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IPTV app · review updated 13 October 2026
Channels review 2026: the whole-home DVR app for Apple TV
Channels: Whole Home DVR is a DVR app from Fancy Bits, LLC for Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, Android TV and Fire TV.
PriceUS$8.00 per month after trialby Fancy Bits, LLC
Where to download Good
Channels: Whole Home DVRFancy Bits, LLC
Runs on
- Android TV
- Fire TV
- Apple TV
- iOS
- Android
7.1
7.1Good
Our verdict
Channels: good
Channels is for people who want a home DVR setup, with Apple TV as its flagship device. The app is free, but M3U playlists only work through Channels DVR Server, which you install on your own computer or NAS. If you just want to type in a login and watch, it is more work than a normal IPTV player.
Channels is only a player: to watch TV you still need an IPTV subscription. Compare the providers in Best IPTV 2026.
DVRWhole-home recording
MultiviewApple TV 4K and iPad
ServerNeeds Channels DVR Server
Price$8 a month or $80 a year
Score by category
How Channels scores on the five points we rate every app on. How we rate.
7.1Good
Pros
- Records and streams to every device in the house from one server
- Multiview on Apple TV 4K and iPad
- Built-in TV guide (EPG)
- Can record
- Multiview: several channels at once
Cons
- M3U only works through Channels DVR Server, which you must install yourself
- Not meant for very large IPTV playlists
- No Xtream Codes login
Screenshots
What Channels looks like
- Channels On Now screen on an iPad showing channels that are broadcasting live
Channels TV guide on an iPad with channels and programmes in half-hour slots
It is not a standard IPTV player. The app talks to Channels DVR Server, software you run on a computer or NAS at home. The server takes your M3U playlist and TV guide, records programmes and streams everything to your devices. The subscription is paid for that DVR and comes with a 30-day trial. This review explains how that changes setup and daily use.
Why you need a server
The Channels app itself is free to install, but it does not load an M3U playlist on its own. Playlists, together with an XMLTV guide, work through Channels DVR Server. You install it on your own computer or NAS and leave it running.
That suits a household with a spare machine and some patience. It does not suit someone who wants to log in on a TV and watch within minutes. No Xtream login is documented either.
What the subscription pays for
The subscription pays for the DVR, not for the app. After a 30-day trial it costs $8 a month or $80 a year, in US dollars, so UK and Irish buyers pay the exchange rate on top.
Check the trial before you commit. The server setup takes time, and the trial is the way to find out whether the arrangement fits your home.
Apple TV, iPad and multiview
The developer treats Apple TV as its flagship device. Multiview is available on Apple TV 4K and iPad, so you can watch several channels at once.
The developer does not support very large IPTV playlists. Channels is aimed at home DVR setups rather than playlists with thousands of channels.
Features
What can Channels do?
Channels runs on Apple TV, iOS, Android TV, Fire TV and Android. You download the app from App Store, Google Play and Amazon Appstore.
- Xtream Codes
- M3U link
- MAC / Stalker
- TV guide (EPG)
- Catch-up
- Recording
- Multiview
- Parental lock
- Films and series
| General | |
|---|---|
| Developer | Fancy Bits, LLC |
| Platforms | Apple TV, iOS, Android TV, Fire TV, Android |
| Price | US$8.00 per month after trial |
| Download | App Store, Google Play, Amazon Appstore |
| Logging in | |
| Xtream Codes | Not mentioned by the developer |
| M3U link | Yes |
| MAC / Stalker | Not mentioned by the developer |
| Features | |
| TV guide (EPG) | Yes |
| Catch-up | Not mentioned by the developer |
| Recording | Yes |
| Multiview | Yes |
| Parental lock | Yes |
| Films and series | Not mentioned by the developer |
Installing
How to install Channels on Apple TV
- Open App Store on your device and search for "Channels".
- Install the app and open it.
- Add your subscription: choose an M3U link and enter the details from your IPTV provider.
- Install Channels DVR Server on a computer or NAS at home before you add a playlist, and keep it running.
- You can try it free for 30 days: only activate once everything works.
- Wait for the channels and the TV guide to load; with a large playlist the first time takes a while.
Download
Where do you download Channels?
Official sources only. What it costs: US$8.00 per month after trial. Beware of fake apps with almost the same name and icon.
Prices
- 30-day free trial
- US$8.00 per month
- US$80.00 per year
- App StoreApple TV · iPhone and iPadFree downloadGo to App Store (opens in a new window) Channels: Whole Home DVR
- Google PlayAndroid TV / Google TV · Android phoneFree downloadGo to Google Play (opens in a new window) Channels: Whole Home DVR
- Amazon AppstoreFire TVFree downloadGo to Amazon Appstore (opens in a new window) Channels: Whole Home DVR
Prices and stores checked on 1 November 2026. Prices can vary by country and currency; the developer always has the current price.
Choose this app if…
you want a home DVR on Apple TV, are happy to run a server on your own computer or NAS, and have a modest playlist.
Skip it if…
you want to sign in and watch straight away; UHF is a plain Apple TV player, or choose TiviMate on Android TV.
TV boxes
TV boxes that run Channels
These boxes from our TV box comparison run Channels. Click for the full review.
Genova TV
Watching Genova TV in Channels
Genova TV works in Channels. Try it for free first: you get trial details via WhatsApp and we help you with the installation step by step.
- 45,000+ channels, including 4K
- Works in Channels
- Installation help via WhatsApp
- Free trial, no payment
Alternatives
Alternatives to Channels
8.7
8.0
Installing
Guides for Channels
Frequently asked questions
Questions about Channels
Does Channels work without a server?
The app is free, but M3U playlists only work through Channels DVR Server. You install that on your own computer or NAS.
Does Channels support Xtream logins?
No Xtream login is documented. The app works with M3U playlists, with an XMLTV guide, through the server.
Can Channels handle a big IPTV playlist?
The developer does not support large IPTV playlists. It is designed for home DVR setups, so a smaller playlist suits it better.
Which devices does Channels work on?
Channels runs on Apple TV, iOS, Android TV, Fire TV and Android. You download the app from App Store, Google Play and Amazon Appstore.
How much does Channels cost?
You can try Channels free for 30 days. After that it costs US$8.00 per month.
Does my Genova TV subscription work in Channels?
Yes. You log in with an M3U link. We help you set it up on WhatsApp.
Sources
- getchannels.com: official site
- getchannels.com/docs/channels-dvr-server/how-to/custom-channels: official site
- getchannels.com/get: official site
- App Store: Channels: Whole Home DVR
- Google Play: Channels: Whole Home DVR
Prices and stores checked on 13 October 2026. Icon and screenshots: Fancy Bits, LLC, via App Store.
Still comparing? See every provider ranked side by side in Best IPTV 2026.
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