Which app should you use to watch your Shamel TV subscription? Shamel TV works with almost every IPTV player, but the most popular choices are our own Shamel TV Pro app, TiviMate, IPTV Smarters Pro and GSE Smart IPTV. Each one is good at something different. This comparison explains what each app does well, where it falls short, and which one fits your device and the way you watch. If you only want a comparison of the three third-party players, see our TiviMate vs IPTV Smarters vs GSE guide.
The Short Answer
- Shamel TV Pro: the easiest way to watch Shamel TV. Free, no setup, sign in with a QR code, six languages.
- TiviMate: the best choice for TV guide fans who want recording and catch-up on Android TV or Fire TV.
- IPTV Smarters Pro: a familiar all-round player that runs on many platforms.
- GSE Smart IPTV: an option for iPhone, iPad and Apple TV users who want a dedicated player.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Shamel TV Pro | TiviMate | IPTV Smarters Pro | GSE Smart IPTV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free, Premium is paid | Free version available | Free, Pro is paid |
| Setup | Sign in with your Shamel TV account or QR code | Enter Xtream Codes or M3U details | Enter Xtream Codes or M3U details | Enter Xtream Codes or M3U details |
| Free trial inside the app | Yes | No | No | No |
| Fire TV and Android TV | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies by device |
| Android phone | Yes | No (built for TV) | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone, iPad, PC and Mac | Yes, as a web app | No | Depends on platform | iPhone, iPad and Apple TV |
| Samsung and LG TVs | Yes, in the TV browser | No | Depends on model | No |
| Interface languages | 6, including Arabic and Turkish | Several | Several | Several |
| TV guide (EPG) grid | No | Yes, excellent | Yes | Yes |
| Recording and catch-up | No | Yes (Premium) | Varies by platform | Varies by platform |
| Send subtitles from your phone | Yes | No | No | No |
| Updates | Automatic from inside the app | From the app store | From the app store | From the app store |
Features of third-party apps change between versions and platforms, so check the app store listing for the version you install.
Shamel TV Pro
Shamel TV Pro is our own free app, built only for Shamel TV subscribers and trial users. Its biggest advantage is that there is nothing to set up. You don’t copy server addresses or passwords. On a TV, you scan a QR code with your phone and the app signs in by itself. New users can start a free trial with one button.
Strengths:
- Free, with no premium version to buy.
- Works on Fire TV, Android TV, Google TV, Android phones, and as a web app on iPhone, PC, Mac and Samsung and LG TVs.
- A player built on the VLC engine that plays HEVC, Dolby and DTS sound.
- Resume from where you stopped, and automatic reconnection with clear error messages.
- Subtitles from the video, from a file, or sent from your phone to your TV.
- Available in six languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Turkish and Arabic.
- Updates itself from inside the app.
Limits: no TV guide grid, no recording and no catch-up. It is made for Shamel TV, not as a general player for other services.
Best for: anyone who wants to start watching in a few minutes, families, and users who prefer an interface in their own language.
TiviMate
TiviMate is one of the most popular IPTV players for Android TV and Fire TV. It looks like a cable TV box, with a full program guide grid. Its Premium version adds features such as recording, catch-up, multiple playlists and picture-in-picture.
Strengths: the best TV guide experience, recording and catch-up, deep customization of channel groups and favorites.
Limits: it’s designed for TV devices, not phones. The best features need a paid Premium subscription, and you must enter your login details yourself.
Best for: live TV and sports viewers who use the TV guide a lot. Our guide shows how to set up Shamel TV on TiviMate.
IPTV Smarters Pro
IPTV Smarters Pro is a well-known all-round player with sections for live TV, movies and series. Many IPTV users already know its layout, and it’s available on several platforms.
Strengths: familiar interface, Xtream Codes and M3U support, available on more devices than TiviMate.
Limits: features and availability differ between platforms and app stores, and several unofficial copies exist. Install it only from an official store.
Best for: users who switch between several devices and want the same player on each.
GSE Smart IPTV
GSE Smart IPTV is a long-standing player, popular with iPhone, iPad and Apple TV users. It supports M3U playlists and Xtream Codes, and has a paid Pro version.
Strengths: works on Apple devices, many playback settings.
Limits: the interface feels older and is less simple for beginners.
Best for: Apple TV owners. On iPhone and iPad, you can also add Shamel TV Pro to your home screen as a web app.
Which App Should You Choose?
You just subscribed and want to watch now: Shamel TV Pro. Install it with Downloader code 9663948 on Firestick or Android TV, and sign in with your phone.
You watch a lot of live TV and need a guide or recording: TiviMate Premium.
You use many different devices: IPTV Smarters Pro, or Shamel TV Pro, which runs on most of them, including in a web browser.
You have a Samsung or LG TV: Shamel TV Pro in the TV browser. See our Samsung and LG smart TV guide.
You have an Apple TV: GSE Smart IPTV or another Apple TV player.
You don’t have to choose only one. Your Shamel TV subscription works in every app above. Many customers use Shamel TV Pro on the phone and TiviMate on the living room TV. Just check how many connections your plan includes, because each app that plays at the same time uses one. Our guide on watching IPTV on multiple TVs explains this.
A Note on New Fire TV Sticks
Some new Fire TV Sticks, such as the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, run Amazon’s new Vega OS and can’t install Shamel TV Pro, TiviMate or most other IPTV players from outside the Amazon Appstore. Before buying a streaming device, check that it runs Fire OS or Google TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shamel TV Pro better than TiviMate?
For Shamel TV customers who want an easy start, yes: it’s free, needs no setup and includes a free trial. TiviMate is better if you need a TV guide grid, recording or catch-up.
Can I use my Shamel TV subscription in TiviMate or IPTV Smarters?
Yes. Use the Xtream Codes or M3U details from your account. Our guide to setting up Shamel TV on any IPTV player shows how.
Is Shamel TV Pro really free?
Yes. The app is free with no premium version. You need a Shamel TV subscription or a free trial to watch channels.
Which app works on iPhone?
Shamel TV Pro works on iPhone and iPad as a web app in Safari. GSE Smart IPTV is also available for Apple devices.
Can I use two apps at the same time?
Yes, if your plan includes enough connections. Each device that plays at the same time uses one connection.
Ready to try it? Download the Shamel TV Pro app, start a free trial, compare plans on the subscription page, or browse the channel list.