Head-to-head · Kodi Add-ons
PVR IPTV Simple Client vs Emby for Kodi
PVR IPTV Simple Client leads on 0 checks, Emby for Kodi on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Free planboth
PVR IPTV Simple Client and Emby for Kodi score identically on our rubric (7.9 out of 10) for kodi add-ons; PVR IPTV Simple Client sits at #3 and Emby for Kodi at #5 in our editorial ranking, so the choice comes down to fit.
On add-on type, Emby for Kodi gives you Service integration where PVR IPTV Simple Client offers Pvr/iptv. On installation source, Emby for Kodi gives you Third-party repository where PVR IPTV Simple Client offers Official repository.
PVR IPTV Simple Client is the better fit for IPTV users needing playlists, guides, and catch-up. Emby for Kodi is the better fit for emby users wanting native Kodi library integration.
- PVR IPTV Simple Client fits best
IPTV users needing playlists, guides, and catch-up
- Emby for Kodi fits best
Emby users wanting native Kodi library integration
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Side by side
| Feature | PVR IPTV Simple Client 7.9/10 Visit ↗ | Emby for Kodi 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.9 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #3 in Kodi Add-ons | #5 in Kodi Add-ons |
| Best for | IPTV users needing playlists, guides, and catch-up | Emby users wanting native Kodi library integration |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Support | Community | Docs |
| Integrations | 3 integrations | 2 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Specs | ||
| Add-on type | Pvr/iptv | Service integration |
| Playback features | Pause/resume, seeking, timeshifting, catch-up/archive playback (provider and inputstream dependent); HLS, DASH, Smooth Streaming via inputstream.adaptive | direct play; transcoding; remote playback commands |
| Library features | XMLTV electronic program guide; channel groups, genre mapping, channel logos, provider metadata mapping | synchronizes movies, TV shows, music videos, and music to Kodi database; dynamic library listings; watched and resume-state sync; extrafanart; profile backup |
| Supported platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows | Not checked yet |
| Installation source | Official repository | Third-party repository |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | For Kodi users who already have IPTV streams and guide data, PVR IPTV Simple Client connects those sources to Kodi’s PVR interface for live TV and radio. It loads local or remote M3U playlists and XMLTV program guides, including Gzip- and… Read the review → |
Emby for Kodi connects Kodi to an Emby Server, bringing selected media libraries into Kodi’s native database. It is aimed at people who already use Emby and want to browse movies, TV shows, music videos, or music through Kodi. The add-on… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
PVR IPTV Simple Client — where it wins
- Loads local or remote M3U playlists and XMLTV program guides
- Supports multiple playlist-guide pairs and TV or radio channel groups
- Offers catch-up and timeshifting when provider and inputstream support them
Where it doesn't
- Requires compatible IPTV stream and guide sources from the user
- Playback controls and catch-up depend on the provider and inputstream
- Focused on Kodi’s PVR interface rather than providing IPTV channels
Emby for Kodi — where it wins
- Synchronizes selected Emby libraries with Kodi’s native database
- Syncs watched and resume state between Emby and Kodi
- Supports direct play, transcoding, Live TV, and remote playback commands
Where it doesn't
- Requires both Emby Server and Kodi
- Installation uses Emby’s third-party repository
- Support is documented through docs
- PVR IPTV Simple Client7.9/10 · Free plan
Connect IPTV playlists and program guides to Kodi’s PVR interface.
Visit KodiFull verdict → - Emby for Kodi7.9/10 · Free plan
A free Kodi add-on for syncing Emby libraries and playback state.
Visit EmbyFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update