The best add-ons for Kodi

[Vaxert]

Customized Kodi IPTV Playlists
Let's start with three add-ons that let you add and customize your own M3U playlists, allowing for a personalized IPTV experience.

 

1.  PVR IPTV Simple Client
    

   PVR IPTV Simple Client is the basic IPTV Kodi add-on that most Kodi users will use. It comes pre-built into the Kodi app.

   The add-on supports live TV, radio channels, and electronic program guides (EPGs).

   If the PVR IPTV Simple Client add-on has been disabled, you can reactivate easily. Head to TV > Enter add-on browser > PVR IPTV Simple Client > Enable. To add your own M3U playlists, go to Configure > General, change Location to Remote Path (Internet Address), select M3U Playlist URL, and enter the address.

   PVR IPTV Simple Client supports multilingual channels and program guides.

   The add-on forms part of Kodi's broader ability to read PLS files, M3U files, and cue sheets, all of which allow you to create basic and smart playlists within the Kodi app.
    

2.  Playlist Loader [No Longer Available]

   Although PVR IPTV Simple Client is the default tool, it's quite barebones compared to some of the other options out there.

   The first alternative you should check out is Playlist Loader. Unlike the native tool, it allows you to add multiple M3U playlists at once then hop between them seamlessly. The feature is useful if you pull your IPTV services from lots of different sources; you'll save time and frustration compared to overwriting a single URL every time you want to switch.

   You will find Playlist Loader in the Avigdor repo. Download the ZIP file from GitHub then go to Add-ons > Add-on browser > Install from ZIP file to add it to your Kodi app.
    

3. XMLTV Mel
   
   One of the best aspects of watching IPTV on Kodi is the EPG. However, many EPGs offer incorrect information. If you're trying to recreate a "cable TV experience," this is far from ideal.

   The solution is to download XMLTV files for the channels in your M3U playlist. XMLTV files contain the EPG data. You can grab EPGs for most mainstream channels around the world from webgrabplus.com.

   However, to truly get that cable feeling, you need to combine the separate EPGs into a single user interface. That's where XMLTV Meld comes in. It joins multiple XMLTV providers into one XMLTV file.

   The setup process is a touch complex. Read the official XMLTV Meld wiki for more information.
    

4. BBC iPlayer

   Although it's not an official BBC app, the iPlayer add-on for Kodi uses the BBC service's API key and is thus entirely legal.

   Because the add-on uses official BBC feeds rather than dodgy third-party sources, it is only available to users in the U.K. If you want to watch from outside the British Isles, you will need to use a high-quality VPN service for Kodi.
    

5. USTVnow

   If you're an American expat living outside the United States, you need to install the USTVnow add-on.

   The free package offers five channels: ABC, CBS, The CW, PBS, and MyTV 9. For $19/month, you can increase the number of channels to 24, including ESPN, TLC, National Geographic, AMC, Discovery, and FOX. The $24 premium package adds unlimited DVR capabilities.
    

6.  

   The JukeBox

   If you're a musically-minded person, you can't go wrong with The JukeBox add-on. As the name suggests, its focus is on music-based IPTV content.

   You're not going to find MTV or VH1, but the app does have IPTV feeds from second-tier channels, including London's Capital TV, Magic, The Box, and Vevo. There's also a healthy dose of EDM and live DJing channels.

   There's even some on-demand content and audio-only content. You can search by genres, decades, concert, or even by DJ.
    

7. Comet

   If sci-fi is your thing, you need to have Comet TV in your life. It's a live TV channel that only went live in 2015.

   At the time of writing, it's still only available in 75 percent of the US. If you live outside of the supported markets, Kodi is one of the best ways to access its IPTV feeds.
    

8.  

   TBD

   TBD is a US network with content that's primarily geared towards younger audiences. Like Comet TV, it's a new channel, having only started broadcasting in December 2016.

   And, also like Comet TV, it's a long way from achieving nationwide coverage. Just over 60 percent of American households can pick up the signal.

   If you're a millennial looking for a mix of comedy, animation, esports, and music, the TBD IPTV add-on for Kodi is definitely worth installing.
    

9.  

   Pluto TV

   We've recommended Pluto on other streaming platforms, and the Kodi version of the app is no different.

   Pluto does not focus on a single channel or network. Instead, it offers access to a range of IPTV content, including CNBC, Sky News, Bloomberg, and Cheddar. It also has its own native electronic program guide that's accessible from within the add-on.
    

10.  

    NewsON

    In recent years, NewsON has answered the prayers of cord cutters who were desperate for a way to watch live news on Kodi.

    Specifically, NewsON specializes in local news. It provides free access to live IPTV streams of 170 TV channels in 108 US cities.

    In addition to live IPTV, you can also catch up with old streams for 48 hours after they air.