IPTV or Netflix? The Real Differences, and Whether You Need Both

People often ask us whether they should choose IPTV or Netflix. It's an understandable question, because both arrive over the internet and both end up on your TV. But they solve different problems. Netflix is a library of its own shows and films. IPTV is television: live channels, live sport and, with most providers, a large on-demand library as well.

This article compares the two honestly, so you can decide whether one is enough or whether you want both.

The short answer

• Choose IPTV if you want live TV, news and sport, plus a big film and series library in one subscription.
• Choose Netflix if you mainly watch Netflix's own series and films and don't care about live TV.
• Choose both if you want live sport and channels and you follow specific Netflix originals.

Side by side

Live TV and news

IPTV gives you live channels from many countries, with a TV guide (EPG) and often catch-up for the last few days. Netflix has no live channels at all, apart from the occasional special live event.

Sport

This is usually the deciding factor. Live football, Formula 1, tennis, boxing and US sports are broadcast on TV channels, and IPTV gives you those channels. Netflix shows sport documentaries, not the matches themselves.

Films and series

Netflix has its own originals and a rotating licensed catalogue. A good IPTV provider also includes a large on-demand library: at Devora TV that's more than 200,000 films and series, with new titles added regularly.

Devices

Both work on Smart TVs, Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, phones and tablets. Netflix uses its own app; IPTV works through a player app such as TiviMate, IPTV Smarters or IBO Player.

Profiles and recommendations

Netflix is strong here, with personal profiles and recommendations. IPTV apps have favourites and recently watched lists, which work well for channels.

What about cost?

We don't quote other companies' prices, because they change often. Compare it like this: add up everything you currently pay for TV, sport and streaming, then compare that total with a single IPTV subscription plus the one or two streaming services you really use. Devora TV is €12.99 per month or €79.99 per year, which works out at about €6.67 per month on the yearly plan, for live TV, sport and our full library.

Want both? Put them on one device

You don't need two boxes. On a Fire TV Stick 4K, Google TV or Android TV device:

1. Install the official Netflix app and sign in with your own account.
2. Install an IPTV player app and enter your Devora TV details (Xtream Codes or M3U from your welcome email).
3. Move both apps to the front of the home screen.

Now one remote takes you from the live match to your Netflix series in a couple of clicks. The same works for other official apps such as Disney+, HBO Max, Prime Video, Viaplay or Videoland.

Common questions

Can IPTV replace Netflix?

For many households, yes: live TV, sport and a library of more than 200,000 films and series cover most evenings. If you follow a particular Netflix original, keep Netflix alongside it.

Is Netflix available inside an IPTV app?

No. Netflix always runs in its own official app. You can put that app on the same device as your IPTV player.

Which needs a faster connection?

They're similar. Around 10 Mbit/s per screen is comfortable for HD and around 25 Mbit/s for 4K, whichever service you use.

Try Devora TV next to your streaming apps

Test it in your own living room. Devora TV gives you 50,000+ live channels and 200,000+ films and series, with full EPG and catch-up. Start with a 24-hour free trial, put it next to the apps you already use and see which one you reach for. Our support team is available 24/7. See our plans.