IPTV on PC and Mac: the best apps for Windows and macOS (UK, 2026)

Updated 30 October 2026 · 5 min read · WaveCastUK team

Your laptop or desktop makes a handy second screen: the match in the study while the family watches something else in the lounge, or a box set on the train. Here's how to watch IPTV on PC and Mac with free apps, step by step.

01IPTV on PC and Mac with VLC

1. Download VLC from videolan.org and install it.
2. Windows: Media > Open Network Stream. Mac: File > Open Network.
3. Paste the M3U link from your WaveCastUK email and press Play.
4. Open the playlist (Ctrl+L on Windows, Cmd+L on Mac) to browse channels.

VLC has no TV guide and can be slow with very large playlists; use one of the options below for everyday watching.

02Kodi: a proper TV guide

1. Download Kodi from kodi.tv.
2. Go to Add-ons > My add-ons > PVR clients and enable PVR IPTV Simple Client.
3. Set the location to "Remote path", paste your M3U link and add the EPG link on the EPG tab.
4. Restart Kodi and open TV.

03IPTV Smarters and MyIPTV Player

IPTV Smarters has a desktop version for Windows and macOS: log in with Xtream Codes (server, username, password) and you get live TV, films, series and the guide in separate sections. On Windows, MyIPTV Player from the Microsoft Store is another simple option: add your M3U link in Settings and pick it as the active playlist.

04Tips

• Use a cable rather than Wi-Fi on laptops at home for big matches.
• Pause cloud syncing (OneDrive, iCloud, Dropbox) if streams stutter.
• Your computer counts as one connection on your plan; see packages.

05Frequently asked questions