Short answer: IPTV Smarters is a widely used, multi-platform player that many IPTV providers mention in their setup guides. AFKast focuses on giving you the same playlist on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows, Android and Android TV / Google TV under one account with cloud sync: start an episode on your phone, resume it on the TV, and send your playlist to the TV without typing it with a remote. Neither provides content: both play your own M3U or Xtream Codes playlist.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | AFKast | IPTV Smarters |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | iPhone, iPad, Mac (App Store), Windows (Microsoft Store), Android phone/tablet, Android TV and Google TV (Google Play) | Android, Android TV / Fire TV and iPhone / iPad versions are common; desktop and smart TV versions vary by publisher and version |
| Number of apps | One app, same name and developer on every platform | Several apps and versions are published under the "IPTV Smarters" name; check the developer before installing |
| Pricing model | Free plan (with ads) + Pro: $11/year or $29 lifetime | Free to download; some versions offer paid in-app features (check the store listing for current prices) |
| Cross-device sync | Yes: watch history, resume point, favorites and settings in the cloud (2 devices free, 6 on Pro) | Varies by version |
| Adding a playlist on TV | "Send Playlist to Device": enter the short TV code on the website and send the playlist from your phone | Typed on the TV with the remote |
| Playlist types | M3U / M3U8 URL, M3U file, Xtream Codes | M3U and Xtream Codes |
| Movie & series library | Posters, synopsis, ratings, cast; episode stills, "Next Episode", skip intro/credits | Live TV, movies and series sections |
| Playback engine | ExoPlayer (Media3) on Android, mpv on Apple and Windows; 4K, HDR10, HLG, HEVC, AV1 on supported devices | Varies by version and platform |
| Automatic backup-source failover | Yes (Auto Failover): switches to a backup source in your playlist when a stream drops | Varies by version |
| Provides channels? | No, player only | No, player only |
Competitor details compiled in November 2026 from store listings; IPTV Smarters features and prices may vary by publisher, platform and version.
Who is IPTV Smarters good for?
If your provider's setup guide uses IPTV Smarters and you watch live TV, movies and series on a single device, it does the job. Its large user base means plenty of setup tutorials online.
Who is AFKast better for?
- People who switch between phone, TV and computer: your resume point, favorites and settings are the same everywhere.
- Series watchers: episode stills, "Next Episode", skip intro and credits, watch progress.
- Anyone tired of typing on a TV: Send Playlist to Device sends it from your phone.
- Uninterrupted viewing: Auto Failover switches to a backup source in your playlist automatically.
Switching from IPTV Smarters to AFKast
You most likely signed in to IPTV Smarters with Xtream Codes details. They work in AFKast too.
- Have your server URL, username and password ready (from your provider's email or panel).
- Download AFKast and enter them under "Xtream Codes". On TV, sending the playlist from your phone is faster.
- If you have an M3U URL, you can check it first with the free M3U checker.
Verdict
For simple use on one device, both apps are enough. If your home has several screens and you want to pick up where you left off everywhere, the AFKast IPTV player offers a more complete experience. Start with the free plan and upgrade to Pro if you need it. For a TiviMate comparison, see AFKast vs TiviMate.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is AFKast a good IPTV Smarters alternative?
Yes, if you use more than one device. AFKast runs on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows, Android and Android TV with one account and syncs watch history, favorites and settings between them.
Can I use my IPTV Smarters Xtream login in AFKast?
Yes. The server URL, username and password belong to your provider; enter the same details under Xtream Codes in AFKast.
Why are there several IPTV Smarters apps?
Different publishers and versions use the name. Check the developer name on the store listing before installing. AFKast is a single app from a single developer on every platform.
Is AFKast free?
There is a free plan with ads (1 playlist, 2 devices). Pro costs $11/year or $29 lifetime and adds ad-free use, sync on 6 devices, offline downloads and picture-in-picture.
Do AFKast or IPTV Smarters provide channels?
No. Both are players only. Channels and content come from your own legal IPTV provider.
