IPTV on Mac: Setup Guide for MacBook and iMac

Watching IPTV on a Mac depends on one thing: the chip inside it. Newer Macs with Apple silicon (M1 or later) run the same IPTV players as the iPad, straight from the Mac App Store. Older Intel Macs use a different player. This guide shows you which IPTV player for Mac fits yours and how to add the login for our 4K IPTV service.

Strong IPTV Fox mascot watching IPTV on a laptop and an all-in-one desktop computer

First, check your Mac's chip

  1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner.

  2. Choose About This Mac.

  3. Look at the line called Chip or Processor:

Apple M1, M2, M3 or later: you have Apple silicon. Use UHF or IPTVX.

Intel: use VLC (see below).

Best IPTV players for Mac

AppPriceApp Store rating (Nov 2026)NeedsBest for
UHF – Love your IPTVFree; PRO is $1.99 a month, $17.99 a year or $49.99 once4.7 (3,100+ ratings, shared with iPhone and iPad)Apple silicon, macOS 13 or laterThe cleanest design and a free version
IPTVXFree download; paid plans from $3.99 a month or $28.99 a year4.4 (3,200+ ratings, shared with iPhone and iPad)Apple silicon, macOS 12 or laterA full TV guide and catch-up; also runs on macOS 12
VLC media playerFreeNot rated on the App StoreAny Mac, including IntelIntel Macs and quick tests with an M3U link

UHF – Love your IPTV

Price
Free; PRO is $1.99 a month, $17.99 a year or $49.99 once
App Store rating (Nov 2026)
4.7 (3,100+ ratings, shared with iPhone and iPad)
Needs
Apple silicon, macOS 13 or later
Best for
The cleanest design and a free version

IPTVX

Price
Free download; paid plans from $3.99 a month or $28.99 a year
App Store rating (Nov 2026)
4.4 (3,200+ ratings, shared with iPhone and iPad)
Needs
Apple silicon, macOS 12 or later
Best for
A full TV guide and catch-up; also runs on macOS 12

VLC media player

Price
Free
App Store rating (Nov 2026)
Not rated on the App Store
Needs
Any Mac, including Intel
Best for
Intel Macs and quick tests with an M3U link

UHF and IPTVX on Mac are their iPad versions, so the layout looks like a tablet app in a window. The ratings above are shared across their Apple versions. App prices are set by the app makers and can change; we don't sell or include these apps.

Install UHF or IPTVX on a Mac with Apple silicon

  1. Open the App Store on your Mac.

  2. Search for UHF or IPTVX.

  3. If the app doesn't show at first, select iPhone & iPad Apps in the search results.

  4. Click Get, then Open.

Add your login:

  1. In the app, add a new playlist (in IPTVX: Playlist Manager › New playlist).

  2. Choose Xtream Codes.

  3. Enter the server URL (with the port if we sent one), your username and password, then save.

  4. Wait while your channels and TV guide load.

Prefer an M3U link? Choose the M3U or URL option in step 2 and paste the full link.

Watch IPTV on an Intel Mac with VLC

Intel Macs can't install iPad apps, so VLC is the simple option.

  1. Download VLC from the VideoLAN website (it's free) and open it.

  2. Choose File › Open Network.

  3. Paste your M3U link and click Open.

  4. Open the playlist (Window › Playlist) to switch channels.

VLC plays our channels well but has no TV guide or catch-up. If you want those on an Intel Mac, the easiest fix is to watch on a TV device instead, such as a Fire TV Stick or an Apple TV.

Tips for smooth IPTV on your Mac

  • Use Ethernet (with an adapter) or 5 GHz Wi-Fi for 4K channels.
  • Keep macOS and the app updated from the App Store.
  • Plug in your MacBook while you watch: Low Power Mode can slow video down.
  • Watch on the TV: connect the Mac with an HDMI cable, or use AirPlay to an Apple TV or a compatible smart TV.

Mac IPTV questions

What is the best IPTV player for Mac?

On a Mac with Apple silicon, UHF for its clean design and free version, or IPTVX if you want the full guide and catch-up. On an Intel Mac, VLC.

Why can't I find UHF or IPTVX in the Mac App Store?

Look under iPhone & iPad Apps in the search results. If they're still not there, your Mac probably has an Intel chip or an older macOS version.

Do I need to buy the app again for my Mac?

Usually not. Purchases are linked to your Apple ID, so check the app's restore or upgrade option before paying again.

Is there a Windows version of this guide?

Yes. Windows uses different apps; see our IPTV player for Windows PC guide.

Can I watch on my Mac and my TV at the same time?

One account streams on one screen at a time. To watch on both at once, choose 2 screens on our IPTV subscription page.

Ready to watch on your Mac?

Pick a plan, tell us which Mac you have, and we send your login with setup help within minutes.