Head-to-head · Kodi Add-ons
PVR IPTV Simple Client vs Jellyfin for Kodi
PVR IPTV Simple Client leads on 0 checks, Jellyfin 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 Jellyfin for Kodi score identically on our rubric (7.9 out of 10) for kodi add-ons; PVR IPTV Simple Client sits at #3 and Jellyfin for Kodi at #4 in our editorial ranking, so the choice comes down to fit.
On add-on type, PVR IPTV Simple Client gives you Pvr/iptv where Jellyfin for Kodi offers Metadata/library. On installation source, Jellyfin 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. Jellyfin for Kodi is the better fit for jellyfin users wanting a synced Kodi library.
- PVR IPTV Simple Client fits best
IPTV users needing playlists, guides, and catch-up
- Jellyfin for Kodi fits best
Jellyfin users wanting a synced Kodi library
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Side by side
| Feature | PVR IPTV Simple Client 7.9/10 Visit ↗ | Jellyfin for Kodi 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.9 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #3 in Kodi Add-ons | #4 in Kodi Add-ons |
| Best for | IPTV users needing playlists, guides, and catch-up | Jellyfin users wanting a synced Kodi library |
| 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 |
| Support | Community | Docs, Community |
| Integrations | 3 integrations | 2 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Specs | ||
| Add-on type | Pvr/iptv | Metadata/library |
| Playback features | Pause/resume, seeking, timeshifting, catch-up/archive playback (provider and inputstream dependent); HLS, DASH, Smooth Streaming via inputstream.adaptive | Direct play; transcoding; add-on mode; native mode via NFS or SMB |
| Library features | XMLTV electronic program guide; channel groups, genre mapping, channel logos, provider metadata mapping | Sync selected libraries to Kodi database; dynamic browsing of unsynced libraries; watched and resume-state sync |
| Supported platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows | Kodi on PCs, tablets, Android TV, Fire TV and other TV boxes |
| 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 → |
Jellyfin for Kodi connects Kodi to a Jellyfin server, letting users sync selected libraries into Kodi’s local database or browse other libraries dynamically. It supports movies, TV shows, music videos and music, making it suited to… 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
Jellyfin for Kodi — where it wins
- Syncs selected Jellyfin libraries into Kodi’s local database
- Keeps watched and resume states synchronized between Jellyfin and Kodi
- Supports direct play, transcoding, and native playback over NFS or SMB
Where it doesn't
- Requires a Jellyfin server
- Installation is through a third-party repository
- Support is through documentation and the community
- PVR IPTV Simple Client7.9/10 · Free plan
Connect IPTV playlists and program guides to Kodi’s PVR interface.
Visit KodiFull verdict → - Jellyfin for Kodi7.9/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source Kodi add-on for syncing and browsing Jellyfin libraries.
Visit JellyfinFull verdict →
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All kodi add-ons comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update