Definition
What Is Kodi?
Kodi is a free, open-source media centre application that can play local files and stream IPTV channels through add-ons — available on Windows, Mac, Android, and more.
Short Answer
Kodi is a free open-source media centre for Windows, Mac, Android TV, and more. It plays local media files and streams IPTV through the PVR IPTV Simple Client add-on — paste your IPTVBROS M3U URL and your channels appear in Kodi's TV menu. Kodi is legal software; content legality depends on your IPTV provider.
Kodi vs Dedicated IPTV Apps
| Feature | Kodi + PVR | IPTV Smarters Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Setup complexity | Moderate (add-on required) | Easy (3 fields) |
| Local media playback | Yes — full media centre | No |
| Live TV EPG | Yes (basic) | Yes (full, 7-day) |
| VOD/Series library | Via M3U only | Fully integrated |
| Best for | Power users + local media | IPTV-focused users |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Android, Linux | Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Firestick |
| Cost | Free | Free |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kodi?
Kodi is a free, open-source media centre application that runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Android TV. Originally called XBMC (Xbox Media Center), Kodi organizes and plays local media files and can be extended with add-ons to stream content from the internet — including IPTV channels through the PVR IPTV Simple Client add-on.
Can you watch IPTV on Kodi?
Yes. Kodi supports IPTV through the built-in PVR (Personal Video Recorder) system and the PVR IPTV Simple Client add-on. To watch IPTVBROS on Kodi: enable PVR IPTV Simple Client in Kodi's add-on settings, paste your IPTVBROS M3U URL as the playlist source, and restart Kodi. Your channel list appears under TV in the Kodi home menu.
Is Kodi legal?
Kodi itself is completely legal — it is open-source software published under the GPL license. The legality depends on what content you access through it. Using Kodi with licensed IPTV providers like IPTVBROS is legal. Using unofficial third-party add-ons that stream pirated content is illegal. The Kodi software itself has no illegal content built in.
What is the difference between Kodi and IPTV Smarters Pro?
Kodi is a full media centre that plays local files, streams content via add-ons, and includes IPTV as one feature among many. IPTV Smarters Pro is purpose-built for IPTV — it's faster to set up, has a better live TV EPG interface, and is simpler to use for watching live channels and VOD. Kodi is better for users who want to combine IPTV with their personal media library.
How do I set up IPTVBROS on Kodi?
In Kodi: go to Add-ons → Install from repository → Kodi Add-on Repository → PVR clients → PVR IPTV Simple Client → Install. Then go to Settings → PVR & Live TV → General → PVR IPTV Simple Client → Configure. Enter your IPTVBROS M3U URL in the M3U Playlist URL field. Restart Kodi. Channels appear under TV in the Kodi interface.
What devices does Kodi work on?
Kodi works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Android TV, iOS (limited — requires sideloading), Amazon Firestick (via sideloading), Raspberry Pi, and more. For Firestick, sideloading Kodi requires enabling 'Apps from Unknown Sources' in Firestick developer settings. On Windows and Android TV, Kodi installs normally like any application.
Use IPTVBROS with Kodi
Get your M3U URL or Xtream Codes credentials and load them into Kodi in minutes. Free trial, no card required.