Kodi is a free, open-source media centre; for IPTV you add the official PVR IPTV Simple Client add-on, which plays M3U playlists and XMLTV guides, with catch-up when the source allows it. It is powerful and highly customisable, but everything is configured by hand, add-on by add-on. DringTV is a dedicated IPTV player: M3U, Xtream Codes and Stalker portals connect directly, the playlist is added by QR code and the same account follows your screens.
Key points
- Kodi is open source (GPL), free and developed by the XBMC Foundation, a non-profit; it provides no content.
- PVR IPTV Simple Client plays M3U and XMLTV; it does not record: recording needs a separate PVR backend.
- Stalker portals go through another official add-on (pvr.stalker); Xtream Codes accounts, through an M3U URL.
- DringTV brings M3U, Xtream Codes and Stalker together in one app, with no add-on to configure.
How this comparison is built
Information about Kodi and its add-ons comes from Kodi’s official GitHub repository and the PVR IPTV Simple Client documentation, reviewed on 2 October 2026 (Kodi 21 “Omega” is the stable release; Kodi 22 “Piers” is a release candidate). Menu labels may vary between versions.
Head to head
| Criterion | DringTV | Kodi + PVR IPTV Simple Client |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Dedicated IPTV player | Open-source media centre, extended by add-ons |
| Sources | M3U, Xtream Codes, Stalker/Ministra portals (beta) in the same app | M3U and XMLTV; Stalker via the pvr.stalker add-on; Xtream Codes via an M3U URL |
| Guide and catch-up | Full guide and catch-up depending on the source (Premium) | XMLTV guide; catch-up when the source allows it; timeshift via inputstream.ffmpegdirect |
| Recording | Live recording and scheduling from the guide (Premium) | Not in the add-on: a separate PVR backend is needed |
| Setup | In the app or by QR code from the phone; optional account | Add-on installation and settings with the remote |
| Model | Free plan with limits; Premium subscription | Free and open source |
Where Kodi shines
- Open source, free and account-free, backed by a foundation and a large community.
- A complete media centre: local library, music, skins, a great many settings.
- Several M3U/XMLTV pairs in PVR IPTV Simple Client, and a range of catch-up modes.
- Available on a very wide range of systems, from Android to Linux.
What DringTV does differently
- One app for M3U, Xtream Codes and Stalker: nothing extra to install.
- Adding a playlist by QR code: credentials are typed on the phone, not with the remote.
- Recording, Multi-View, live sports scores and rich movie/series details (Premium).
- The same account on Android TV, phone, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac and Windows, with synced favourites and resume.
Choosing
- You enjoy assembling and tuning your media centre, and Kodi already runs your library: stay with Kodi.
- You want live TV, movies and series from your source to work without add-on settings: try DringTV.
- Nothing forces you to choose: both play the same M3U playlists.
Common questions
Does Kodi provide channels?
No. Kodi, like DringTV, is a player: it provides no content. You add your own authorised sources.
Can I reuse my M3U playlist and XMLTV guide?
Yes: add the same M3U URL in DringTV, or your Xtream Codes credentials if your server provides them; an XMLTV guide can also be added manually.
Does Kodi record live TV?
Not with PVR IPTV Simple Client alone: its documentation does not provide recording, which goes through a separate PVR backend.
Technical references
DringTV is a media player only. It does not provide, sell or recommend any channel, playlist, portal or content. Only use sources you are authorised to access, and follow your source owner’s rules and the law in your country.