Short answer: If you only use Android TV, Google TV or Fire TV, TiviMate is a mature, TV-focused choice. If you want the same app, favorites and resume point on your phone, tablet, computer and TV, AFKast is the better fit. AFKast runs on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows, Android and Android TV / Google TV; TiviMate runs only on Android-based devices. Neither provides content: both play your own M3U or Xtream Codes playlist.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | AFKast | TiviMate |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | iPhone, iPad, Mac (App Store), Windows (Microsoft Store), Android phone/tablet, Android TV and Google TV (Google Play) | Android-based devices: Android TV, Google TV, Fire TV, Android TV boxes. No iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows or Apple TV version |
| Pricing model | Free plan (with ads) + Pro: $11/year or $29 lifetime | Basic use is free; Premium as a yearly subscription or one-time license (check Google Play for current price) |
| Device limit | Free: sync on 2 devices · Pro: 6 devices | Up to 5 devices per Premium account |
| Sync across phone, TV and computer | Yes: watch history, resume point, favorites and settings in the cloud | No iPhone, Mac or Windows version, so it cannot follow you to those devices |
| 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, Xtream Codes |
| Program guide (EPG) | XMLTV support | XMLTV support; known for its TV-style grid guide |
| Movie & series library | Posters, synopsis, ratings, cast; episode stills and "Next Episode" | Channel- and guide-focused |
| Playback engine | ExoPlayer (Media3) on Android, mpv on Apple and Windows; 4K, HDR10, HLG, HEVC, AV1 on supported devices | Android player |
| Provides channels? | No, player only | No, player only |
Competitor details compiled in November 2026 from store listings and common user sources; prices and features may vary by region and version.
Who is TiviMate good for?
If your only screen is an Android TV, Google TV or Fire TV and you mostly watch live channels, TiviMate is a solid pick. It has a long-developed, remote-friendly interface and a large user base. Premium adds extras such as recording and catch-up.
Who is AFKast better for?
- Multi-device households: start an episode on your phone and resume it on the TV. Favorites and settings follow you.
- iPhone, iPad, Mac or Windows users: TiviMate is not available there; AFKast runs on all of them with the same interface.
- Movie and series viewers: poster library, season/episode view, "Next Episode" and watch progress.
- Anyone tired of typing URLs with a remote: use Send Playlist to Device.
Switching from TiviMate to AFKast
Your playlist belongs to your provider, not the app, so the details you use in TiviMate work in AFKast too.
- Have your provider's M3U URL or Xtream Codes details (server, username, password) ready.
- Download AFKast and add the playlist. On TV you'll see a short code; sending the playlist from your phone is faster.
- Optionally check the playlist first with the free M3U checker.
Verdict
On an Android-based TV alone, both apps do the job and the choice is largely taste. If your home mixes device brands and you want to pick up where you left off everywhere, the AFKast IPTV player offers a more complete experience. Try the free plan and upgrade to Pro if you need it. For more options, see our TiviMate, IPTV Smarters and VLC alternative guide.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does TiviMate work on iPhone or Mac?
No. TiviMate is released only for Android-based devices. To watch IPTV on iPhone, iPad, Mac or Windows you need a player available on those platforms, such as AFKast.
Is AFKast a good TiviMate alternative?
Yes, if you use more than one device. AFKast runs on Android TV and Google TV as well as iPhone, iPad, Mac and Windows, and syncs watch history, favorites and settings between them.
Can I use my TiviMate playlist in AFKast?
Yes. The M3U URL or Xtream Codes details belong to your provider; just enter the same details in AFKast.
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 TiviMate provide channels?
No. Both are players only. Channels and content come from your own legal IPTV provider.
