The short version
On a Mac, open VLC, choose File, Open Network and paste your M3U link to start watching. For a TV-guide view, a macOS IPTV player from the App Store does the job. You can AirPlay the picture to an Apple TV, though a native Apple TV app is steadier.
- VLC works on Apple silicon and Intel Macs
- AirPlay to Apple TV is possible
- 1Install VLC from videolan.org.
- 2Choose File, Open Network and paste your M3U link.
- 3Show the playlist to browse channels.
Apps we suggest: VLC media player
MacBook on hotel Wi-Fi
Hotel networks often slow streaming. Test early if you travel.
Using a Mac with a TV
A Mac can send the picture to a TV with an HDMI adapter, or to an Apple TV with AirPlay. HDMI is the more reliable choice for live sport, because wireless mirroring adds delay and can drop frames. In the player, set the window to full screen and turn off notifications so they do not pop up during a game. On older MacBooks, closing other heavy apps such as browsers with many tabs keeps the stream smooth.
Questions people ask
Is there a TiviMate for Mac?
No.
Can I use my iPhone app on an M-series Mac?
Some iPad apps run on Apple silicon Macs.
Does AirPlay add delay?
A little.
See also
- Windows PCThe simplest IPTV player for Windows is VLC: open Media, Open Network Stream and paste the M3U link we send.
- Apple TVApple TV works with IPTV through App Store players like IPTV Smarters and other M3U apps.
- VLCVLC, the free open-source player, can open IPTV from an M3U link.
- KodiKodi handles IPTV with the official add-on called PVR IPTV Simple Client.