviMate
Switching to Apple TV from Android, UHF will feel more familiar for live TV, with a guide and remote-friendly layout. IPTVX will feel more like a streaming app. Your Xtream login works in both; see the best IPTV player for Apple TV.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing on screenshots instead of trying both with your playlist.
- Watching in both at once and hitting your connection limit.
- Installing lookalike apps rather than the named developers.
Which should you pick?
- Live channels and sport: UHF.
- You want to record: UHF (with UHF Server).
- Mostly films and series: IPTVX.
- Several Apple devices, no subscription: IPTVX (iCloud sync).
- Not sure: install both and add the same playlist. It costs nothing to compare.
For setup on the TV itself, see IPTV on Apple TV, and for all Apple options, the best IPTV player for Apple TV.
Frequently asked questions
- Is UHF or IPTVX better?
- UHF is better for live TV, with free casting to AirPlay and Chromecast and recording through UHF Server. IPTVX is better for films and series, with a polished library, iCloud sync and multi-screen. Both have a guide and catch-up.
- Are UHF and IPTVX free?
- Both are free to download with optional in-app purchases. UHF keeps its core features free and sells an optional PRO plan for sync and no ads.
- Can I use both?
- Yes. Many people add the same playlist to both and use UHF for live channels and IPTVX for films and series. Just remember each stream uses one of your service's connections.
- Do UHF and IPTVX work on Mac?
- Yes, on Macs with Apple Silicon (M1 or later), where both run as iPad apps from the App Store.
- Which is better for sport?
- UHF, for its live-TV focus, automatic reconnect and free casting. IPTVX's multi-screen can also suit following several matches.
- Do they include channels?
- No. Both are players only and need your own playlist or login.
- Can UHF and IPTVX record?
- UHF records through its free UHF Server companion. IPTVX doesn't list recording.
- Which has the better guide?
- Many prefer UHF's for live TV; IPTVX's grid is strong too and auto-detects server guides.
- Do they work offline?
- IPTVX lists an offline mode on iOS; live channels always need internet.
- Can I use UHF and IPTVX on a Mac?
- Yes, on Apple Silicon Macs, where both run as iPad apps from the App Store.
Written by
IPTVTips is written and maintained by a small editorial team. We check every guide against official documentation from app developers, device makers and broadcasters, and we update articles when menus, prices or availability change. We only cover legal uses of IPTV.
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